Blogs

Construction

Commercial Short Sales: A Growing Tool in the Distressed CRE Market

As commercial real estate (CRE) borrowers continue to navigate a challenging environment marked by rising interest rates, maturing debt, and declining asset valuations, one strategy is quietly regaining relevance: the short sale. Though long associated with residential distress, short sales are becoming a practical, lender-approved alternative to foreclosure in the commercial sector. Borrowers facing default…

April 16, 2025

Employment Law

Employer Alert: Virginia Expands Ban on Noncompetes to All Non-Exempt Employees

Effective July 1, 2025, it will be unlawful for Virginia employers to enter into noncompete agreements with employees who are eligible for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The new law significantly expands existing Virginia law, which, since 2020, has prohibited employers from entering or enforcing noncompetes with “low wage employees.” What…

April 16, 2025

Employment Law

When Employees Record Conversations: Virginia’s One-Party Consent Law and Workplace Impacts

A smartphone in every pocket means it’s easier than ever for employees to secretly record workplace conversations. Whether it’s a tense meeting with a supervisor or HR, or a casual conversation with coworkers, the ability to record those discussions with the tap of a button presents a real legal and operational challenge for employers. In…

April 15, 2025

Business and Financial Services

What DC Area Restaurant Owners Should Know Before Closing Their Doors: Legal Considerations Amid Lease and Business Challenges

A recent survey by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington revealed that 29% of respondents are at least somewhat likely to close their restaurants in 2025. That number rises to 44% for full-service casual establishments. [1] For many DC area restaurant owners, already grappling with high operational costs, staffing shortages, and shifting consumer habits, this…

April 15, 2025

Divorce and Family Law

Bridging the Gap: Mediation vs. Parenting Coordination in Custody Disputes

Navigating divorce and custody disputes is rarely easy, especially when children are involved. If you’re facing separation or already managing a contentious parenting arrangement, you’ve likely heard of divorce mediation and parenting coordination . These two processes can both help reduce conflict, but the processes themselves are quite different. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between custody mediation and parenting coordination, along with their advantages and…

April 9, 2025

Divorce and Family Law

The Impact of DOGE on Child and Spousal Support: A Guide for Federal Workers

In the D.C. metro area, one would have to be living under a proverbial rock to not know of the recent reduction in federal workers by the Department of Government Efficiency (“DOGE”) across a myriad of federal agencies. Indeed, as of April 1, 2025, The New York Times confirms at least 56,000 confirmed involuntary cuts (although a fraction of those have been reinstated due to court order), approximately 75,000 federal employees have taken buyouts, and at least an additional 170,000 federal jobs…

April 4, 2025

Business and Financial Services

CTA Update (March 26, 2025): FinCEN Proposes to Relieve Reporting Companies from BOI Reporting Requirements Under the CTA

On March 26, 2025, the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) published in the Federal Register an interim final rule that proposes to substantially narrow the existing beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) to “require only entities previously defined as ‘foreign reporting companies’ to file a BOI report.…

April 3, 2025

Construction

Navigating Special Exceptions in Northern Virginia: Key Considerations

Northern Virginia, with its dynamic economy, presents significant opportunities for development. However, navigating the complexities of zoning and land use regulations is crucial for project success. One important mechanism within this regulatory framework is the “special exception,” known as a “special use permit” or “use permit” in some jurisdictions. Understanding special exceptions is essential for…

April 2, 2025

Business and Financial Services

Series LLCs: Just Don’t Do It

Business owners often seek ways to structure their companies efficiently while protecting assets and limiting liability. One option that has gained attention in recent years is the Series LLC, a unique entity structure that allows for multiple “series” or compartments under a single LLC umbrella. Each series is intended to operate independently, with its own…

March 28, 2025

Employment Law

Employer Responsibilities Under Evolving Language Access Laws

Language access is a critical consideration for employers in today’s diverse workplaces. Recent policy shifts, such as the designation of English as the official language of the United States, have introduced new dynamics that businesses must navigate to ensure compliance and maintain an inclusive environment. This blog outlines key legal considerations and best practices for…

March 24, 2025