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
- Principal Meg McKinney, senior associate Mary R. Likos, and associate Neemi B. Patel have joined the Family Law practice.
- Of Counsel Paul Marcotte and Associate Katelyn E. Holbrook are the newest members of our Trusts/Estates group.
- Merabeth B. Roller has joined the firm as its chief financial officer.
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.”