United States: Real Estate and Construction

A legal professional reflects on their career path in eminent domain law, exploring how their passion for real estate valuation and infrastructure development led them to specialize in this unique field. The piece examines the dual nature of eminent domain work—facilitating essential public projects while protecting individual property owners' rights through complex legal proceedings.

On April 6, 2026, the same day that the Colorado Supreme Court issued its decision in Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Company, LLC v. Regional Rail Partners, Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 26-074 into law. The legislation, which took effect on August 12, 2026, clarifies the amounts that may be included in mechanic’s liens and public construction payment claims, as well as the circumstances under which those claims may be considered excessive.

California's new Missing Middle Townhome Ownership Act establishes a groundbreaking ministerial approval pathway for townhome developments of up to 150 units, eliminating CEQA review and discretionary hearings. The legislation creates unprecedented opportunities for attainable homeownership by streamlining entitlements, reducing construction timelines, and enabling flexible ownership structures including fee-simple lots, cooperatives, and community land trusts. With the potential to unlock thousands of parc

Purchasing a residential property with existing tenants requires careful attention to lease agreements, possession rights, and financing requirements. Understanding how tenant occupancy affects closing timelines, security deposits, and the buyer's ability to occupy or use the property can prevent costly surprises and legal complications during the transaction process.

It’s an uncomfortable topic, but it also creates immediate legal and financial questions for surviving family members, sellers, lenders, and real estate professionals.

Recent amendments to Mass. R. Prof. C. 1.15 have significantly changed how Massachusetts law yers must handle unclaimed and unidentified funds held in IOLTA accounts.

A revocable living trust (sometimes called a revocable inter vivos trust) is a legal arrangement you create during your lifetime to hold legal title to your assets.

Jennifer D'Amato explores the critical techniques and strategies available under Wisconsin law for post-death estate administration, examining how legal professionals can help families minimize costs, delays, and conflicts during the probate process. The article provides practical guidance on navigating the various administration options available in Wisconsin's aging population landscape.

Leaving real estate to heirs through a will or a revocable trust has long been standard practice in estate planning. Many clients expect to pass along the home they have lived in for years...

A legal professional reflects on their career path in eminent domain law, exploring how their passion for real estate valuation and infrastructure development led them to specialize in this unique field. The piece examines the dual nature of eminent domain work—facilitating essential public projects while protecting individual property owners' rights through complex legal proceedings.

Title insurance professionals and real estate attorneys face complex challenges when mortgage and wire fraud intersect with their transactions. How should practitioners navigate the delicate balance between reporting fraud to authorities, protecting their clients' interests, and attempting to recover lost funds? What legal considerations arise when boundary disputes escalate from simple property line disagreements to contentious litigation?

Negotiating a commercial lease requires careful attention to critical provisions that can significantly impact a tenant's financial obligations and operational flexibility. Understanding the nuances of lease terms, rent structures, possession requirements, landlord responsibilities, and maintenance allocations is fundamental to protecting tenant interests.