COVID-19 Pandemic FAQs
The Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to taking the health and safety of our staff, the public and the profession seriously. Staff remain available to assist you – you can contact them via telephone or email. We will respond at our earliest opportunity.
Please note that information on this page may be updated from time to time and that information provided here is guidance only.
March 10, 2022
Starting Tuesday, March 15, 2022, access to the library will be restored to members and approved paralegals/law clerks/law students, including afterhours access.
Please note that there will be a maximum of 6 visitors permitted in the Law Library at one time.
The Law Society Law Library provides the Newfoundland and Labrador legal community with access to a comprehensive collection of Canadian and select U.K. and U.S. legal materials in both print and electronic formats.
In the interest of public education and access to justice, there is limited access available to the public who are conducting legal research. While not being able to provide legal advice, library staff are happy to assist the public with access to legal information in our print resources, and guidance in starting legal research projects.
Members are reminded and encouraged to check the Supreme Court’s website for up-to-date information on how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting its operations.
January 28, 2022
Updated COVID-19 Guidelines
The Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador has revised its COVID-19 Guidelines to remove references to specific periods of required self-isolation (because of travel, etc.) that are no longer applicable because of changing public health guidance. The Guidelines now provide simply that persons should not enter a courthouse where they are required to self-isolate pursuant to a public health directive or order.
COVID-19 Guidelines – Updated January 27, 2022
January 26, 2022
Notice to the Profession and General Public – Supreme Court Operations
This Notice outlines the planned changes to the Supreme Court’s operations for the General Division and Family Division in all judicial centres from January 31 – February 25, 2022.
Notice to the Profession and General Public – Supreme Court Operations for February 2022
COVID-19 Guidelines – Updated January 25, 2022
January 5, 2022
Notice to the Profession and General Public – Supreme Court Operations
For the period running from January 5-28, 2022, all Supreme Court General Division and Family Division judicial centres will move to a virtual services model. During this period, the General Division and Family Division will hear matters virtually, as further discussed below. These centres will also continue to hear any urgent or emergency matter that arises. Those matters will also be held virtually, unless a judge determines that the urgent or emergency matter must be held in-person. Additional details of the Supreme Court’s operations for this period are provided below.
Notice to the Profession and General Public – January 5, 2022
Members are reminded and encouraged to check the Court of Appeal’s website for up-to-date information on how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting its operations.
January 5, 2022
Notice to the Profession and General Public – Court of Appeal Operations
The Court of Appeal will revert to virtual hearings, for the time being, unless parties are notified otherwise. Appeals and applications will be heard by way of videoconference or teleconference for scheduled matters. The Court of Appeal Registry will contact the parties with instructions.
Notice to the Profession – January 5, 2022
Members are reminded and encouraged to check the Provincial Court’s website for up-to-date information on how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting its operations.
February 7, 2022
Expansion of Operations – Courts Re-Opening
Effective Tuesday, February 8, 2022 the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador will expand Court operations. However, access to the Court will be restricted to those persons who are participants in the proceedings before it. These will include counsel, parties, witnesses, complainants, support workers, probation officers, victim services workers, parents of a young person, members of the media and any person authorized in advance by a Judge. The presiding Judge may limit access to the courtroom.
Notice to the Profession and the Public – Provincial Court of NL – February 4, 2022
January 31, 2022
Expansion of Operations – Virtual Court
As of Tuesday, February 1, 2022 the Court will be accepting applications to hear more of the cases which are now listed on its dockets.
The Court will now hear all matters (except arraignments, civil trials, traffic trials, Contraventions Act cases and peace bond hearings) where it can be established that the case can be efficiently and effectively presented to the Court for adjudication without the need for the physical presence of any person.
Notice to the Profession and the Public – Provincial Court of NL – January 31, 2022
January 17, 2022
Court Operations – COVID-19 Scheduling
As of Tuesday, January 4, 2022, public access to all Provincial Courthouses is unavailable. If you require assistance for a mandatory/urgent matter, please call the telephone number posted
in the Notice and a decision will be made if your matter will be processed at that time.
Notice to the Profession and the Public – Provincial Court of NL – January 17, 2022
January 4, 2022
Court Operations – COVID-19 Scheduling
As of Tuesday, January 4, 2022, public access to all Provincial Courthouses is unavailable. If you require assistance for a mandatory/urgent matter, please call the telephone number posted in the Notice and a decision will be made if your matter will be processed at that time.
Notice to the Profession and Public – COVID-19 Scheduling – January 3, 2022
Members are reminded and encouraged to check the Provincial Government’s website for up-to-date information on how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting its operations.
Members are reminded and encouraged to check the Federal Government’s website for up-to-date information on how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting its operations.