All Posts

A version of this question keeps coming up, always in roughly the same shape. Someone sits through a pitch from a financial planner or a trust promoter, walks away with paperwork for an "attorney-seated non-grantor irrevocable trust," and wants to know if it holds up before signing anything. Once you see how the roles are actually assigned in these packages, the answer isn't just "it's aggressive." It's that the structure works backward from how a real non-grantor trust has t

For years, DC's medical cannabis industry has operated under a strange split: legal and licensed at the District level, but still federally illegal under the Controlled Substances Act. A recent DEA rule addressing marijuana's federal scheduling status, and creating a new registration pathway for state-licensed cannabis businesses, is a significant development for DC operators. Here's what has actually happened, and why it matters. What Changed DEA and DOJ issued a final rule,

One of the most common questions in estate planning is whether you need a will, a living trust, or both. The honest answer is that it depends on your goals, but understanding what each document actually does makes the decision much easier. What a Will Does A last will and testament is a written document that takes effect only after you pass away. It directs how your remaining assets should be distributed, can name a guardian for minor children, and can name an executor to han

Construction projects involve a lot of moving parts: contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, lenders, inspectors, and owners, all working against a schedule and a budget. With that many parties and that much money at stake, disputes are common. Understanding where they typically arise can help you avoid them, or at least respond effectively when one comes up. Payment Disputes Payment issues are probably the most frequent source of construction litigation. Disagreements arise

Washington, DC has some of the most tenant-protective housing laws in the country, which means both landlords and tenants benefit from understanding their rights and obligations before a dispute arises. Lease Basics A lease is a binding contract, and DC law imposes certain requirements regardless of what the lease itself says. For example, every rental unit must comply with DC's housing code, meaning it must be safe, sanitary, and fit for habitation. Landlords can't waive the

Whether you're considering filing a lawsuit or you've just been served with one, the civil litigation process can feel overwhelming if you don't know what's ahead. Here's a general roadmap of how civil cases typically move through the DC court system. Step One: The Complaint and Answer A civil case begins when one party (the plaintiff) files a complaint outlining their claims against another party (the defendant). The defendant then has a limited window of time to respond, us

Estate planning is one of those tasks that's easy to put off. It doesn't feel urgent until suddenly it is. But having a clear, legally sound plan in place is one of the most important things you can do for the people you love, regardless of your age, health, or net worth. What Estate Planning Actually Covers Many people assume estate planning is only about writing a will. In reality, a complete plan typically addresses several distinct questions: Who receives your assets when

As we move through 2026, the DC cannabis market is bustling with activity. For many local entrepreneurs and social equity applicants, a Management Services Agreement (MSA) with an experienced operator is the only way to get the doors open. However, not all MSAs are created equal. Some are genuine partnerships; others are predatory "straw man" arrangements designed to strip a local owner of their autonomy. Before you sign on the dotted line, keep an eye out for these high-risk

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the District of Columbia’s medical cannabis market, a specific legal instrument has become the "Swiss Army Knife" of business operations: the Management Services Agreement (MSA). As Washington, D.C. continues its massive medical cannabis expansion—with hundreds of new license applications currently in the pipeline—MSAs are moving from the background to the forefront of regulatory scrutiny. If you are an operator, an investor, or a Social E

In the world of modern contracts—whether for a new job, a cell phone plan, or a multi-million dollar business merger—you will almost certainly encounter an Arbitration Clause. Often tucked away in the "fine print," these clauses fundamentally change your legal rights by steering disputes away from public courtrooms and into private forums. But what happens when the private forum feels like a disadvantage? Today, we’re looking at what arbitration entails and why litigants ofte