Legal-Advocacy

BARRISTER'S BRIEFING: Update: Reasonable Modifications and Accommodation Notification
As you all may recall, back in 2021, as a part of sweeping legislation designed to curb discrimination, Gov. Kathy

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS: Legislative Session Winds Down, Campaign Season Heats Up
The New York State Legislature gaveled out in the early hours of June 4th, marking the end of Kathy Hochul’

LEGAL CORNER: Real Estate Contracts, Leases and the Statute of Frauds
Over the years there have been a multitude of lawsuits filed involving whether a valid contract was entered into between

BARRISTER'S BRIEFING: Contractual Agreements: Binding Parties and Termination
Real estate transactions begin and end with contracts. Lots and lots of contracts. This month, I’m going to address

Recent DOS Decisions and New Legislation Affecting New York Real Estate Licensees and the Industry
The legislative and judicial landscape continues to change for New York real estate licensees and the entire real estate industry.

LEGAL CORNER: Oh No, It’s Tax Season Again! A Review of Important Tax Deductions in Real Estate
It’s that time of the year again—tax season! It is an important time of the year to revisit

BARRISTER'S BRIEFING: Love Letters Redux: Discrimination, First Amendment Rights and the Future
Back in November 2020 I authored an article regarding buyers sending personal letters, otherwise known as “love letters” to sellers.

LEGAL CORNER: The Security Deposit and Landlord’s Obligation to Mitigate Damages Under the 2019 HSTPA
In a recent decision, 14 East 4th Street Unit 509 LLC v. Toporek [see https://bit.ly/339BzL5], the Appellate

BARRISTER'S BRIEFING: REALTOR® Trademark Usage: Just Use It (Correctly)
As members of HGAR, you are a REALTOR®. That REALTOR® mark signifies a member’s commitment to protecting clients, the

LEGAL CORNER: Broker’s Duty to Supervise: Changes in Light of the New Housing Discrimination Legislation
On Dec. 21, 2021, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed expansive new legislation contained in nine bills aimed to combat housing discrimination

BARRISTER'S BRIEFING: Refresher on 2021 Regulatory Changes Impacting Real Estate
Happy New Year!! I hope this month’s article finds everyone well and reenergized for 2022. As we return to

LEGAL CORNER: Discrimination Cases from Newsday’s ‘LI Divided’ Finally Making Their Way Through the System
It has been over two years, Nov. 17, 2019, since Newsday published its comprehensive and devastating investigative report entitled “Long