POCs and the FDCPA: A License to File
July 02, 2017
Buyers and servicers of “stale,” or time-barred, debt have been watching the bankruptcy and appellate courts closely of late, as court after court has ruled on whether a key component of their recovery strategy — seeking payment related to such time-barred debts by filing proofs of claim in bankruptcy — violates the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA).
Why Associates Leave and How You Can Get Them to Stay
July 02, 2017
When a seemingly happy and successful associate announces the decision to move on, his or her firm can be left feeling shocked and confused. This article provides insight behind these moves, and what law firms can do to make their top associates want to stay.
Easy As FMV: Modern Fair Market Value Renewal Methods
July 02, 2017
This article discusses the competing interests and criteria of landlords and tenants in defining fair market value, explores various mechanisms used for resolving disputes over fair market rental rates, and concludes with proposed language that represents a healthy compromise for both sides.
Public Trust Doctrine Thwarts Willets Point Redevelopment
July 02, 2017
In <i>Matter of Avella v. City of New York,</i> the Court of Appeals enjoined development of a retail mall on what is now Citi Field's parking lot, holding that the development proposal would constitute an impermissible alienation of parkland by the City of New York.
Does the Auxiliary Aids Standard Apply To Websites?
July 01, 2017
<b><i>Gil v. Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc.</b></i><p>After years of demand letters, complaints and settlements, a website accessibility lawsuit under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act finally went to trial. The case is remarkable not just because it is the first of its kind to go to trial, but also because the court's opinion does not consider whether a website owner can employ alternatives other than WCAG 2.0 to make website content "accessible."
Antitrust Corporate Dispositions
July 01, 2017
This article provides critical background on DOJ policy and practice, and highlights some of the steps corporate counsel can take during leniency or plea negotiations to secure non-prosecution protection for the company's employees as part of any antitrust corporate disposition.
Netflix Dooming Need for Foreign Presales Deals
July 01, 2017
Foreign rights presales, which since the 1970s have been used by independent Hollywood producers to raise funds to get their movies shot, are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Credit Netflix for giving them a big shove out the door. So what does that mean for Hollywood's deal lawyers? Bigger rights deals — but fewer of them to go around.
Equipment Lessors and Bankruptcy
July 01, 2017
Much has been written about the risk that a transaction denominated and documented as an equipment "lease" may be recharacterized a security interest. Equipment lessors seem to understand. Interestingly, equipment lessors commonly seem to not understand all of the rights and remedies they have in the absence of recharacterization. So, what's a true equipment lessor to do in the face of the Chapter 11 of its lessee?