44th Annual Real Estate Practice Seminar 2026 – Norfolk

Practitioners anticipate substantial legislative changes following the 2026 General Assembly session, which will drastically alter the practice of landlord-tenant law in Virginia. This presentation will provide an overview of the current legal framework and discuss legislative updates and the ripple effects those changes will have on the practice area. We will also highlight common pitfalls for the unwary in litigating unlawful detainers, explain the Eviction Diversion Program, examine the intricacies of “source of funds” as a protected class, review the various causes of action that a tenant can maintain against a landlord, and assess other common legal issues affecting the rental industry.

This session will provide an overview of the common issues associated with resolving heirs’ property matters. We will discuss several potential challenges that may arise and explore practical strategies to prevent or address them effectively.

This presentation provides a practical and experience-based overview of the new FinCEN Residential Real Estate Rule, which—by the time of this presentation—will have been in effect for approximately two-and-a-half months. Designed for attorneys and title agents, the session breaks down the Rule’s reporting requirements, key definitions, covered transactions, exemptions, and the role of the “reporting person,” with a focus on how these obligations are playing out in real-world closings. Attendees will learn how to collect, verify, and document required information; apply the reasonable-reliance standard; manage certifications from buyers, sellers, and lenders; and adjust internal workflows to remain compliant. The presentation also highlights common implementation challenges observed during the initial rollout period and offers best practices to mitigate risk and ensure accurate, timely reporting.

This session will provide a deep dive on solutions for ethical dilemmas that real estate attorneys will encounter in their practice involving real estate settlements, representation of Buyers and Sellers in real estate transactions, and related practices.