Jeffrey Keitelman, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan

Name: Jeffrey Keitelman

Title: Co-managing partner and co-chair of the national Real Estate Group

Company Name: Stroock & Stroock & Lavan

What aspects of working from home did you enjoy most?
As the pandemic spread and we all quarantined, it ushered in a new normal—but it wasn’t really all that “new.” It was a back-to-basics approach, and we, like everyone, really focused on our core values, with a strong emphasis on the value of personal connections—with clients, with Stroock colleagues and with my family. That stands out as my favorite part of working from home. Taking a few minutes to pick up the phone or WebEx and connect with a client or a colleague just to say hello and see how they were dealing with this unique, universal experience. And having dinner with my adult kids on a regular basis, that has been important as well. These personal interactions really helped me maintain a positive mindset and approach professionally.

What are your predictions for commercial real estate in 2021?
While the market is generally slower, with COVID impacting everything from valuing property to collecting rent payments, with uncertainty can come opportunity. Many areas that have been highlighted by the pandemic, such as supply chain issues, logistics and manufacturing, will continue to be strong real estate opportunities. Same with a new year and a new president-2021 should be full of reorganizations and restructurings, as well as more creative approaches to leasing and financing and investment sales work than ever before. Hopefully, infrastructure will be a focus. Opportunity also lies in government real estate—a safe haven for certain owners who know the tenant will pay on time.