Transitioning a small law firm from one leader to the next is a challenging and complex process, encompassing the transfer of clients, negotiating financial terms of the partner’s departure and choosing his or her successor. Unlike larger firms with a plethora of experienced attorneys ready to step up and fill the gap, smaller practices often have an “elder statesman” or “stateswoman” who forms the backbone of the practice and has strong personal bonds with clients. Without a solid succession plan, their departure could alienate clients and harm the practice.

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Affirming the holding of the Maryland Tax Court, the Circuit Court for Howard County ruled this month that when the recordation tax becomes due on an indemnity mortgage or an indemnity deed of trust (an “IDOT”), the party responsible to pay the tax is the guarantor who executed the IDOT.

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Baltimore Neighborhoods Inc. is unique. And not just because it promotes fair housing opportunities for both renters and home buyers throughout Maryland — and is, in fact, 10 years older than the federal Fair Housing Act (which turned 45 this year).

Tagged with: business news Joe Surkiewicz Law legal commentary legal news maryland

Five attorneys have signified their interest in the Baltimore city seat on the Maryland Court of Appeals occupied for so many years by retiring Chief Judge Robert M. Bell: the Honorable Stuart R. Berger, the Honorable Albert J. Matricciani Jr., private practitioner M. Natalie McSherry, the Honorable W. Michel Pierson and the Honorable Shirley M. Watts. The good news for the Maryland Bar as well as the citizens of Maryland is that all five of these candidates are excellent attorneys and are well-qualified to sit on the Court of Appeals.

Tagged with: chief judge chief judge bell legal commentary legal news Martin O'Malley maryland

King Henry VIII of England and his intimates have recently been brought to televised life in The Tudors and revivified in Hilary Mantel’s trilogy of historical novels, now two-thirds complete, about Lord Chamberlain Thomas Cromwell. The books and the television show run us through all the same events and from a surprisingly similar perspective. A picture emerges.

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The Baltimore City Council passed a bill that will require those awarded city contracts exceeding $300,000, or $5 million in subsidies, to hire at least 51 percent of new employees from among city residents. The bill’s purpose is to reduce unemployment in the city.

Tagged with: chief judge chief judge bell legal commentary legal news Martin O'Malley maryland

Few issues are more compelling than the struggles disabled military veterans face with homelessness, especially when they are owed disability benefits that could get or keep them off the streets.

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Since the passage of federal health care reform in 2010, tax professionals have been focused on the number 3.8 and its potential effect on two Medicare-related taxes.

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Recent Maryland legislation will change the law affecting indemnity mortgages and indemnity deeds of trust (“IDOTs”) as well as refinancings in this state generally. Effective July 1, the new law raises the size of loan transactions involving IDOTs which are taxable when they are recorded from $1 million to $3 million, and it changes the way refinancings in Maryland are taxed.

Tagged with: breaking news edward j. levin idot Law law news Legal Commentary legal commentary maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation

We think that the selection of the next Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals of Maryland is very important — so important that we pose the following questions for Governor O’Malley to ask each of the candidates for this position:

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