Columns & Departments
Real Property Law
Recorded Mortgage Does Not Remove Title Insurance Claim From Policy Exclusion When Underlying Deed Was Not Recorded No Easement By Necessity for Parking Lawn Mowing and Driveway Plowing Suffice to Establish Adverse Possession
Features

Third Circuit: Pre-Bankruptcy Commercial Lease Termination Not Fraudulent Transfer
Is an insolvent debtor's pre-bankruptcy termination of a commercial lease a fraudulent transfer? The circuit courts seem to be split, however a close reading of cases in the Third and Seventh Circuits shows that the reasoning of both courts can be reconciled on their facts.
Features

Municipality's Refusal to Permit Expansion of a Pre-Existing Nonconforming Use Doesn't Violate Constitution
Can a municipality's refusal to permit expansion of a pre-existing nonconforming use constitute a federal constitutional violation? The federal district court for the Eastern District of New York faced that question and awarded summary judgment to the municipality, rejecting the landowner's substantive due process and takings claims.
Features

5 Most Commonly Required Guaranties In Commercial Real Estate Loans
In general, commercial real estate loans are non-recourse in nature and the lenders ultimately look to their collateral for the satisfaction of the borrowers' obligations if the loan goes into default. However, lenders typically require guaranties from individuals or entities, making the guarantors personally liable for certain obligations.
Features

Lease Terminations As Fraudulent Transfers
Is an insolvent debtor's pre-bankruptcy termination of a commercial lease a fraudulent transfer? The circuit courts seem to be split, however a close reading of cases in the Third and Seventh Circuits shows that the reasoning of both courts can be reconciled on their facts.
Features

The Future of the Office Real Estate Market
It appears that at least some form of hybrid work schedules — much more than existed pre-pandemic — are likely here to stay. How these increased trends may impact the office market and demands for office space in the foreseeable future remains to be seen.
Features

U.S. Law Firm Leasing At Record Highs
After a slump during the pandemic, U.S. law firm leasing activity hit a record level in 2022, and activity boomed during the first quarter of 2023 with leasing volume higher than in any previously recorded Q1, a new report finds.
Features

Three Takeaways from 'Casey v. Whitehouse Estates' Rent Regulation Decision
On March 16, 2023, the Court of Appeals decided Casey v. Whitehouse Estates, Inc., the first Court of Appeals ruling to address rent regulation since its landmark decision in Matter of Regina Metro. Co., LLC v. New York State Div. of Hous. & Community Renewal, the Court of Appeals unanimously reversed the First Department's finding that the landlord's purported fraud mandated use of DHCR's so-called default rent formula.
Columns & Departments
Development
Sand Mine Enjoys Nonconforming Use Protection Contract Vendee Entitled to Use Variance Despite Knowledge of Ordinance's Provisions
Columns & Departments
Real Property Law
Strict Liability for Excavation Damage Easement Was Non-Exclusive Purchaser's Claims Barred By Merger Doctrine, Caveat Emptor Purchaser's Claim Based on Inoperative Elevator Dismissed In the Absence of Active Concealment Deed Forgery Claim Survives Motion to Dismiss
Need Help?
- Prefer an IP authenticated environment? Request a transition or call 800-756-8993.
- Need other assistance? email Customer Service or call 1-877-256-2472.
MOST POPULAR STORIES
- Major Differences In UK, U.S. Copyright LawsThis article highlights how copyright law in the United Kingdom differs from U.S. copyright law, and points out differences that may be crucial to entertainment and media businesses familiar with U.S law that are interested in operating in the United Kingdom or under UK law. The article also briefly addresses contrasts in UK and U.S. trademark law.Read More ›
- The Article 8 Opt InThe Article 8 opt-in election adds an additional layer of complexity to the already labyrinthine rules governing perfection of security interests under the UCC. A lender that is unaware of the nuances created by the opt in (may find its security interest vulnerable to being primed by another party that has taken steps to perfect in a superior manner under the circumstances.Read More ›
- Strategy vs. Tactics: Two Sides of a Difficult CoinWith each successive large-scale cyber attack, it is slowly becoming clear that ransomware attacks are targeting the critical infrastructure of the most powerful country on the planet. Understanding the strategy, and tactics of our opponents, as well as the strategy and the tactics we implement as a response are vital to victory.Read More ›
- The Anti-Assignment Override ProvisionsUCC Sections 9406(d) and 9408(a) are one of the most powerful, yet least understood, sections of the Uniform Commercial Code. On their face, they appear to override anti-assignment provisions in agreements that would limit the grant of a security interest. But do these sections really work?Read More ›
- Reset Clauses In Ground LeasesThe purpose behind rent reset clauses is simple — to capture any change in the fair market value (and fair market rental value) of the leased property. However, the application of rent reset clauses in practice is anything but simple, and the consequences of such clauses can be significant.Read More ›