The attorneys at Morningstar Law Group are leaders who are frequently asked to share their legal insights and expertise. Here is a sampling of the wisdom our attorneys are sharing at industry conferences, in published articles, and at continuing legal education events.
Insight
The Case for Variances in North Carolina
February 12, 2026
Insight by Morningstar Law Group Partner Nil Ghosh Imagine you own a parcel of land where you desire to build a house. The property is large enough to build on, but the land is subject to a local zoning ordinance with various setback requirements and due to the shape and topography of the land, it […]
Insight
Raleigh’s Annexation Policy – What Developers Need to Know
February 12, 2026
Insight by Morningstar Law Group Partner Molly Stuart There has been some confusion about whether the City of Raleigh has halted annexations. In short: Raleigh has not enacted a moratorium. But the City has temporarily narrowed eligibility for certain annexation requests. What’s Changed? Raleigh’s annexation policy generally allows annexation eligibility based on several factors—such as […]
Insight
Toward the Free Use of Land: SchoolDev East, LLC v. Town of Wake Forest
April 9, 2025
Insight by Morningstar Law Group Partner Jeff Roether On December 13, 2024, the Supreme Court of North Carolina issued a ruling in Schooldev East, LLC, v. Town of Wake Forest (Case No. 268A22) which reaffirmed North Carolina’s public policy in favor of “the free and unrestricted use and enjoyment of land” and the protection of […]
Insight
Client Alert: What to Know about Your Entity Reporting Obligations
December 10, 2024
Note: The summary below includes information about the Corporate Transparency Act. On December 3, 2014, a US District Court in Texas issued a preliminary injunction that prohibits the US federal government from enforcing the CTA. As the (currently unenforceable) January 1, 2025 filing deadline approaches, the ultimate enforceability of this requirement faces continued uncertainty, and […]
Insight
Understanding the Benefits, and Pitfalls, of North Carolina’s System Development Fees
March 12, 2024
While the development of real property creates numerous benefits for a community—from increased tax revenue to affordable housing to new business ventures—municipalities often are concerned about the possible burden new development may have on existing infrastructure. One way that the North Carolina General Assembly has addressed this concern is by creating “system development fees” which […]
Insight
Real Estate & Land Use Client Alert: NC Senate Decision Overrides Governor's Veto and Impacts Builders & Developers
August 31, 2023
On Wednesday, August 16, the North Carolina Senate overrode Governor Roy Cooper’s veto of HB 488. Of particular relevance to builders and developers, Section 9 of HB 488 mandates that the Building Code Council amend the North Carolina State Building Code to: This section became effective when it became law. Additionally, the bill overall aims […]
Insight
A Spotlight on Black History - Week 4
February 27, 2023
Our Firm’s social committee, led by our amazing associates, is celebrating Black History Month by shining the spotlight on a different Black lawyer, judge, or other trailblazer in North Carolina who impacted the legal profession. “Throughout history, Black people have faced great adversity in the pursuit of joining the legal profession and achieving equality in […]
Insight
A Spotlight on Black History - Week 3
February 20, 2023
Our Firm’s social committee, led by our amazing associates, is celebrating Black History Month by shining the spotlight on a different Black lawyer, judge, or other trailblazer in North Carolina who impacted the legal profession. “Throughout history, Black people have faced great adversity in the pursuit of joining the legal profession and achieving equality in […]
Insight
A Spotlight on Black History - Week 2
February 13, 2023
Our Firm’s social committee, led by our amazing associates, is celebrating Black History Month by shining the spotlight on a different Black lawyer, judge, or other trailblazer in North Carolina who impacted the legal profession. “Throughout history, Black people have faced great adversity in the pursuit of joining the legal profession and achieving equality in […]
Insight
A Spotlight on Black History
February 6, 2023
Our Firm’s social committee, led by our amazing associates, is celebrating Black History Month by shining the spotlight on a different Black lawyer, judge, or other trailblazer in North Carolina who impacted the legal profession. “Throughout history, Black people have faced great adversity in the pursuit of joining the legal profession and achieving equality in […]
