United States: Real Estate and Construction

On June 26, 2026 the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court issued its decision in J.C. Cannistraro, LLC v. Columbia Construction Co.—a holding that sits at the intersection of Prompt Pay Act compliance...

A Texas appellate court's recent ruling on building permits as conditions precedent offers crucial insights for construction contract drafting. The decision highlights the critical distinction between contractual promises and conditions precedent, demonstrating how ambiguous language can lead to unexpected legal outcomes and why contractors must carefully specify owner obligations like site access, permits, and specifications as conditions precedent to protect their interests.

Disputes are always a risk in construction, and you may make decisions about how to resolve them years before any conflict arises. These decisions can significantly affect cost, timeline, and outcome.

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.

The Texas Supreme Court has overturned the "gist" rule used by lower courts to dismiss cases involving out-of-state property, establishing that Texas courts can exercise jurisdiction over contractual disputes and deed reformation matters regardless of property location. This landmark decision clarifies the distinction between in personam and in rem suits, potentially opening Texas courts to a broader range of extraterritorial real estate disputes. The ruling in Braxton Minerals III, LLC v. Bauer provides cr

Massachusetts quietly amended its estate tax statute last summer. This amendment significantly changes how the tax is calculated for non-resident decedents owning Massachusetts real estate.

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.

Pouya Abdi, founder and CEO of Parallel Acquisitions, reveals his strategy for identifying undervalued luxury retail opportunities in Los Angeles before they hit the mainstream market. He discusses the art of transforming iconic retail destinations through local market expertise, strategic relationship building, and calculated risk-taking that sets his platform apart in competitive real estate markets.

Bona Law leads the defense of a prominent Santa Monica landowner, Mr. Andrew Enayati, in an action brought by the City of Santa Monica in the Los Angeles Superior Court, People of the State of California v. Enayati, et. al., 26-SMCV-00397(LA Super). In it, Bona Law, on Mr. Enayati’s behalf, challenges a city ordinance designed to unlawfully restrict property rights and expand the reach of local governments in violation of state law.

The New Jersey Appellate Division recently ruled on a property encroachment dispute, clarifying when property owners can compel removal of structures built on their land versus accepting monetary damages.