Virginia’s 2026 legislative session brought a familiar refrain: Many of the same employment bills we’ve tracked in the last few years returned for another attempt. It also delivered some brand new bills that employers should not ignore. Whether vetoed, passed, or positioned for future success, these bills collectively signal the future in Virginia employment law—more expansive rights for employees.
Several changes to Virginia eminent domain law are now in effect following the General Assembly’s 2025 reform package. Most provisions took effect July 1, 2025, while certain requirements – such as the updated title production requirements – apply to offers made on or after January 1, 2026. Those statutory changes are already affecting acquisition timing, disclosure obligations, and cost exposure, while recent decisions from the Virginia Supreme Court and the Fourth Circuit continue to refine the limits of condemnation authority and valuation evidence.
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The recent Morgan v. City of Norfolk decision provides a detailed look at how Virginia courts approach inverse condemnation claims tied to multi-phase construction projects. The Court’s analysis offers practical lessons on proof of causation, the limitations of the stabilization doctrine, valuation of temporary takings, and fee recovery. These insights are valuable for localities and practitioners navigating similar issues in ongoing or future public projects.
The holidays are a time to reminisce, celebrate the many joys of the season, and spend time with your loved ones. If you are like me, you plan months in advance for the season. Lists are made and checked twice. Amid all that planning, one list rarely gets the attention it deserves: the estate plan.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court of Virginia issued an Opinion in Brooks-Buck v. Wahlstrom, No. 250246 (Oct. 16, 2025), that clarifies the scope of legislative immunity for school board members. The Opinion also serves as a cautionary reminder to school board members that the immunities they enjoy are not limitless.
In Blair v. Appomattox County School Board, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals reiterated how educators are judged under Title IX when responding to peer-on-peer sexual harassment allegations. The Court said it is not enough for administrators to simply show that they took some action. Instead, their efforts must be “reasonably calculated” to stop the harassment. As such, schools should be prepared to show that they took specific, concrete steps in response to claims of sexual harassment.
Sands Anderson PC is pleased to announce that 33 lawyers have been selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.
General contractors who contract with owner/developers and who construct large, complex projects such as office buildings, shopping centers, and warehouses, often seek to shift the risk of owner/developer non-payment to their lower-tier subcontractors, such as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing subcontractors. Historically, general contractors achieved this goal by utilizing in their subcontracts a contractual risk-shifting provision known as a “pay-when-paid” contract clause (sometimes known as a “pay-if-paid” clause).
Employers often ask: “How long do I have to hold a job open for someone on extended medical leave?” The Fourth Circuit recently tackled this issue in Coffman v. Nexstar Media, offering helpful guidance for navigating ADA and FMLA obligations.
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The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that a school division’s use of LGBTQ+-inclusive storybooks without allowing parental opt-outs unconstitutionally burdened religious freedom. This decision raises significant questions for school divisions nationwide, potentially opening the door to increased litigation and forcing districts to reconsider how they balance inclusive curricula with religious accommodations.
As purchasers of goods and services, many community associations have felt the impact of recent inflation and rising prices. While prices have continued to rise, community associations still must discharge the maintenance and caretaking responsibilities they are required to perform under their governing documents. Community members often resist annual assessment increases and special assessments forcing community associations to manufacture creative solutions to issues surrounding rising prices. Community associations looking for creative solutions to these issues have a couple key avenues they can consider pursuing.
Effective July 1, 2025, Virginia is implementing several key changes affecting real estate transactions, land use approvals, local governance, and secured lending. Below is a comprehensive overview of what’s changing – and how those changes may impact your real estate interests and business operations.
Each year, Sands Anderson publishes a Virginia Employment Law Pocket Guide. Written for employers and HR professionals, this guide summarizes key Virginia statutes and employment law principles to help you navigate sensitive employment situations and avoid liability. The updated pocket guide outlines what Virginia employers need to know to comply with employment laws and avoid liability in 2025.
Sands Anderson PC has completed a merger with Frieden Seery Nuckols & Hahn P.C., a leading real estate, corporate, and estate planning firm in Virginia Beach. The combined Sands Anderson firm now has more than 80 lawyers across six offices in Virginia and North Carolina, including Virginia Beach.
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Thinking about selling your business or a piece of real estate? You’ll likely need to start with a Letter of Intent (LOI), so it is important to know the basics before you dive in.
Sands Anderson PC today announced the firm’s 2025 three-member board of directors will be Jeffrey H. Geiger to serve as President, W. Ashley Burgess to join the board, and Brian R. Pitney to continue service.
Sands Anderson is pleased to announce that it has achieved Midsize Mansfield Certification Plus for the 2023-2024 year. The achievement is the result of a year-long collaboration with Diversity Lab to track, measure, and achieve diversity and advance inclusive practices in law firm leadership.
Sands Anderson PC is pleased to announce that 32 lawyers have been selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch. In addition, attorney Andrew R. McRoberts, who has been recognized by Best Lawyers for the past 10 years, was named Best Lawyers 2025 Lawyer of the Year in the Litigation – Municipal Law category.
Insights, News & Events
Virginia State Bar Diversity Section•2026 Annual Forum
Press Releases•20 Sands Anderson Attorneys Named to 2026 Virginia Super Lawyers®
Labor & Employment•Ten Common Employment Law Mistakes That Get Employers Sued (a Management-Side Perspective)
Higher Education•The New Rules of the Game: What President Trump's Executive Order on College Sports Means for Universities and Businesses
Event•Local Government Attorneys of Virginia (LGA)•Spring Conference
School & Education Law•It’s Contract Season Again: Quick Reminders for Virginia School Divisions
Labor & Employment•Avoiding Risk in Hiring and Promotion: Guidance from a Recent Fourth Circuit Case
Commercial Real Estate•Virginia's New Deed Fraud Prevention Legislation: What Real Estate Practitioners Need to Know
Eminent Domain•The Talk Before the Take: Exploring Virginia’s Bona Fide Offer Requirement for Condemning Authorities
Labor & Employment•Top 10 Takeaways for Employers from Virginia’s 2026 General Assembly Session
Labor & Employment•Virginia Supreme Court Rules Wage Theft Statute Does Not Cover Commissions: What Employers Need to Know
Healthcare•Healthcare Reimbursement Audits: What Providers Need to Know
Eminent Domain•Eminent Domain 2026 Legislative UpdateJump to Page
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