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Timely analysis, statutory changes, and practical legal guidance from our team across New York and New Jersey.

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Clear answers to complex legal questions, straight from practicing attorneys. Expert commentary on real estate, corporate litigation, employment law, and cross-border matters.

Recreational Marijuana Use Is Now Legal In New York
New York finally joins several other states in legalizing the adult-use of cannabis.

Women In Law That Changed The Legal Industry
March is Women's History Month ✨ To celebrate, we are highlighting some of law’s leading ladies and the “firsts” that paved the way for women in law.

The Key Document: Title Reports | PropertyShark Feature
When purchasing real property, buyers often hear the term “clear title.” But what does it mean to have a clear title?

How To Get Dual Citizenship In Greece
Here are the requirements for eligibility AND what you need for the registration process.

The New Markets Tax Credit Program – History & 2021 Revival | PropertyShark Feature
Several provisions to revive the real estate industry passed as part of the latest relief bill (the Consolidated Appropriations Act ), including tax incentive programs for investors.

Can You Trademark A Hashtag?
Gianna: So to start off I want to briefly discuss the definition of a trademark. Simply put a trademark is a word, phrase, symbol or design used to distinguish the source of goods.

Second Circuit Decides Two Counterfeiting Cases - Counterfeiting vs. Infringement | Law.com
In their Intellectual Property Litigation column, Eric Alan Stone and Catherine Nyarady discuss 'Tiffany v. Costco,' where the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit provided guidance as to the circumstances that…

What Are The Benefits Of Forming A Company In Cyprus?
Cyprus is a very popular choice for businesses to open Cyprus International Business Companies or IBCs due to its generous tax incentives and membership of the European Union.

What The “Consolidated Appropriations Act – 2021” (CAA) Has In Store For Landlords & Tenants | Featured on PropertyShark
At the end of December, Congress finally passed a new COVID-19 relief bill called the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.”

Employee Retention Tax Credit Extended Under CAA 2021
The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) of 2021, included a second round of PPP loans for businesses, but one thing you may not have caught are the changes to the employee retention tax credit (ERC).

Fresh Kitchen – Fresh Lawyer | Cup of Joe
Recently, during a break in a recorded video-conference, a world-famous lawyer, wrongly believing that he was no longer on-the-air and in private, began touching himself. The other people in the conference saw it.

PPP Round 2: Everything Businesses Need To Know | PN Lawyers
An update from PN Lawyers on the current differences between the Paycheck Protection Programs (PPP and PPP 2), including special provisions for the restaurant and hospitality industry.

The Case of the Chaotic Courtroom | Cup of Joe
Markens Antoine, was 30 years old when he shot a 24-year-old man once in the stomach inside a home in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. It was during a tenant dispute. It was on video.

Paid Sick Leave Law: What Every NY Employer Needs To Know
Governor Cuomo announced that New York employers will need to begin providing their employees with sick leave benefits under the state's paid sick leave law starting January 1, 2021.

The Case of the Purloined Porn Stash | Cup of Joe
Internet porn is free. But still, U.S. adult magazines still outsell most mainstream magazines, and are among the top-selling magazines of any type.

Bike Shop Sues JDS Over Billionaires Row Crane Accident | Featured in Crain's New York Business
A Midtown bike shop is blaming Michael Stern’s JDS Development for $150,000 in losses after an accident at his new development at 111 W. 57th St. resulted in street closures, according to a lawsuit led Tuesday in state…

Excusable Criminal Possession of a Gun | Cup of Joe
Imagine you are being chased down a NYC street by armed pursuers. They want to kill you. You don’t have a gun and you are not licensed to own a gun.

A Look Back at 2020: Major Real Estate Law Updates in NYC | Featured in PropertyShark
As 2020 comes to an end, Pardalis & Nohavicka reflects on a year that left the real estate industry with significant challenges that were met in equal force with creative solutions from industry players, as well as…

The Case of the Fatal Runaway Tire | Cup of Joe
This week, we head over to Hopewell, a small town in Ontario County, New York. The town is home to the New York State Pageant of Steam, where you can see Brad Vosburg plowing with a 65 HP Case Steam Tractor with the…

"Falling ice capades: Extell sued over icicles at Central Park Tower" | Featured on The Real Deal
First, a dying luxury market. Then a pandemic. And now, a dispute over falling icicles.

