Thousands of Security Clearances in Jeopardy Due to Tax Debts
A recent report by the Government Accountability Office stated that 83,000 Defense Department employees or contractors owed more than $730 million in unpaid taxes. Although not paying taxes does not prevent an individual from obtaining a security clearance, these individuals are considered more risky and could prevent the granting of…
New Maryland Trust Act Incorporates Uniform Trust Code
The Maryland legislature recently revised a key area of Maryland's estate planning laws, enacting a version of the "Uniform Trust Code. Maryland's Trust Act won't go into effect until January 1, 2015, but when it does, the state will be one of thirty that follow the same standard, with some…
Sale of Building Stymied by Age-Old Covenant
Frederick County would like to sell the former Citizens Care and Rehabilitation Center and Montevue Assisted Living facilities, while a group of concerned citizens has sued to stop them. A Frederick County judge has ruled that the dispute must be decided by a jury at trial. At issue: A 186-year-old…
More Women Serving on Maryland Corporate Boards
Maryland has more women in corporate boardrooms that ever before. That's one of the findings of the 2014 Census of Women Board Directors in Maryland, conducted by Network 2000 Inc. The survey showed that in 2013, 86 board of director positions were held by women, compared to 73 in 2012.…
Advisory Board for Texas Sports Safety
Longman & Van Grack is proud to announce that one of our attorneys, Adam Van Grack, has been named to the Advisory Board for Texas Sports Safety. Texas Sports Safety is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to make sports safety and injury prevention part of every sports, fitness, and…
Study Ranks Maryland High in Promoting Digital Companies, Start-Ups
Montgomery County will provide tax rebates of up to $12 million to customers of ByteGrid, a Silver Spring-based operator of datacenters nationwide. The economic development grant is intended to keep Montgomery County competitive in the battle with other states that also offer data center incentives. The announcement may be just…
Fourth Circuit Ends Homebuyers’ Class Action Against Mortgage Lender
Did a legislative mistake or printer's error save Wells Fargo from a suit alleging that it took part in a mortgage referral kickback scheme Intentional or accidental, the statutory definition of "mortgage broker" played a pivotal role. Homebuyers Bradley and Stacey Petry borrowed $220,000 from Prosperity Mortgage Company to buy…
Longman & Van Grack Becomes Official World Championships Sponsor
Longman & Van Grack is proud to announce that the firm is an Official Sponsor of the 2014 Canoe-Slalom World Championships in Deep Creek, MD. We are thrilled that this prestigious competition is being held in Maryland, and we look forward to seeing many people there from September 17-20, 2014.…
Reckless River Safety Is Harmful, but Is it also Illegal?
Often the U.S. Park Police can be found along the riverbanks of the Potomac River handing out fines to boaters for paddling without personal flotation devices (PFDs / life jackets) or helmets. Just as often, people can be heard arguing that no authority can legally fine a person for not…
Maryland’s New Estate Tax Law Goes Into Effect
The state's newly enacted changes to Maryland's estate tax laws will gradually bring Maryland in line with federal estate tax levels. ?The change could affect the plans of those trying to ensure that one of the legacies they leave is a low estate tax bill. For many years, Maryland has…
Animal Welfare Groups Mauled by Insurance Coverage Dispute
Settlements usually put an end to legal conflict, but when the victors of litigation cannot collect the settlement another conflict arises. A recent settlement between animal welfare groups and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has started a new three-ring circus of litigation. The Fund for Animals, based in…
Legal Concerns for Sports and Recreation Organizations
Sports and recreation companies, nonprofit organizations, and camps not only have to be aware of the legal issues that most companies typical encounter, but they also have to address a unique set of legal concerns. While our recreation attorneys primarily assist entities in Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia, this article…
