Contract Law: The COVID-19 Shutdown and the Impossibility of Performance Defense

As we are all painfully aware, Governor Cuomo has issued an Executive Order directing that all “non-essential” businesses statewide terminate their in-office personnel functions. In addition to the public health and policy issues that arise from this Order, a myriad of legal questions also follow. While there are no concrete…

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Civil Litigation in New York

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the State of New York has enacted a variety of measures impacting civil litigation in New York state courts. Additionally, though cases in the United States District Court for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York are still proceeding as of this date,…

Resources and Assistance Programs for Business Owners

Please see below for links and information regarding resources and assistance programs for business owners: Small Business Administration (SBA): Pursuit offers SBA 504, 7(a) and Community Advantage Loans and has set up a helpful resource center for business owners. It includes helpful links, webinars and information regarding the SBA Economic…

Remote Notarizations in New York

Remote notarization is now an available option in New York state.   This is useful for clients who need to sign documents during this time, whether for estate planning, real estate transactions, or otherwise. Governor Andrew Cuomo’s order allowing remote notarization is currently effective through April 18, 2020. The requirements to…

For Landlords: First the Enactment of the HTSPA, now the COVID-19 Crisis

Landlords took a big hit with the enactment of the HTSPA in June 2019 and the New York State Legislature is seemingly poised to deliver another with a proposed Act (S. 8125, the “Act”) that will “suspend” rent payments for certain residential tenants and small business commercial tenants for ninety…