-
What Federal Employers and Employees Need to Know About OPM’s 2025 Merit Hiring Plan
June 17, 2025 By R. Douglas Taylor, Jr. | Employment Law
In furtherance of Executive Order 14170, issued by President Trump on January 20, 2025, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recently released a sweeping Merit Hiring Plan that will significantly alter how the federal government hires and evaluates candidates for employment. If you’re a federal employee, HR specialist, or contractor working with government agencies in Virginia, the OPM’s plan—and the legal questions it raises—should be on your radar.
Read More...No Surprises, No Excuses: How Construction Firms Should Prepare for the Rise in Worksite Immigration Raids
With immigration enforcement actions ramping up across job sites nationwide, contractors and developers can no longer afford to ignore developing a response plan in advance. If ICE shows up at your jobsite or office, you need to understand the law and your obligations. You need to develop a coherent response plan and convey that plan throughout your organization.
Read More...Building a Great Nonprofit Board: No Tourists, No Ghosts, No Dead Weight
There is a lot of mythology in the nonprofit world around what makes a great board of directors. Does it take prestige names or deep pockets? Some start by using friends or family. None of that matters if your board isn’t actively engaged, aligned on mission, vision, and values, and capable of respectfully challenging each other and leadership. The reality is that a nonprofit is only as strong as its board, and that strength is built, not assumed. Below are some hard-earned truths and practical strategies for building the kind of nonprofit board that actually adds value, doesn’t quietly sabotage your mission, and knows how to do more than nod (or nod out) during meetings and PowerPoint updates.
Read More...How to Stay Legally Compliant When Pivoting Your Restaurant
In recent years, the restaurant industry has undergone a dramatic transformation. Many restaurants, pressured by changing consumer habits, rising costs, and lingering effects of the pandemic, are turning to alternative service models such as ghost kitchens, catering operations, and delivery-only brands. These pivots offer growth opportunities, but they also introduce legal and compliance issues that cannot be ignored.
Read More...The Legal Intersection of Historic Preservation and Modern Development
Historic preservation and modern development often exist in a delicate balance. As cities grow and infrastructure needs evolve, developers and property owners frequently encounter challenges when seeking to build new projects or repurpose existing structures in historically significant areas. At the same time, preserving architectural heritage is essential for maintaining a city’s cultural identity, supporting tourism, and ensuring that valuable historic resources are not lost to time.
Read More...The Rise of Build-to-Rent (BTR) Communities in Virginia
A record-setting 39,000 single-family rental homes were delivered nationwide in 2024 – nearly six times the pre-pandemic average and clear proof that BTR has jumped from niche to mainstream. The demand for housing across Northern Virginia remains high, but market conditions and evolving consumer preferences are shifting how that demand is met. One asset class that has gained national traction and is now making inroads locally is the Build-to-Rent (BTR) community.
Read More...What to Remember About Construction Delays and Force Majeure in Virginia
From persistent supply chain disruptions to severe weather events, 2024 brought a fresh wave of construction delays across Virginia. While many of these challenges may feel familiar, they’ve pushed one particular contract clause into the spotlight again: force majeure.
Read More...Aligning Business Succession Planning with Your Personal Estate Plan
Business owners invest significant time and resources into building their companies, yet many overlook the importance of a well-structured succession plan. Business succession planning is essential to ensuring the continuity of operations, protecting financial stability, and facilitating a seamless transition of ownership. A comprehensive succession plan should not exist in isolation, however. It must be aligned with the business owner’s personal estate plan to account for tax implications, legal complexities, and the long-term financial well-being of heirs and stakeholders.
Read More...