Thomas Mugavero

Mold, technically, is everywhere, in some form or another; it is in the dust on the furniture, in the crumbs left on the counter, and in the air that drifts in from the outside. It is why bread turns green-gray, and why coffee left in the mug on the desk over the weekend will look tan on top. Visible mold, however, is usually a by-product of some other maintenance problem–and usually a sign that that maintenance problem has been going on too long. When mold is given a damp environment and some form of nutrient – either wood, or drywall, or some other building material–it will flourish and grow, creating splotchy discoloration on walls, ceilings and personal property.

Every condominium association is required, by statute and by governing document, to carry a master insurance policy on the building. Such policies cover the common elements and – in multi-story buildings at least – the individual units as well. The question has often arisen, however, whether unit owners themselves should carry homeowners’ insurance, generally known as “HO-6 policies.” The answer is, resoundingly, YES. It is risky not to do so.

Tom Mugavero will be presenting two sessions: 11:30am - 12 noon and 1:00pm - 1:45pm.

Tom Mugavero is speaking on a panel set up by PNC Bank for nonprofit organizations: "Financial Stewardship for Non-Profit Boards of Directors."

The Washington Metropolitan Chapter of the Community Associations Institute is presenting its annual conference.  One of the speakers will be Thomas Mugavero of WTP's Community Associations group, on the topic of Dangerous Dogs & Recalcitrant Owners,

LeadingAge Maryland presents its annual symposium on governance issues for Continuing Care Retirement Communities.  To attend, register here.

Thomas Mugavero was quoted at length in the article, “Court refers discovery contests to 'conciliators,'” which appeared in Virginia Lawyers Weekly:

"...Many of the referred motions are “straight motions to compel,” where one side simply hasn’t responded to discovery requests and the other side moves to compel to get their attention, according to Fairfax business litigator Thomas Mugavero, a veteran conciliator..."

A difficult to control dog is one of the toughest problems for any community association. This session, which is part of the Community Association Institute's Annual Conference, will deal with current law and legal trends governing "dangerous dogs," insurance coverage, and how to address the competing interests of pet owners and community safety.

There are two ways to foreclose on a condominium unit in Virginia; each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

In a few months, community associations around the region will be opening up their pools in preparation for the summer season.   Running an association pool, of course, comes with a host of issues, including: training and certifying lifeguards; maintaining, repairing and replacing the equipment itself; and enforcing the rules and regulations for using the pool.   This article will focus on two separate issues: the Virginia Graeme-Baker Act and the responsibilities of community associations under the federal and state non-discrimination statutes.

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that Andrew J.  Terrell, Falls Church office Managing Partner and former co-chair of the Community Associations practice is named a 2016 Super Lawyer.  All seven of the WTP attorneys listed among the 2016 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in DC are indicated below.

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that seven of its attorneys are listed among the 2015 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in Washington D.C.

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that eleven of its attorneys are listed among the 2014 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in the Washington D.C. metro area, including four who are listed for the first time.

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that seven of its attorneys are listed among the 2013 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in the Washington D.C. metro area, including two who are listed for the first time.

Chosen by his peers, Thomas Mugavero has been appointed to the Tort Law Section Steering Committee of the District of Columbia Bar. Mugavero is an attorney in Whiteford, Taylor & Preston's Litigation and Community Associations sections, and a member of the Virginia State, Federal, American, and Fairfax Bar Associations.

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP (WTP) has expanded its Falls Church office - by increasing the number of attorneys and enlarging its office space. Glenn R. Bonard, Eileen Morgan Johnson, Thomas Mugavero, Christy Richardson, and Andrew J. Terrell have joined Raymond J. Diaz, Michael Gartner, Christopher A. Jones, Katherine McCarthy, Edward J. O'Connell, and Eric A. Vendt in WTP's offices at 3190 Fairview Park Drive, Suite 300, Falls Church, VA 22042.