The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination against individuals when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in other housing-related activities. The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, age, religion, sex/gender orientation, family status (families with children), nationality and color. The original intent of the Federal Fair Housing Act (“Act’) was to end racial housing segregation, which has led to decades of denied economic opportunities and a race-wealth gap that still has an impact today. Further, the Act contains an “affirmatively furthering fair housing” mandate. This mandate requires the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and its sub-recipients of federal financial assistance to do more than refrain from discrimination in its programs around housing and development. These recipients must take meaningful actions to overcome patterns of segregation, promote fair housing choice, eliminate disparities in housing opportunities, and foster inclusive communities free from discrimination.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for the Fair Housing Act when he realized that fair housing opportunity was just as important as voter rights. King believed in an integrated society and in integrated communities. Gentrification, the mass displacement of long time residents due to an influx of wealth which creates economic pressures, is arguably the opposite of integration.  Although income is not a protected category under the Federal Fair Housing Act, Gentrification is arguably a violation of the mandate to affirmatively furthering fair housing choice, because it displaces lower income people who are typically families, seniors, disabled people, Black or people of color from areas that are becoming communities of opportunity. If residents are economically evicted due to an increase in real estate values and economic pressures, they are essentially denied fair housing choice in their former neighborhoods.

Our firm represents individuals who feel they’ve been denied fair housing choice. We also represent community groups that are interested in pushing back against unfair development, zoning or housing policy that could lead to mass displacement and less fair housing choice for people who are protected by fair housing laws.

North Carolina also has a fair housing act that mirrors the federal one, but has an additional provision that prevents the discrimination against the building of affordable housing. We represent developers who believe they’ve been denied the right to build affordable housing.

1. Entrepreneur Start-Ups: Looking to start a new business? Our firm can advise you on the various business formation options, including LLC’s, Corporations, and Partnerships. We help new entrepreneurs incorporate their businesses and create the necessary legal documents pertaining to their new legal entity. Are you looking to create a mission-driven nonprofit? We can help you incorporate your nonprofit and apply for its charitable tax-exempt status with the IRS, known as a 501(c)(3) determination.
2. General Counsel: In some cases, our firm can serve as the general counsel for your experienced business and nonprofit. We can provide board training, review of legal documents, advise on legal decisions impacting your business or nonprofit and provide general legal advice.

As the saying goes, if it’s not in writing, then it doesn’t exist. While you can create an oral contract-why would you? It’s important that the terms of your important business relationship, nonprofit collaboration, partnership, joint venture, or lease agreement are in writing. We assist clients in drafting legal contracts, reviewing contracts prepared by others, and with contract negotiations. Our experience includes service contracts, commercial lease agreements, non-disclosure agreements, entertainment contracts, retention agreements, severance agreements and more.

It may not be fun to think about what happens after you’re gone, but estate planning is just as important, if not more so, than planning your next vacation. How you leave your assets and life speaks volumes about your character and the love for those you wish to protect after you’re gone. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy, it’s for anyone who owns any type of asset, including life insurance policies. It also avoids the headache of creating heir property, which often clouds clear title to property. Estate planning avoids family fights, protects small children, and can reduce the tax burden you leave to family members who inherit your assets. A trust can be used to pay out benefits to a spouse if you were the breadwinner in a way that doesn’t harm them if they receive social security or some other public benefit. You can also arrange for the care of a child with health problems through estate planning or a trust. A trust can also be created to manage and hold family land. Some people create both a will and a trust depending on their personal situation. Also, if your loved one passed away without a will or a trust, we can help you navigate the complexities of estate administration.