News & Insights

ADA Liability for Discrimination Based on a Family Member’s Disability

Most people know that employers cannot discriminate against employees on the basis of certain characteristics such as age, race, gender, and disability. Such discrimination is typically barred by federal, state and local statutes. However, a recent federal court decision by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals brings attention to a lesser-known area of possible discrimination … Read more

LET THE BUYER BEWARE: TITLE INSURANCE MAY NOT FULLY PROTECT YOUR REAL ESTATE PURCHASES

Real estate purchasers in New York almost always buy title insurance at the time of the transaction. However, a case decided by the New York Appellate Division, First Department on September 3, 2019 confirmed that even when title insurance is obtained, issues regarding title can still arise. In Akasa Holdings LLC v. 214 Lafayette House, … Read more

Suing an Unlicensed Home Improvement Contractor Is Not as Easy as You Think

New York City (and various other counties throughout the State) now impose a requirement that all contractors doing home improvements must have licenses issued by the municipality where the work is to be performed. Indeed, in 2006, the NYC Administrative Code added Title 20, Chapter 2, Subchapter 22 which addresses home improvements and sets out … Read more

Preserving an Inheritance as Separate Property in the Event of Divorce

When a couple prepares to marry, one question which may arise is whether they should enter into a prenuptial (or antenuptial) agreement, which among other things sets forth what happens to their assets in the event of a divorce. There are many situations in which this may be appropriate, including when there is a significant … Read more

Does a Lease’s “No Pet” Provision Apply to Emotional Support Animals?

All landlords should know they cannot discriminate against those who are disabled. The New York Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination throughout the State on the basis of disability, including in housing situations. However, many landlords may not be aware of how broadly the law applies especially in light of a recent court decision protecting disabled … Read more

U.S. Supreme Court Limits State’s Right to Tax Trust Income

trust tax

If you are considering creating a trust, there are many considerations including analyzing the tax consequences. Taxation can get complicated if the trust, trustee, and beneficiaries are in different states with varying laws. Not surprisingly, many states are eager to tax trust income. The U.S. Supreme Court recently addressed this issue in North Carolina, but … Read more

2-Step Approach to Avoiding Wage Claims: Internal Audits & Insurance Coverage

Wage Claims

By Jill Weinberg, Esq. Employee wage and hour claims, usually for unpaid overtime, can be financially draining to companies big and small. Unfortunately, they have been on the rise. A good example is MetLife who was recently sued in federal court, in the Southern District of New York for $50 million dollars in unpaid overtime … Read more

NEW YORK STATE MAKES IT EASIER FOR EMPLOYEES TO SUE FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT

sexual harassment

The New York Legislature recently passed an anti-sexual harassment law which is likely to make it easier for workers to win their lawsuits. The Bill, which was championed by Governor Andrew Cuomo and is now awaiting his signature, does away with the requirement that the alleged misconduct be “severe or pervasive” in order to constitute … Read more