LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

Written by Leena S. Hingnikar Chair

I write this message after having served in the position of Chair of the California Lawyers Association’s Family Law Executive Committee for the better part of a year. As my term began in September 2021, I was hopeful we would get to see an end to the pandemic, moving back to some sense of normalcy both in the world and as a committee. I envisioned that FLEXCOM would be meeting in-person every other month, holding in-person education programs, and most importantly – developing working and personal relationships with other committee members across the state to advance the practice of family law. With the addition of six new members to our committee, I was excited to get to know them and hear their diverse views on family law issues. Unfortunately, things did not work out exactly as planned as COVID continued to have a significant impact on FLEXCOM’s ability to operate. Most notable has been the lack of family law legislation over the last couple of years. FLEXCOM has always been extremely active in that area, so the lack of family law bills making their way through the Legislature has been an adjustment.

On the bright side, we are now seeing the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. We recently had our first in-person FLEXCOM meeting since January 2020. The members who attended all felt that renewed sense of purpose in serving the family law community – because we were able to meet in person and more fully exchange ideas. Family Law News is getting started again in its new format and live education is finally gaining steam. Our committee will be meeting in-person again in September. While I am approaching the end of my term, I think it is safe to say that our next chair will be able to get FLEXCOM back to some sense of normalcy.

As we move forward, I would like to introduce readers to the new members of our committee that will serve on FLEXCOM for the next two years.