Legal Reads: "Legal Writing and the Lone Ranger" by Daniel J. Kornstein
This little book (67 pages) is about legal writing. Attorney Kornstein states authoritatively in the beginning of his book, (using the active voice, as he cautions us to do), that: "You are how you write."

An Assault in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn | Cup of Joe
Members of the jury, this defendant cowardly stalked and attacked a defenseless woman and tried to rape her after she entered the lobby of her Myrtle Avenue apartment building, before running off with her cell phone and…

Subleasing Commercial Properties in New York | Featured in PropertyShark
Midtown has notoriously been the center hub for office space in Manhattan — until now.

Suing For A False Criminal Complaint Filed Against You | Cup of Joe
One way, is to go to the police station and file a complaint against someone. You sign a form that says that everything in the complaint is true; and, if the facts add up to a crime, the police will be knocking on…

5 Things You Won't Learn In Law School
According to PN Lawyers A great attorney does not only obtain great results, he is always available to his clients to address their concerns. Israel Klein, Esq. Law school gives you a strong theoretical foundation, the…

New York Postpones New Jury Trials This Week
As of Monday, New York has put a pause on all new jury trials in an effort to respond to the increase of COVID-19 cases throughout the state.

Bus Driver Gets Cooked By MTA For Altercation With A Rider | Cup of Joe
Thanksgiving is around the corner: Family, Friends and Food. Yes!

"Where do the pro-athletes fit in? Sports Betting USA keynote will lift the lid on the emerging dynamic between sporting super stars and betting brands" | Cited in CalvinAyre News
Dan Tyler, Senior Conference Producer at SBUSA organiser Clarion Gaming, said the conversations taking place around name and image rights in relation to sports betting, are at a very early stage and the potential to…

"I Hired An Ax Lawyer" | Cup of Joe
John A. Clifford, 68, of Long Beach, an attorney, was arrested on March 29 and charged with menacing with a weapon, criminal possession with a weapon with intent to use and child endangerment.

Understanding NYC Buyout Agreements | Featured in PropertyShark
It’s safe to say that, in New York, tenant’s rights and landlord’s rights have shifted and adjusted drastically recently with the rent regulation laws that passed last year, and now especially, with the moratoriums and…

NYPD Officer Arrested For Spying On The U.S. As An Agent For China | Cup of Joe
This week’s Cup of Joe comes out of the Bayside area of Queens, where President Trump used to get his favorite burger at Jackson Hole.

A Cop-Killer Faces A Parole Board | Cup of Joe
This week’s Cup of Joe will not take place in a courtroom; it will take place in a Parole Board Hearing room in New York City.

FINRA INVESTIGATIONS 101 What They Are & What To Do If You Are Targeted | The Business Law Insider
For a licensed financial broker, the significance of receiving a Rule 8210 request from the Financial Regulatory Authority’s (FINRA) Department of Enforcement cannot be overstated.

Man Sues NYPD for $10 Million, Claims He Was Handcuffed to Hospital Bed After Car Accident | Featured on News12 The Bronx
https://youtu.be/Tou78pyi71EA City Island man is suing the NYPD for $10 million over claims officers handcuffed him to a hospital bed after he was injured in a car accident.

Taking Down a Pride Flag Illegal or Protected Expression? | Cup of Joe
This week we head up to Watertown, New York, up in Jefferson County. It’s about 70 miles north of Syracuse and 325 miles north from Manhattan.

NYPD Cuffed Man to Hospital Bed After Car Wreck Over Unpaid Tickets | Featured in NY Post
A Bronx man is suing the NYPD for $10 million, claiming New York’s Finest handcuffed him to a hospital bed for a week over unpaid parking tickets.

Proposed Tax Law Amendment in California Could Greatly Affect Commercial & Industrial Properties | Featured on PropertyShark
Since 1978, California has used the Proposition 13 tax system. Under the current property tax system, all property types, — whether residential, commercial or industrial — are initially taxed at a maximum rate of 1% of…

When Lawyers Break Bad | Cup of Joe
The quote above was a statement made on the record by Peter Bertling, Esq., to his opposing counsel during a deposition.

