New York Law Journal - This Week's News

Wednesday Newspaper

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 01:00:59 EST

]]>Click on the selected section to open the New York Law Journal in PDF format.

Judge Dismisses Patent Suit Against Amex Over Loyalty Rewards Programs

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 17:35:10 EST

]]>The July 6 ruling granted a motion by Amex, represented by ArentFox Schiff, finding that Loyal-T Systems, represented by Troutman Pepper Locke, still failed to plausibly allege infringement after an...

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Olympic Sports 'Apex' Institutions Forced to Trial as Local Club Escapes NY Child Victims Act Claim

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:45:43 EST

]]>The federal trial court in Syracuse drew a sharp legal line between regional non-profits and apex national governing bodies, keeping the standard of care strictly tied to physical custody.

Grammy-winning Producer Sues Sony Music for $18M, Alleging Underreported and Unpaid Royalties

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:36:25 EST

]]>The July 6 complaint, filed in the Southern District of New York by Brown & Rosen, asserts breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

US Appeals Court Rejects $310M Suit Against Hedge Fund Over Bed Bath & Beyond Stock Trades

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:04:54 EST

]]>The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled that the contractual "blockers" meant to stop a hedge fund from becoming a corporate insider in Bed Bath & Beyond were viable.

Mental Health Diversion Court Launched in Upstate New York

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:33:59 EST

]]>Under the framework establishing the court, prosecutors and defense counsel will jointly screen candidates for intensive, court monitored mental health treatment plans.

Am Law 200 Law Firms Hit With Surge of Suits, Law.com Radar Shows

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:43:29 EST

]]>More than 50 lawsuits against major law firms surfaced last month, part of a pattern in litigation.

Landlord-Tenant Rulings Address Post-Fire Repairs and Good Cause Notice Error: This Week in Scott Mollen's Realty Law Digest

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:33:15 EST

]]>Scott Mollen discusses two landlord-tenant decisions: ‘Lopez v. Evergreen Terrace LLC,' where the court said a landlord still had to repair a fire-damaged rent-stabilized building despite...

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So Your AI Agent Sent Stablecoin to an Iranian Wallet: Are You Liable for Violating U.S. Sanctions?

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:31:10 EST

]]>"This article analyzes sanctions-related risks that arise in agentic AI transactions involving digital assets and provides guidance on measures that market participants can adopt to reduce their...

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Announcing the New York Legal Awards Shortlist for 2026

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:58:02 EST

]]>Law.com and New York Law Journal editorial staff recognize the winners and finalists for the New York Legal Awards 2026. We'll reveal the winners in categories with finalists during the awards dinner...

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Revisiting the 'Specialty' Doctrine of Property Tax Valuation

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 10:24:49 EST

]]>In New York, a property's classification as “specialty depends on its ongoing function, not just active use. Even if inactive, if it still performs its original purpose, it can be valued using...

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Trends in Litigation, Part 3: Oral Modifications of Written Agreements

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>Adrienne Koch discusses how recent New York cases show that even contracts barring oral modifications can still create enforceable obligations.

Are New York Employers Ready for Retirement Savings Programs?

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 08:59:59 EST

]]>An overview of new retirement plan obligations employers will face following New York State's implementation of the Secure Choice Savings Program, and the strategic decision between participating in...

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The Supreme Court's Decision in 'Hikma v. Amarin' and What it May Mean for Patent Enforcement Strategy

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 07:34:59 EST

]]>The Supreme Court ruling in Hikma v. Amarin clarifies that inducement requires clear, active encouragement, not just vague or passive statements. This makes it harder for patent holders to prove...

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Tuesday Newspaper

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 01:00:59 EST

]]>Click on the selected day/section to open the New York Law Journal in PDF format.

Amazon Beats Disability Bias Claims, Retaliation Allegations Survive in Worker Leave Suit

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:17:02 EST

]]>A Better Balance, a worker advocacy organization, along with New York employment law firm Vladeck, Raskin & Clark, filed the suit in November 2025 on behalf of Cayla Lyster, an hourly Amazon...

