by Monica Chamness
Staff Writer
Real Property Law encompasses the purchase, sale, development, financing and related components of real estate. Just like many areas of the law, real property is a highly specialized field with specific needs.
“Most real estate lawyers practice exclusively in real estate,” said Alan Sheppard, chair of the Real Property Section of the Jacksonville Bar Association. “You see less and less lawyers that are generalists these days. Real property is a separate, substantiative area of the law.”
Real property can be broken down into three main groups: development, land use/ zoning and financing. As far as the JBA is concerned, the land use aspect is separated and grouped with environmental law. A 10-year veteran of the specialty, Sheppard enlists all real property attorneys who handle commercial and residential real estate transactions.
One of his main goals as chair is to increase the section’s membership base, which is currently hovering around 30.
“There are quite a few real estate attorneys in town,” he said. “The biggest problem we have is apathy. I think a lot of the transactional lawyers are busy with a limited amount of time and view this as something they wouldn’t get something out of.”
Sheppard cites a number of reasons for JBA members within the real property specialty to join. The section serves as a referral source, as another way to remain active in the bar, as a way to network with similar practitioners and as a means to keep current on trends in real estate law.
Another goal for Sheppard is to heighten the awareness of the section to existing JBA members and to coordinate continuing legal education for section members.
“We have ideas to partner with another, smaller section like environmental law or probate because there is some interrelation with real property,” he said.
“The section is a great forum for those practicing in the same area to meet, exchange ideas and promote professionalism.”
As for hosting a seminar, Sheppard believes The Florida Bar already provides adequate opportunities for information.
“I don’t think people expect a lot of activities outside of what they [The Florida Bar] offer,” said Sheppard, who is serving his second term as chair of the section. “Something we have talked about is incorporating a happy hour. That’s something we may do this year.”