"White House Should Name Hispanic Nominee to U.S. Court" | New York Times 1991
The only Hispanic candidate for a Federal judgeship in New York, Justice John Carro of the New York State Supreme Court, withdrew from consideration Jan. 25.

Prevailing Wage Updates Construction Employers Need To Know | New York’s Wage Theft Prevention Act (WTPA)
If your company performs “prevailing wage” work, you now have additional obligations under New York’s Wage Theft Prevention Act (WTPA), which was amended by Governor Cuomo’s signing of the 2020-2021 state budget.

Moratorium On Covid Related Evictions Extended To January 1st
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that the State's Tenant Safe Harbor Act will be extended until January 1, 2021 .

“Run, Kids...Here Comes the Judge!” | Cup of Joe
Can a Judge order a parent to punish children who refuse to obey court-ordered visitation with the other parent?

Expert Legal Tips for Homebuying and Selling | Featured on Redfin
Buying and selling a home is a long, complicated process. From the seemingly endless sea of papers requiring your John Hancock, to the mental and emotional stress of parting with an old house or greeting a new one, any…

NYC Makes Outdoor Dining Permanent and Year-Round
Back in July, the city announced an outdoor dining program that was aimed to help restaurants stay afloat despite challenges from COVID-19 restrictions.

NYC’s Personal Guaranty Suspension Expiring This September | Featured on PropertyShark
The past seven months have not been easy for business owners. New York, in particular, has been hit hard with the effects of COVID-19, which has upended the way people shop, eat and do business, to name a few.

Woman Dies After Running Alongside Boyfriend's Moving Car | Cup of Joe
Anyone can come up with a random reason to run over their significant other with a car. But, you’re not supposed to actually do it, right?

Paid Surrogacy Arrangements Are Now Permitted In NY Under "Child-Parent Security Act of 2020"
New York law had criminalized surrogacy arrangements where a woman is paid for carrying a child.

A Divorce By Other Means | Cup of Joe
A dentist and a physician meet, get married, and have a child. Then they file for divorce.

How Hotels Are Keeping Up With COVID-19 | Featured on PropertyShark
COVID-19 continues to leave the hospitality industry stranded; and hotels, in particular, have felt the impact dramatically. In fact, many hotels in New York City are closing down permanently.

NYC Indoor Dining To Re-Open This Month
Indoor dining in the city will be allowed starting Sept. 30 and restaurants will have to operate at 25% capacity, Cuomo said.

Front Page Of The American Lawyer: Mix of Big, Boutique Firms Among Kanye2020's $400k Legal Spend
Viewed by many as a vanity campaign, Democrats and Republicans are taking it seriously for different reasons.

Bicycle vs. Car Door in MMA Drama Series 'Kingdom' | Cup of Joe
There is a series that is being aired by Netflix, called Kingdom, that is making a lot of noise. This is what it's about:

"Media’s Real Estate Reckoning" Featured on Women's Wear Daily
As the coronavirus pummels ad revenues, real estate is the latest cost under review by media companies.

Jewelry Designer Gains Back Its Half A Million Dollars Worth Of Merchandise After Neiman Marcus Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Large retailers such as Macy's or Bloomingdales, obtain their inventory on consignment.

Prosecutor of Murder Trial Plays Sons of Anarchy Clips for Jury | Cup of Joe
This week, we head over to Steuben County, located in the western lands of the Southern Tier, about a 4½-hour drive northwest from Manhattan, and just under a 2-hour drive southwest from Syracuse.

DC Files Trademark For New Batman Logo
Fans got a first glimpse of Matt Reeves' The Batman , during the comic book convention, DC FanDome.

Can You Trademark A Catchphrase? Kris Jenner, Taylor Swift, and Disney Have.
Kris Jenner just filed a trademark to cash in on her coined phrase “you’re doing amazing sweetie.” But, Jenner isn’t the first celebrity to try trademarking a catchphrase.

What Is Constructive Possession? | Cup of Joe with Soul
Driving up through New York’s Southern Tier during the last week of August on the way up to Syracuse, with the GW Bridge 175 miles behind you, you really get the sense that “The Empire State” was perfectly nicknamed by…

NY Forward Safety Plan Required For All Businesses
Each business or entity must develop a written Safety Plan outlining how its workplace will prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Moratorium on Commercial Evictions Extended Until Sept. 20th
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo just signed an executive order extending the state's moratorium on COVID-related commercial evictions and foreclosures an additional month, until September 20th .

