Employment

FTC Bans Non-Competes — Now What?

On Tuesday, April 23, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a final rule, which would effectively ban most post-employment non-compete agreements. Lawsuits have already been filed to challenge the new rule and it is likely that a temporary injunction will be issued.

Divorce/Family Law

D.C. Passes New Law Authorizing Divorces with No Waiting Period and Expanding Relief Available to Spouses

Recent changes in D.C. laws have significantly altered the divorce landscape, including eliminating the waiting period for divorce provided a couple has resolved all other issues related to their marriage. 

Real Estate

Montgomery County Enacts Sweeping Right of First Refusal Changes

Recent legislation in Montgomery County, Maryland, is reshaping the landscape for multifamily property sales. The Expedited Bill No. 38-32, grants the County the ability to assign its rights of first refusal (ROFR) to qualified entities. Key points include criteria for entity qualification, electronic delivery of initial ROFR offer packages and capped deposit amounts.

Community Associations

2024 Maryland Community Associations Legislative Update

The Maryland General Assembly’s 2024 legislative session saw over 1,400 House Bills and 1,100 Senate Bills introduced, with several new laws passing that will affect community associations beginning on October 1, 2024. Read on to learn what new laws are hitting the books (and what notable bills did not end up passing).

Land Use/Zoning

Prince George’s County Council Passes 2-Year Revision for Zoning Ordinance

In March, the Prince George’s County Council introduced a comprehensive zoning corrections bill to update the County’s zoning ordinance. Despite efforts to refine the bill, including contentious committee hearings, further deliberations are expected, possibly extending into the summer. In the meantime, applicants can utilize both the prior and new zoning codes until April 1, 2026. 

In the Community

On April 4, Lerch Early hosted valued firm client Howard University and its inaugural Howard Builds Master Class Series graduation. In attendance from Lerch Early were real estate Principal Sharon Craig (third from left), who represents Howard, and attorney Toni Ojomo (second from right).

Honors & Awards

Raymond Sherbill Named to The Daily Record’s 2024 Business Power List

Lerch Early corporate attorney Raymond Sherbill has been named to The Daily Record’s 2024 Business Law Power List.

Welcome

Staff Appreciation Day

On April 24, we celebrated our staff with an omelet breakfast. Throughout the week, we hosted events recognizing employees from legal assistants to paralegals to IT staff, and everyone who really makes our firm “go.”