Court Watch
August 31, 2007
Highlights of the most recent franchising cases from around the country.
Case Notes
August 31, 2007
Highlights of the latest commercial leasing cases from around the country.
Movers & Shakers
August 30, 2007
News about lawyers and law firms in the commercial leasing industry.
The Leasing Hotline
August 30, 2007
Highlights of the latest commercial leasing cases from around the country.
Be the Quarterback
August 30, 2007
Last month's installment discussed how a real estate attorney should create a checklist to bring a transaction from concept to fruition. Part Two of this series addresses compliance issues, dissemination of information, and the level of detail of the checklist.
In the Spotlight: Beware of 'Lite' Indemnification
August 30, 2007
Some commercial landlords consider indemnification clauses in leases to constitute mere 'legal boilerplate' that do not merit attention from a business perspective. Some lawyers, feeling pressure to minimize the length of lease documents, may seize upon this clause as an opportunity to save space. As a result, it is not uncommon to encounter abbreviated indemnification clauses. At first glance, the language appears suitable. However, when put to the test, these 'lite' clauses often leave landlords unsatisfied. This article demonstrates the value of 'kicking it up a notch' by including ingredients called for in the recipe but often left out of the mix.
Green Issues in Commercial Office Leases
August 30, 2007
Tenants are beginning to address green issues in leases for many reasons, including reduced operating costs over the term of the lease and increased productivity among employees. In addition to corporate green policies or shareholder green initiatives, cities and localities such as Washington, DC; Montgomery County, MD; and Boston have passed green legislation of various kinds. Other cities such as Kansas City, MO are considering similar legislation. Many public entities such as the state of California and the city of Chicago have required compliance with green standards for their public buildings and offices for some time. The difference today with the new green legislation being passed in Washington, DC; Montgomery County, MD; and Boston is that the private sector both for commercial and residential projects of a certain scale, not just the public sector, will be required to comply with green standards. This will be especially true if a private development is receiving taxpayer funds. It is very likely that lawyers, real estate brokers, contractors, and other real estate professionals may need to address green issues when looking at space options, reviewing a lease, and constructing leasehold improvements ' not only for a client but also for their own office space.
The High Cost of FCPA Violations
August 30, 2007
Earlier this year, Baker Hughes Inc. ascended to the top of an exclusive and prominent list, but it is one on which few companies would want to be mentioned. On April 26, 2007, the Texas-based oil field products and services company announced that it was settling a federal probe alleging that it violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ('FCPA'), and that it would pay fines and penalties in excess of $44 million ' the largest combined punishment under that law. It was truly one for the record books ' at least for the time being.
In the Marketplace
August 30, 2007
Highlights of the latest equipment leasing news from around the country.