New York State Passes Housing Discrimination Bill, Giving Authority to Revoke Brokers’ Licenses | Featured on PropertyShark
The bill, which was signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo on August 3, aims to help end discriminatory real estate practices that have significantly affected minority purchasers.

How To Look Out For Business Email Scams & Fraud
Predators often hunt freely and undetected in the net for long periods of time—sometimes more than a year —until they can put the con into action based on the information they have collected.

Science Experiment Explosion Severely Burns Student | Cup of Joe
This is a really heart-breaking and disturbing case. It is a story about a young boy, 16, who is horrifically injured in when a science class experiment goes horribly wrong.

Sexual Harassment Policies & Training Are Essential For All Businesses
As of October 9, 2019, all employers must conduct interactive sexual harassment prevention training with all current employees.

What You Need To Know About Traveling To Greece in 2020
Upon completing the form, travelers will receive an email confirmation.

Beating The Bus Fare Beaters In NYC | Cup of Joe
According to recent statistics released by the MTA, one in five bus riders in New York City does not pay the fare.

The Case of the Lewd Subway Rider | Cup of Joe
What if you were riding on the subway one morning, eyes locked into your iPhone playing pool or browsing through Instagram, when you are rocked by a passenger sitting across from you who starts screaming, and your heart…

What You Need To Know About Bankruptcy Chapter 7, 11, & 13
Depending on your particular financial situation, needs and goals, we can file a Chapter 7, Chapter 11 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy on your behalf.

An Inside Look at Commercial Leasing Trends & Legal Analysis | Featured on PropertyShark
The commercial real estate industry is facing uncertain times ahead in a post-COVID world, and industry professionals are wondering what’s next and how they can prepare for a new normal.

Lydia Vradi & Eleni Melekou On Air With COSMOS FM 91.5 NY
Tune in every other week to hear Eleni & Lydia chat with COSMOS FM 91.5 about ongoing changes in the legal industry affecting both Greek & US citizens.

MLB Umpire Sues Former Player For Defamation | Cup of Joe w/ Soul
This week's case study will be served by New York Law School student, Soultana Toskos — PN contributing writer!

Buyers Face Seller’s Market on Long Island, Experts Say | Featured In Long Island Press
An increase in home buyers shopping for properties on Long Island and limited supply in the region has turned the climate into a seller’s market, local real estate experts say.

What Is A Traverse Hearing?
Your bank account was frozen. You find out you got sued but you never even received any kind of notice. You now have to file a motion in court explaining that you were never served with papers.

Relocation Of Joint Custody Child To Another State | Cup of Joe
Justice Dollinger was tasked to grapple with the complex issues of a relocation battle between a loving mother -- who raised a child in New York for a dozen years, and faced with the possibility that he would have to…

PN Successfully Defends Bakery Against Charge of Discrimination at City Commission on Human Rights | Day In The Life
A bakery in Astoria hired a Tony as a dishwasher in 1997. He had no experience as a baker at the time and was taught by the owner and the skilled staff how to create Italian desserts.

Student Ensnared In Online Dating Sex Trap | Cup of Joe
40 million Americans use dating apps to find a relationship. But not everyone online is looking for romance -- 10% of sex offenders use dating sites; 1 in 10 users on free dating apps are scammers; sexual assaults…

Rent Freeze & Regulations in NYC | Featured in PropertyShark
The real estate industry has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. And, as New York City slowly begins reopening in phases, landlords and tenants alike are entering an uncertain time.

Violation of the Assignment-In-Gross Rule for Trademarks
A recent case that addressed rights in the trademark reign provides a cautionary tale of the consequence of the failure to assign a trademark with its goodwill.

NY Judge Orders Officials Cannot Restrict Religious Gatherings
A federal judge blocked New York State officials from enforcing limitations on religious gatherings provided that participants follow social distancing requirements as set forth in the applicable executive orders and…

Understanding What The Recent Supreme Court Case on LGBTQ Rights Really Means | Cup of Joe
Dead smack-in-the middle of a pandemic/pan-protest/pan-economic crisis, the Supreme Court of the United States handed down a ruling addressing the civil rights of LGBTQ Americans.

