ALM's Law Journal Press announced the launch of a new ebook to address clients' questions about the enforceability of contracts in the wake of COVID-19. Design by Chelsea Fredlund, ALM Design

When New York's Metropolitan Opera was facing financial difficulties earlier this year, the opera's management decided to lay off all its union employees for the length of time that the opera would have to stay closed as a result of the coronavirus crisis. The opera cited the "force majeure" clauses in the various union contracts for the performers as the justification for its actions. What exactly is "force majeure" and how does it impact other companies and their contracts, including insurance contracts?

To help lawyers and their clients answer this and other questions, ALM's Law Journal Press announced the launch of a new ebook explaining the topic and the enforceability of contracts as a result of COVID-19.

"COVID-19 as a Trigger for Force Majeure: A Global Survey" is a collaboration between ALM editors and McDermott Will & Emery lawyers Lisa Richman, Shawn Helms, Jason Krieser and Matthew Cin. The authors developed the survey as a simple Q&A that allows companies and legal professionals to quickly access guidance for key questions across multiple jurisdictions, including globally. The ALM team designed the title to ensure easy access to answers as well as to the precedent underlying the guidance.