section update
real Estate Section Update
by michael E. Leavey
Dorough & Dorough, LLC
t
he atlanta bar association's focus on pro bono this
month serves as a good prompt for georgia lawyers
to seek out pro bono opportunities. rule 6.1 of the
georgia rules of professional conduct establishes the
aspirational goal for each lawyer to render at least (50) hours
of pro bono publico legal services per year, a "substantial
portion" of which should be provided directly to persons of
limited means or to organizations which are established
primarily to address the needs of persons of limited means.
of course, pro bono work can take various forms and can
be performed in a variety of contexts.
for the second year running, the real estate section of
the atlanta bar association is offering an opportunity for
its members to render pro bono legal services relevant to
real estate practice. through the section's on-going pro
bono initiative, section members are on-site at the fulton
county state and magistrate court self-help center once
a month to provide brief consultations to unrepresented
residential landlords on a walk-in and scheduled basis.
section members work to provide landlords with a better
understanding of landlords' obligations and tenants' rights
under georgia law. for example, the consultations may
include providing an overview of the proper statutory
procedures for evicting a tenant or suspending utilities.
attorneys in any real estate practice area and of any
experience level are encouraged to take part in this initiative
which was developed in partnership with the fulton county
State Court Administrator's Office. The Section can provide
materials regarding general landlord-tenant issues, and one
does not need to commit a great deal of time – even a few
hours would be appreciated. if you are interested in taking
[email protected]
part in a session or have any questions, please contact cory
Thompson at [email protected]. thanks so
much to those members who have already volunteered their
time and effort to this important project!
in addition to its pro bono initiative, the section continues to
host monthly breakfast meetings. in february, the section
hosted a discussion entitled "the effect of the taxpayer
relief act of 2012 on commercial real estate: prepare
for the return of 1031 exchanges." presenter s ricky b.
novak, Esq. of Strategic 1031 Exchange Advisors and Trey
Webb of Bennett Thrasher PC, discussed, from a legal and
accounting perspective, incentives real estate investors may
have to pursue 1031 exchanges in light of recent changes in
the tax laws and key aspects of these transactions.
in march, the section will host a panel discussion entitled
"an sba loan: is it right for Your client?" featuring
barbara benson, president of Capital Partners Certified
Development Corporation; craig hall, an SBA Loan Officer
with Fidelity Bank; and barbara Lincoln of Kitchens Kelley
Gaynes, P.C.
at the section's monthly meetings real estate industry
speakers give presentations on substantive legal matters
of interest to the section. these meetings also provide
a good opportunity to meet and make contacts with other
real estate professionals. cle credit is typically available
for attendees, and the section reserves a number of free
or reduced-price spaces for unemployed attorneys and law
students. for more information on the section's meetings
and other activities, please contact a section board member
or Tanya Windham at [email protected]. ■
Invite your friends and co-workers to take advantage of
the 15 months for the price of 12 membership special
for new members.
20
ThE aTLanTa LaWYEr
march 2013
The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association