Reggae Star Nardo Ranks Sues HoodCelebrityy for Copyright Infringement | Featured in New York Post
Reggae star Nardo Ranks is beefing with Jamaican dancehall artist HoodCelebrityy over allegedly stolen lyrics.

C Edward Good's "Grammar Book for You And I (Oops Me)" | Legal Reads
Last month, I participated in a workshop on patents and one of the segments involved a course on legal writing.

Legal Assistance Available for Greek & US Citizens | PN x Greek Consulate
Together with the Greek Consulate General in New York, we can assist with legal matters such as: Real Estate: Sales and purchases of properties in Greece Deed transfers in Greece Citizenship: Assistance with…

Can You Use Hearsay To Prove Your Case? | Cup of Joe w/ Soul
Our case study will be presented by New York Law student, Soultana Toskos . Soul was our firm’s office manager until one day she decided that the law was her path.

Richard Gabriel's "Acquittal" | Legal Reads
Have you ever wondered what strategies defense attorneys use to amplify the chances their clients are acquitted? Well if you have, look no further than to our next legal read recommendation: Acquittal by Richard Gabriel.

LGBTQ Employees Protected From Discrimination Under Federal Law | Legal Update
Today, in a landmark case, the U.S. Supreme Court stated that the 1964 Civil Rights Act barring sex discrimination in the workplace also protects LGBTQ employees from being fired because of their sexual orientation.

Getting Pulled Over By A Citizen Who Looks Like a Cop | Cup Of Joe
There was an odd EMS technician who lived in Throgs Neck, a neighborhood in the Bronx. His name is Jeff. Jeff drove a minivan that had a magnetic emergency roof light on top.

"Mindhunter" Quiz Reveal | Legal Reads
I’ve given this quiz a number of times, to a great number of people. The point of it is not whether you get the right answer, but the importance is how you came to the conclusion.

How COVID-19 Is Affecting Commercial Landlords & Tenants | Featured on PropertyShark
New York state has halted all residential and commercial evictions until August 20.

Lawyers Arrested For Firebombing Police Car During Brooklyn Protest | Cup of Joe
In the movie American Beauty, there is a scene at the end where Kevin Spacey’s character is staring at the camera with unblinking eyes, face on the ground, not moving having just been murdered.

Constitutional Rights During COVID & Nationwide Protests | On Air with COSMOS FM
This Saturday, partner Taso Pardalis, went on air with Cosmos FM – 91.5 NY Hellenic Public Radio to discuss constitutional rights during this time of COVID-19, nationwide protests, and curfews.

John Grisham's "A Time To Kill" | Legal Reads
My recommended read today is A Time To Kill by John Grisham.

Outdoor Dining in NYC To Re-Open As Early As July
According to Mayor Bill de Blasio, NYC restaurant owners may get the green light to begin re-opening outdoor dining as early as July.

Aide Sues School & Autistic Student for Injury | Cup of Joe
About 1 in 54 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to estimates from the CDC. Autism occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.

Landlord Rights Limited By Commercial Lease Changes Under COVID
Last week, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the City Council’s Personal Liability Bill, which prohibits commercial landlords from enforcing personal guarantees on defaults that arose from March 7, 2020 to…

Being A Criminal Defense Lawyer In Puerto Rico | Day In The Life
Originally from Puerto Rico, Carla became a criminal defense lawyer there and continues to advocate for her clients back home while based in our offices in NYC.

$2.5 Million Judgment Vacated & Banks Accounts Unfrozen | Day In The Life
Our client gets sued for a matter that he believes he should not have even been involved in to begin with. So, for months he ignores the papers and orders that come to his house.

Updated Guidance on SBA Loan Forgiveness
The SBA has just issued an important interim final rule that supplements the previously posted interim final rules to assist borrowers to prepare and submit loan forgiveness applications.

What Can You Do About Property Encroachments?
There were two families in Queens that lived next door to each other and were very friendly. They would often visit each other’s homes for dinner, coffee, and movies.

1031 Exchanges Under COVID-19 | Featured on PropertyShark
In short, a 1031 exchange — also known as a like-kind exchange — is a process that allows a seller to defer paying capital gains tax on a sale.

