Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath has closed its national network of US offices after a visitor to its Washington DC office subsequently tested positive for coronavirus.

The firm took the 'precautionary measure' after being notified on Monday evening that an attendee of a recent event in the US capital had been infected with the COVID-19 virus.

In a statement the firm said as well as temporarily closing its Washington DC office, it had decided to close all 22 of its offices "as a measure of caution" while the leadership team evaluated the situation.

The statement added: "No Faegre Drinker personnel have tested positive for coronavirus – this is simply a precautionary measure while we evaluate the appropriate path forward. Our attorneys, consultants and professionals are equipped with the required technology to work remotely and remain ready and available to assist clients. As we evaluate when to re-open offices, we will keep the health and safety of our personnel, clients, visitors and the public at the front of our minds."

It is the latest example of a firm taking action after an infection - or potential infection - either of an employee or someone who has come into contact with employees.

On Monday, Quinn Emanuel closed its New York office after a partner tested positive for the coronavirus over the weekend. The firm said the partner was resting from home with minor symptoms.

The partner was from Westchester County, where 108 cases of the virus have been reported, out of 173 in the state. Another lawyer and Westchester County resident, Lawrence Garbuz, of trust and estates boutique Lewis and Garbuz, is critically ill in hospital with the virus.

His wife, Adina Lewis Garbuz, also a partner at the firm, has paid tribute to him in Facebook posts. 'I hope finding out about Lawrence and this cluster of virus is a blessing as it may well stop this all from spreading further,' she wrote today. 

Other firms affected by a case – or a suspected case – include Clayton Utz, which temporarily closed its Sydney office last week while awaiting the results of a test undertaken by a member of staff which proved negative, and Wolf Theiss, which tested all of its employees after a partner was infected.

Meanwhile, in recent days Latham & Watkins, Linklaters and Simmons & Simmons have cancelled partner conferences while firms have also been implementing precautionary measures such as requiring employees returning from badly affected regions to self-isolate.

The ABA Journal reported today that at least seven law schools in New York, California and Washington have either cancelled in-person classes or announced full closures.