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New York’s Labor Law creates a two-tiered system where certain rights apply to all workers, but high-earning executives are excluded from others. Wage-related protections are among those that can vary depending on a worker’s salary and job duties. As an example, executives are not entitled to minimum wage and overtime. A recent appellate court decision … Read more
If you have a co-op and cannot resolve a dispute with the Board of Directors, knowing who to sue is important. Co-ops are run by a Board of Directors elected by the co-op’s shareholders. In the event of a lawsuit, shareholders often look to bring an action against the co-op, the Board and/or individual board … Read more
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become unavoidable and increasingly essential in a variety of fields, including the legal profession. While it offers many benefits when used responsibly, there are significant risks when attorneys fail to check the work product generated by AI tools. There have been numerous examples of attorneys submitting unverified AI content to courts, … Read more
In many construction and renovation projects, property owners hire a general contractor who is the primary point of contact for the job. The general contractor, in turn, brings in subcontractors, materials suppliers and other parties as needed. The property owner pays the general contractor, and the general contractor then gives the others the money they … Read more
In 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) significantly raised the estate tax exemption. However, the increase was made temporary, leaving families uncertain as to how to structure their estate plan. This uncertainty has now been resolved with a new, higher exemption that is permanent. Estate Planning Under the TCJA The TCJA increased the … Read more
Co-tenants own real property together, with each co-tenant having an “equal right to possess and enjoy” the property as if they owned it alone. However, in certain situations, a co-tenant can use the doctrine of adverse possession to become the sole owner of the real property, eliminating the interest of the co-tenant. Adverse possession is … Read more
An easement is an agreement that gives one property owner (known as the “dominant estate”) the right to make certain limited use of someone else’s property. The property subject to an easement is known as the “servient estate”. While there are significant benefits to having an easement, there are also unavoidable obligations assumed by the … Read more
The rapid growth of new technologies like artificial intelligence has raised significant issues for entertainers and celebrities. Many contracts have recently been expanded to contain provisions related to the creation and use of digital replicas. Typically, these clauses allow a party to digitally reproduce and use an individual’s voice, appearance and demeanor, including developing an … Read more
Generally, one party is not liable for the debts of another absent a written guaranty or agreement assuming responsibility. This is often a saving grace in estate matters where a spouse dies with significant debts and no assets to meet these obligations. However, there is an important exception that applies specifically to spouses known as … Read more
Complex business transactions often require multiple agreements to address different parts of the transaction. As an example, the package of documents for the sale of a small business could include a contract of sale; agreements containing confidentiality provisions and restrictive covenants; an agreement for post-closing transition services to be provided by the seller; and/or an … Read more