FGMC'S Q1 NEWS & UPDATES

Pandemonium broke out “in” our office this week. In response to a firm-wide email, someone sent a picture of her dogs (with names of course!). I felt like we should have turned up the volume on our computers with a rendition of “Who Let the Dogs Out” because over the next 30 minutes, nothing was as important as everyone sending pictures of their dogs…and some cats. Everyone trying to get a “leg up” on each other with their favorite furry friend photos. It was exactly the meaningless and yet important break we all needed.

Our inboxes are filled with messages from our elected officials, professional service providers and even Sunglass Hut letting us know of the COVID-19 protocols and how they will do their best to keep “operational” during these unknown times and of course reminders to keep our social distance and wash our hands. I think it’s important that everyone do their part to communicate with their constituents and customers and be a comfort and reassuring in the face of this crisis. Governor Polis continues to guide state initiatives and here is a link to a recent executive order and related correspondence from the Governor. Be sure to also review the recent stay-at-home order issued by Mayor Hancock, who continues to show great leadership for our city.

At FGMC we are still here to help you, your family and your business with the important legal issues in your life. The following are just a glimpse of the types of issues you may be thinking about that we can help you with in these challenging times:

  • Estate planning
  • Implications of revised tax filing deadlines
  • Review force majeure clauses
  • Obligations/best practices for employers
  • Implications for current construction projects
  • Court process/criminal defense implications (arraignments, speedy trial, etc.)
  • Loan modifications
  • Bankruptcy/Foreclosures
  • Real estate opportunities

As our children are home and not in school, it dawned on me to ask the question, “How will today’s reality be taught in a future history lesson?” We are living through a historic moment. How will the many generations to follow understand this time? How will our children explain to their grandchildren the events of this era? 

As this newsletter goes out, we have no idea how this story will end, but we assume it will be an ending that ends happily. But, will we take the chance to change? And, what kind of change is warranted? There are still people amongst us who don’t understand or appreciate the gravity of the situation. Are we blowing this pandemic out of proportion? Do we really want to risk it? In 3 months from now wouldn’t you rather say, “wow, that was overkill!” than something more dire?

We plan to stay in regular contact with you and if you need us, please don’t hesitate to call, email or Zoom! Here is hoping for health and healing powers!  

Partner
Tax and Estate Planning In A COVID-19 Environment

COVID-19 is changing the way we live our lives and do business. The practice of law is not exempt, and in some regards present unique challenges. The following are some estate planning and tax related matters that we think you should be aware of, and are only brief summaries. If more detail is required please contact Steve Weiser , Mark Boscoe , or Gary Kleiman .



A Message from our Criminal Defense Team
On behalf of the Criminal Defense group at FGMC, LLP, our thoughts go out to everyone impacted by COVID-19. This is a time of great uncertainty and, if you, or someone you know, are facing criminal charges, it is an especially difficult time for all those involved. 

If you or someone you know need representation in a criminal matter, our group is available to assist. We are of course available for immediate advice on new matters. We have been receiving notifications from various courts in Colorado regarding how best to navigate the criminal system during this time of isolation and social distancing. Our group is making every effort to stay on top of the daily changes due to the virus. We will of course provide input on updated efforts in ongoing matters. We provide knowledgeable and efficient representation in cases involving charges from the municipal court level up to the Federal court level.

Our focus is, as always, on obtaining the best results for our clients.  

How to Help: First Responders in the COVID-19 Crisis


2020 has quickly turned into a stressful mess due to the coronavirus. Many lawyers are fortunate enough to be able to work remotely in this time of social-distancing. That, of course, is not a luxury every profession enjoys. My spouse works at a retirement community and is keeping busy running essential errands so the seniors can stay safe within the community. My sister is a respiratory ICU nurse in the only hospital in a small town. Similarly, Foster Graham’s hundreds of law enforcement clients across the state of Colorado do not get to move their meetings to electronic ones on their couches. 

How can you help support law enforcement and first responders in this time of uncertainty? I spoke with a former client about this issue and here are some ideas...


Congratulations to our 2020 Super Lawyers!

FGMC would like to congratulate our 2020 Super Lawyers – eight FGMC lawyers were counted among the best in Colorado in the latest edition of Thomson Reuters’  Super Lawyers  magazine. Six partners were named Colorado Super Lawyers and two others were recognized as Rising Stars. Colorado lawyers who receive the highest point totals during the Super Lawyers selection process are further recognized in  Colorado Super Lawyers Top Lists   – Daniel Foster received the Top 100 designation.
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