Rees Broome, PC

06/16/2026

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued new guidance that could change how emotional support animal (ESA) requests are evaluated under the Fair Housing Act.

In a new article, attorney Leslie Brown summarizes HUD’s May 22, 2026 memorandum, which rescinds prior ESA guidance and shifts enforcement toward standards more closely aligned with the ADA’s definition of a service animal.

Learn more in the full article here:

On May 22, 2026, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a memorandum titled “Enforcement Guidance – Assessing Requests for the Use of an Animal as a Reasonable Accommodation Under the Fair Housing Act.”  The memo provides guidance on how HUD will now enforce requests for...

06/08/2026

We would like to congratulate Traci Scudder in the continued advancement of the Metro City development project in Capitol Heights, Prince George's County, Maryland.

We are pleased to share that the Prince George's County Planning Board has granted re-approval of the Phase 1 Site Plan for Metro City, a transformative mixed-use development located just over a half mile south of the Addison Road Metro Station.

Phase 1 will bring seventy-two townhomes, two senior apartment buildings, and a full-service assisted living facility with amenities. Future phases will further expand the community with additional residential, retail, and other commercial development opportunities.

This project represents a significant investment in the future of Prince George's County, creating new housing options for residents at different stages of life, supporting economic growth, expanding access to services, and fostering a vibrant, transit-oriented community.

We are proud of Traci's work and dedication in helping move this important project forward and look forward to seeing Metro City become a reality for the Prince George's County community.

05/29/2026

We are pleased to welcome Jada Romulus to Rees Broome as an Associate in the firm’s Community Associations practice group.

Jada represents homeowners’ and condominium associations throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, assisting clients with governance matters, compliance with governing documents and applicable laws, and collections-related issues. She brings valuable litigation experience and a client-focused approach to helping community associations navigate day-to-day legal challenges.

During law school, Jada was President of George Washington University’s Entertainment and Sports Law Association and served as a Staff Editor for the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) Quarterly Journal.

Please join us in welcoming Jada to the firm!

View Jada's profile here: https://reesbroome.com/attorneys/jada-romulus

05/27/2026

Rees Broome is pleased to welcome Richard John Ruddy, Jr. to the firm.

Prior to joining Rees Broome, Richard operated his own practice, Ruddy Law Firm, where he built a distinguished legal career spanning more than 45 years.

Richard brings extensive experience advising individuals, families, and business owners in the areas of business law, estate planning, trusts and estates, probate and trust administration, and guardianship and conservatorship matters. His practice includes guiding businesses through formation, contracts, ownership transitions, and the purchase and sale of businesses, including medical and dental practices. He also works closely with clients to develop comprehensive estate plans tailored to their long-term goals and family needs.

We are excited to welcome Richard to the firm and look forward to the experience, insight, and dedication he will bring to our clients and team!

You can view his attorney profile here: https://reesbroome.com/attorneys/richard-ruddy

05/22/2026

Estate Planning doesn’t have to be complicated.

Rees Broome attorney John Morgan recently joined "The Fiscal Foxhole" podcast as a featured guest for an engaging conversation focused on Estate Planning, including wills, trusts, and everything in between — explained in a practical and easy-to-understand way.

Whether you are planning for the future, protecting your family, or simply looking to better understand the basics of Estate Planning, this episode offers valuable insights for listeners of all backgrounds.

John’s introduction begins at the 12:15 mark of the episode.

Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qm9HJFYyVIk

John's Attorney Bio: https://reesbroome.com/attorneys/john-p-morgan

Estate Planning Demystified + Retirement Reality Check🪖 In This ...

05/21/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, Rees Broome's offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026.

On this day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. We extend our gratitude to all who have served and continue to serve.

Our offices will reopen on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

05/14/2026

We are pleased to welcome Caitlin Convery to Rees Broome as a Senior Associate in the firm’s Civil Litigation, Community Association, and Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights practice groups.

Caitlin brings more than 10 years of litigation and strategic counseling experience representing businesses, financial institutions, insurers, and community associations in complex legal matters across multiple jurisdictions. Her practice focuses on delivering practical, business-minded solutions in high-stakes disputes, creditors’ rights and recovery matters, governance and covenant enforcement issues, and day-to-day operational challenges faced by community associations.

Prior to joining Rees Broome, Caitlin served as Senior Counsel at Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP, where she represented Fortune 100/500 companies and institutional clients in complex commercial litigation nationwide.

Known for her strategic approach and results-driven advocacy, Caitlin’s experience spans all phases of litigation, from pre-suit strategy through trial and post-judgment enforcement.

Please join us in welcoming Caitlin to the firm!

05/11/2026

Should community associations require background checks for board candidates or appointed directors? And if so, is it actually a good idea?

Rees Broome attorney, Leslie Brown, recently participated in a brief Q&A published by the Community Associations Institute discussing the legal and practical considerations surrounding background checks for HOA and condominium board leadership.

It’s a timely topic that raises important questions about governance, transparency, privacy, and community trust.

Read Leslie’s full response here:

©2026 Community Associations InstituteBackground checksQ: Can an association require background checks for board of director candidates or people appointed to

04/16/2026

Understanding the long-term impact of military discharge characterizations is critical—for both service members and the attorneys who advise them.

In his recent article, “From Honorable to Dishonorable: A Practical Guide to Discharge Characterizations”, published in Virginia Lawyer Magazine, Rees Broome attorney, John Morgan, provides a clear, practical overview of how discharge classifications are determined and why they matter.

From navigating the procedural steps of separation to recognizing how different characterizations can affect future benefits, this article highlights the importance of informed decision-making. As John emphasizes, service members must fully understand their rights and the potential consequences before agreeing to any discharge characterization.

For attorneys representing military personnel, this serves as an important reminder: ensuring clients are properly advised can make a lasting difference in their future.

Read the full article here: https://virginialawyer.vsb.org/april-2026/page-20