Harassment of any kind is inappropriate conduct in the workplace. Full stop. However, determining whether or not harassment rises to the level of illegal discrimination protected by federal and state law is a more nuanced issue. This determination depends on a variety of factors, including the size of a workplace, the type of conduct or speech at issue, and the protected classification of the employee alleging harassment or discrimination (along with the makeup of the greater workplace). 

Kramer Elias Founding Partners Crystal Kramer and Mazin Elias will present a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) course on Landlord Tenant law for the Fairfax Bar Association on January 21, 2026.  The presentation will be focused on key issues in Landlord Tenant litigation, while also providing practical tips based on Ms. Kramer and Mr. Elias’ decades of combined experience advocating in the practice area.

How do you measure a year? For Real Estate, the year has been marked with uncertainty. The government shutdown, rising inflation, and heightened mortgage rates made industry professionals uneasy while affordability remained a key concern for many Americans.

Kramer Elias partners Theodora Stringham and Crystal Kramer were recently recognized as “Top Lawyers” by Northern Virginia Magazine. In selecting the “Top Lawyers” list, the magazine polls thousands of attorneys for their preferred attorneys to refer friends and family across a variety of practice areas.

This past year was tumultuous for many employers and employees. Soaring tariffs, the government shutdown, and inflation all made maintaining stability difficult. In addition, a challenging political climate and several divisive policies led to tense situations in the workplace. To put it lightly, 2025 was rough.

People buying real estate typically define the boundaries of their purchase via a survey and, ultimately, a deed conferring title. After closing occurs, most people do not revisit the specifics of the boundaries surrounding their property—or how much they own—until they decide to modify a site or ultimately sell. The exception to the norm is when a dispute occurs.

Kramer Elias partners Theodora Stringham and Crystal Kramer were recently recognized as “Top Attorneys” by Arlington Magazine. In selecting the “Top Attorneys” list, the magazine polls thousands of attorneys for their peer selections in twenty-one (21) practice areas. Top Attorneys” therefore reflect the most talented, effective, and well-respected in their respective practice areas.

The start of a new job can feel very optimistic. Typically, both employers and employees have high hopes for their future together. Many grow together for years – however, sometimes unforeseen roadblocks can complicate the relationship, such as serious illness. 

Have you ever driven by a property and been surprised by the addition of a development? Worse, has the addition of a development completely changed how you envisioned your own property?  For most real estate projects, breaking ground marks the conclusion of months (or years) of expensive and complex negotiations and planning. Those outside of the development process may question when they are entitled to learn about a proposed development in advance of construction. 

The availability of affordable housing in the United States has been identified as a national crisis, caused by many different factors over several decades. In 2023, Arlington County, Virginia sought to address its housing shortage via amendments to the County zoning ordinance known as the “Missing Middle”. A recent Virginia Court of Appeals decision calls the future of affordable housing regionally into question by potentially “reactivating” the Missing Middle zoning amendments.

On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” into law. The legislation made headlines because of significant cuts to Medicaid and increased spending on immigration enforcement. While less publicized, the bill’s changes to the workplace were also consequential, particularly in relation to overtime.

Kramer Elias partners Theodora Stringham and Crystal Kramer were recently honored by Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV) for their dedication to providing volunteer legal representation “pro bono.”  LSNV staff including Executive Director James A. Ferguson, Jr. and the Honorable Rossie D. Alston, Jr. of the Eastern District of Virginia presented the awards at LSNV’s annual Pro Bono Reception, held at the George Mason University Antonin Scalia School of Law.

In recent years, Virginia has seen sweeping changes in landlord-tenant law—especially in response to COVID-19 and expanding tenant protections. While 2025 brings fewer significant updates, there are several important changes landlords and property managers should note as they prepare for the following law changes effective July 1st.

Owning real estate is a documented way to increase personal wealth and encourage generational financial stability. This is likely why owning real estate is still considered by many to be part of the “American Dream.” Most people and institutions, however, do not own their property “outright”—or without any existing lender interest. Instead, financing through a bank or other financial institution is more common.

A recent Virginia Court of Appeals decision, Primis Bank v. Mahaley, highlights the nuances and complications that can arise when liens encumber a property.

Kramer Elias officially launched its new firm offices with a ribbon-cutting ceremony coordinated by the City of Fairfax Economic Development Authority (EDA). EDA CEO Chris Bruno and Assistant Director of Programs, Tara Borwey were on hand to welcome the Firm to the City’s vibrant business community.