Vested Interest March 2020

Dear Colleagues,
As my time as president of this august organization winds down, one would think that the job is done and work completed. Nothing could be further from the truth, as springtime is traditionally one of our busiest times of the year.

(I prepared this column while I was on an overseas trip starting March 7. When I left COVID-19 was an issue, but it seemed somewhat under control to the extent airlines were flying their planes, and events were still going forward. Within 72 hours, the world quickly changed. We now face a European ban on flights, a limitation to the number of people who can gather, cancellation of sporting events, including March Madness, and the list goes on. Hotel occupancy in Las Vegas right now is at 20%. ITLA had to make the heartbreaking but RIGHT decision to cancel all in person events through at least April 3rd. We are dealing with uncertain times, but good leaders lead, and great organizations make the right moves for the welfare of their membership, and I can attest – ITLA did. This is the third crisis I have had to work through as an attorney: the loop flood, 9/11 and Coronavirus. As unfortunate and tragic the first two crises were, we all worked through this together and came out stronger and better, and the same will be true of this issue also. Hang in there. Stay safe and healthy. [read more]