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Generally, under New York law, a release signed by one party releasing the other party from liability bars the first party (the releasor) from suing the second party (the releasee). However, how this rule plays out in court can be complicated as demonstrated in a recent decision of the New York Appellate Division, Second Department. … Read more
Like any contract, leases must meet certain requirements to be legally valid. One of these requirements was addressed in a recent decision of the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division, First Department. The case involved a lease amendment that was signed by the tenant but the tenant never received a copy of the fully executed … Read more
“Caveat emptor” (i.e. let the buyer beware) is a long-standing doctrine in New York which states that a seller is not liable for failing to disclose information regarding the item being sold unless the seller actively conceals the information from the buyer. As demonstrated in a case recently decided by the New York Appellate Division, … Read more
In certain types of collection actions, New York has an expedited process known as a Motion for Summary Judgment in Lieu of Complaint (CPLR § 3213). The provision allows a party to commence an action without the filing of a complaint and immediately move for summary judgment but only if the “action is based upon … Read more
A recent New York case brought by a co-op shareholder against a co-op board and its members has important lessons for those considering similar lawsuits or concerned about defending their actions. While the case is still in its early stages, the decision discusses the duties of board members and when they may be liable for … Read more
Generally, under New York law, real estate transactions must be in writing and signed by the parties to be enforceable. General Obligations Law § 5-703(3) states that a contract to transfer real property is void unless the contract or some note, or memorandum thereof is in writing and signed by the “party to be charged therewith.”. … Read more
Landowners can allow others to utilize their property in multiple ways. One way is with a lease that generally grants a user (the tenant) the exclusive right to use and access the property during the term of the lease. A second option is to grant a license to use property. Unlike a lease, a license … Read more
In New York the transfer of real property is generally evidenced by a deed which gets recorded in the office of the County Clerk) in the county where the real property is located, or in the case of property located in New York City, the City Register. The importance of recording an ownership interest and … Read more
Real estate brokers generally earn their commission when they are the “procuring cause” of the sale of real property and the sale actually closes. In most transactions, it is clear that the broker procured the sale because he or she introduced the actual buyer to the seller. However, in a recent New York case, the … Read more
If you were injured on the job and were awarded workers’ compensation for a set amount of time, what happens if you die during that timeframe from something unrelated to the injury? Do your heirs lose the entire unaccrued portion of the award? Well, the first inquiry required to resolve this question is whether the … Read more