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Delayed WilmerHale Report on NY Prisons Uncovers Widespread Solitary Confinement Violations, Pervasive 'Blue Wall'

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 17:33:47 EST

]]>The findings are already mobilizing lawmakers to pursue permanent, enforceable statutory mandates in upcoming sessions.

A&O Shearman Prepares to Post 'Material' Profit Growth Amid Era of 'Unprecedented' Partner Mobility

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 17:11:30 EST

]]>According to U.S. firm head Adam Hakki, the firm is focusing more on “quality of revenue.

Mamdani's New Budget Allocates Over $40M to Disclosure of Post-9/11 Air Quality Records

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 16:26:02 EST

]]>The supposed win for transparency, however, was not universally accepted by 9/11 survivor advocacy groups.

Marc Kasowitz Faces Malpractice Suit Over Columbia Antisemitism Settlement

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 14:14:30 EST

]]>A representative for the Kasowitz firm said the malpractice complaint misrepresents the facts of the situation and downplays the benefits of the Columbia deal.

Post 'Heppner' Developments

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 10:18:12 EST

]]>Courts have ruled that AI communications by defendants are generally not privileged unless created at counsel's direction. Recent cases emphasize protecting privacy and work product, but also...

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Expert Witnesses in the Commercial Division: Strict Disclosure, Proven Foundation, and Policed Boundaries

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 09:57:12 EST

]]>In Commercial Division cases, expert witnesses must promptly disclose opinions, stay within their expertise, and base opinions on record evidence. Strict deadlines and rules like Rule 13(c) prevent...

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A Federal Judge's Powerful Defense of Freedom of Speech

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 07:54:02 EST

]]>Bennett Gershman shares his thoughts on Federal District Judge Cathy Seibel's ruling protecting free speech and academic freedom at West Point.

Developments in Recovering Property Seized During the Holocaust

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 07:36:32 EST

]]>Lee Spielmann outlines the latest developments in the effort to recover property taken during the Holocaust with a focus on the ‘Csepel v. Republic of Hungary' case and the enactment of the...

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Monday Newspaper

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 01:00:59 EST

]]>Click on the selected day/section to open the New York Law Journal in PDF format.

NY Appellate Court Upholds 'Convenience Rule' for Remote Work

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 17:37:14 EST

]]>The Albany-based Third Department held that pandemic-driven remote work fails the "employer necessity" test, leaving thousands of multi-state commuters on the hook for New York taxation. It was the...

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Kirkland and Wachtell Lead First Half M&A Tables, Amid 50% Leap in Worldwide Deal Activity

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 16:45:19 EST

]]>Several firms made major leaps, or falls, in the global M&A rankings for the first half of 2026.

'By Any Measure, This Lawsuit Stands Apart': Judge Awards $35M Attorney Fees in Taxi Settlement

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:09:55 EST

]]>A federal judge approved a $35 million attorney fee award—25% of a $140 million settlement—stemming from a long-running class action challenging the Taxi and Limousine Commission's...

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Banks, Private Credit Providers and Lenders: Beware of Fraud Warning Signs in Due Diligence and Borrower Evaluation

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 10:18:21 EST

]]>The authors recently participated in a panel discussion addressing fraud risks in private credit and asset-based lending at the Haynes Boone 2026 Finance Symposium in Charlotte, NC, where they...

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‘Bestwall' and ‘Multi-Color': Evolving Case Law on Good Faith and Venue

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:26:59 EST

]]>An analysis of the recent decisions in Bestwall and Multi-Color which offer important guidance on good faith requirements and proper venue, and provide practical guidance and insight into how courts...

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Citizen's Prey: Why Families Deserve Better After Loss

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 08:59:59 EST

]]>A personal account and advocacy piece by Sarah Standifird, who shares her experience of losing her son in a preventable distracted driving crash and highlights the emotional and systemic challenges...

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Judge's Use of Divorce Mediator Requires 2-Year Recusal From Mediator's Cases, Subject to Remittal: Judicial Ethics Opinion 25-200

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 03:59:59 EST

]]>Where a judge and his/her spouse retain a mediator to prepare the papers for their uncontested divorce, the judge is disqualified, subject to remittal, in all matters where the mediator appears,...

