Roles are Reversed

Continued from page 20 persevere. I burned the candle at both ends.

I reflect a lot about “what if” and how I should have spent more time with Dad. Despite the regrets, I will always be thankful for 2020. While it was a nightmare, there was a silver lining. Working remotely allowed me to be there for my family while juggling work and other responsibilities. I have heard that if there was ever a lesson that the pandemic has taught lawyers, it is that we should all embrace technology to make things easier. But, in my opinion, there is a different lesson to embrace: the power to say no when others such as children or ailing parents must take priority. Even superheroes must take a break sometimes. Be kind to yourself.

Alice P. Cheng, Managing Attorney at Candelaria PC, represents clients throughout the Bay Area in family law litigation, mediation, and premarital planning. She currently serves on the CCCBA Family Law Section Board, is a co-editor for the Contra Costa Lawyer Editorial Board, and receives court appointments to act as Minor’s Counsel in county family law cases. She is also the President of Alameda County Bar Association and on the Earl Warren American Inn of Court Executive Board.