Special Message from the Section Co-chairs

• Publication year: 2020
• Author: Steven W. DeLateur and Tara Burd

Special Message from the Section Co-Chairs

Steven W. DeLateur and Tara Burd

Dear Members of the Real Property Law Section,

As Co-Chairs of the Real Property Law Section, we wish to take this opportunity to extend our sincerest hope that all of you are safe during this extraordinary COVID-19 pandemic. In the midst of unprecedented social distancing, you may be feeling the very normal emotional effects of social isolation, in addition to the daily stress of witnessing a slowdown in the legal profession overall and in the real estate economy in particular, as the real estate market suffers a devastating impact due to the Emergency Order, including the closure of the courts. On top of everything else, as of the date of this message, no date has been established for a gradual opening of the economy, which only magnifies the anxiety and uncertainty many of us feel. Even as the world reopens, we will face challenges adjusting to the uncertainty of our near future.

As attorneys, we are imbued with a deep sense of responsibility to control or shape the outcomes of our clients' cases and transactions. Here, however, we must acknowledge that the pandemic and its effects are well beyond our control and, thereby, dial back our built-in desire to return our lives to the normality we had prior to the pandemic.

One of the reasons for this Special Message from the Co-Chairs is that, as real property attorneys who are members of the California Lawyers Association (CLA), through your membership in the Real Property Law Section, you are part of an extended community and we want you to know that CLA and your Section have numerous resources available for helping you not only survive the pandemic, but to thrive better than ever on the other side. For example, CLA sends its members regular emails with suggestions and links to websites designed to assist all of us with the professional and personal challenges of the economic shutdown, social distancing, and transition. We encourage you to read these emails and avail yourself of these resources.

Health experts agree that staying connected (in this case, virtually), is an excellent way to lessen the feeling of isolation that comes from adhering to the social distancing guidelines. The Real Property Law Section offers a variety of opportunities to help you remain professionally engaged and stay connected with your fellow members, such as by watching and putting on webinars, participating in a...