The first five months of 2025 were marked by events nationally and internationally and a seemingly endless dire news cycle. Nonetheless, “quieter” legal developments have emerged locally in Virginia and Maryland with significant impact. These legislative updates are effective July 1, 2025 and have significant penalties if not implemented correctly.

The last several weeks have been marked by significant fluctuations in financial markets worldwide. Economists state that the Trump Administration’s recent tariffs are the primary drivers of market-related impact. In addition, thousands are also suffering due to job loss and other uncertainties.

Kramer Elias attorneys Crystal Kramer and Theodora Stringham recently volunteered as part of the “Color of Justice,” an annual event aimed at exposing Northern Virginia middle and high school students to potential careers in the law. A total of approximately 200 student attendees this year.

The Trump Administration’s first two months were marked by tens of thousands of terminations and proposed terminations in the federal workplace. These recent separation decisions have suddenly and significantly affected a notable portion of the workforce in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia—as well as nationally. The impacts undoubtedly extend to federal contractors (the second largest employer regionally) —with more strain forecasted after President Trump’s February 26, 2025, Executive Order surrounding cutting back on the federal government’s interaction with the private sector.

Kramer Elias recently sponsor and attend the 2025 Fairfax Bar Association (FBA) “Bench Bar Dinner Dance.” Hundreds of judges, attorneys, and other legal professionals attend the event annually. This year’s theme was “Red Carpet Casino.”

On January 20, 2025, the Trump Administration signed the Executive Orders “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing” and “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” with the effect of law. Both Executive Orders have a broad scope and include mandatory changes to decades of law surrounding discrimination while rolling back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives for the federal and local governments.

Discover legal options for water damage claims, analyzing both private party and government liability cases. A recent Court of Appeals decision outlines requirements for inverse condemnation claims, time limitations, and strategic considerations for pursuing compensation while providing property owners with practical guidance on their rights and the importance of timely action in water damage cases.

Kramer Elias Firm Partners Theodora Stringham and Mazin Elias were recently named to Virginia Business Magazine’s 25th Annual “Legal Elite” list for their work in the Real Estate and Land Use practice area.

Discover three essential tips for employee planning in 2025. Learn how to navigate overtime classifications, comply with salary transparency laws, and optimize restrictive covenant agreements to ensure compliance and mitigate risks in the workplace.

On October 21, 2024, Kramer Elias founding partner Crystal Kramer, alongside attorneys Alfredo Vasquez and Martin Yeager, will deliver an insightful CLE presentation on the critical distinctions between landlord-tenant laws in Virginia, DC, and Maryland.

Kramer Elias partner Theodora Stringham was recently featured as part of the Fairfax Bar Association’s “Comparative Civil Procedure” CLE panel.