The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant worry and confusion for a variety of commercial markets, including retail and other commercial real estate. As individuals and organizations brace themselves for continuing developments and try to figure out their short-term and long-term critical strategies, I would like to voice my own thoughts, impressions, and expectations regarding the pandemic and post-pandemic commercial real estate challenges. Changes in the Retail Environment Of course, the biggest and most obvious change in the commercial retail landscape involves the partial shuttering of many businesses in industries such as food service and hospitality. Each state sets its own…

During this time of the year, I often have business clients ask what should and should not occur at work.  Specifically, what should happen at work-sponsored social events to celebrate the Holidays and a successful end of the year. These concerns have increased in light of recent news headlines where parties and out-of-work interactions have been a source of allegations of improper conduct and claims of harassment.  I can understand a business leader’s concern. It is often a balancing act between a company wanting to reward their employees and increase morale, but (at the same time) avoiding a situation where…

In my experience as an Arizona estate planning attorney, I have seen clients choose their Agents, Successor Trustees or Personal Representatives for a variety of reasons — including the wrong ones. It’s only natural to select a beloved friend or family member who genuinely wants and expects to receive such an assignment, if only to avoid hurting their feelings. However, your estate plan (and its execution after your death) should be based on what you want for your beneficiaries, not on what a potential  Successor Trustee or Personal Representative might want. The selection of this important individual(s) should be based…