Our commercial litigators are experienced, effective and efficient advocates with the depth of knowledge to handle matters large and small. In representing clients, which include national companies and small businesses, our litigators routinely appear in state and federal courts and before administrative boards and agencies
Our litigation practice includes all phases of trial and appellate work, as well as arbitration and mediation hearings. Regardless of size or complexity, every matter receives the resources and attention necessary to maximize success, while promoting a timely and cost-effective resolution. Our responsiveness and attention to detail have resulted in loyal, longstanding relationships with clients, who rely on us to handle everything from basic contract disputes to complex litigation.
Our litigators have engaged in a wide array of real estate and construction-related cases. The following is a representative example of the work our litigation team has successfully performed:
- Litigated numerous Article 78 proceedings in New York State Supreme Court, resulting in overturning improper zoning determinations rendered by municipalities throughout the region.
- Successfully brought challenges in state and federal courts against various municipal ordinances and local laws enacted to prohibit or substantially limit development.
- Reversed several construction permit denials for wireless communication facilities pursuant to federal statutes and regulatory rulings, including the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the FCC Declaratory Ruling of 2009 and section 6409(a) of the Middle Class Tax Relief Act, 47 U.S.C. § 1455(a).
- Defended clients’ use of property against community groups’ assertion of an existing Use Limitations and Covenants and Restrictions in title at both the trial and appellate levels.
- Obtained a decision invalidating a municipal local law that significantly reduced lot yield on future subdivisions by demonstrating that the Village had failed to conduct the proper “hard look” mandated by SEQRA.
- Negotiated a multimillion-dollar settlement from a building’s owners to relocate client tenant’s equipment, recover cost of new equipment, obtain a substantial reduction in monthly rent and secure additional favorable lease terms.
- Obtained a court ruling overturning a local law that attempted to prohibit 24-hour operations.
- Successfully challenged a ruling by the New York State Supreme Court, which affirmed a municipality’s denial of a special use permit application, before the Appellate Division, Second Department.
- Successfully defended a Mechanic’s Lien action in connection with a substantial redevelopment project.
- Protected client tenants’ real property interests, including by obtaining a temporary restraining order to stop a real estate developer from converting a commercial building into a $400 million residential condominium.
- Successfully obtained a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction that prevented a landlord from collecting over $5 million in allegedly past-due common area maintenance charges and from terminating the lease of our client’s largest facility in North America.