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Thursday Newspaper

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 01:00:59 EST

]]>Click on the selected day/section to open the New York Law Journal in PDF format.

Reed Smith Accused of Malicious Prosecution After Brooklyn Indictment Against Opposing Attorney Falls Short

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 17:04:35 EST

]]>Plaintiff Tyrone Blackburn is best known for representing Terrance Dixon, the former hype man for Fat Joe, in a dispute with the rapper. His 62-page complaint landed just days after a Brooklyn grand...

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Saul Ewing Brings Aboard Bankruptcy Partner in NYC, Government Contracts Partner in DC

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 16:35:28 EST

]]>Former Barclay Damon attorney Scott Fleischer will help bring about some new creditor-side bankruptcy work for the firm in New York City while Sandeep Kathuria, from Ice Miller, will offer his...

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'The 51% Blindfold': Litigators Prep for Battle Over Telling Juries About New Fault Caps

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 16:12:12 EST

]]>New York's new 51% modified comparative fault threshold is triggering sharp debates over jury instructions, while the personal injury bar warns of tactical claim delays.

‘Reluctantly' Creating Split, US Appeals Court Upholds New York's Gas Appliance Ban

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:13:34 EST

]]>A New York-based federal appellate panel unanimously held that the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act does not preempt New York State's and New York City's bans on gas appliances in new...

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Carroll Seeks Release of $5M Judgment After SCOTUS Rejects Trump Appeal

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:52:00 EST

]]>E. Jean Carroll's attorneys argued Donald Trump is attempting to delay payment despite a prior stipulation.

Goldman Sachs Names Acting Legal Chief Upon Ruemmler's Epstein-Inspired Exit

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:37:24 EST

]]>Michael Bosworth joined Goldman Sachs in 2022 as a partner and deputy general counsel.

When Activist Short Selling Becomes Market Manipulation

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:59:42 EST

]]>The recent criminal conviction of Citron Research's Andrew Left has put activist short sellers on notice. Publishing bearish research while holding short positions is constitutionally...

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NY Court Awards Newsweek Nearly $11M, Ending Lengthy Litigation Saga With Former Owner IBT Media

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:06:07 EST

]]>The Appellate Division, First Department awarded full damages and statutory prejudgment interest after finding that Newsweek paid millions in payroll tax obligations on IBT Media's behalf.

The Tennessee AI Sanctions Case Isn't Really About AI

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:34:49 EST

]]>Michael Epstein argues that the Tennessee AI sanctions case and New York's new AI rule are less about artificial intelligence than about the enduring duty of lawyers to verify, stand behind and take...

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The Status of the Child in a Custody Case

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 06:59:59 EST

]]>In custody and visitation cases, the child's best interests are the main focus, with legal standing generally limited to parents and attorneys appointed to represent the child. The child does not...

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Latham Recruits Skadden Exec Comp Co-Head Amid Practice Hiring Surge

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 05:59:59 EST

]]>Erica Schohn is the third partner addition in Latham's executive compensation, employment & benefits practice over the last six weeks.

Up, Down or Holding Steady: How Second Hundred NY Law Firms Fared

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 04:59:59 EST

]]>New York-founded firms in the Am Law 200's Second Hundred overall saw revenue growth in 2025, but there were outliers in both directions.

Part-Time Judges May Allow Their Law Partners and Associates to Practice Before Other Judges in Centralized Arraignment Parts: Judicial Ethics Opinion 25-199

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 03:59:59 EST

]]>A part-time judge may permit his/her law partners and associates to practice law in the county's centralized arraignment part before other judges. If it becomes necessary to revisit any aspect of the...

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Hochul Names Parker-Raso, Elevates Mendez to First Department Bench

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 17:49:28 EST

]]>“Justice Matthew Parker-Raso's historic appointment to the First Department and Justice Manuel Mendez's elevation strengthen New York's appellate court," the Democratic governor said in a news...

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Federal Judge Orders US Transportation Dept. to End Suspension of Funds for $16B Gateway Rail Project

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 17:45:19 EST

]]>“Defendants do not dispute that the suspension of federal grants flagrantly violates federal law, said District Judge Jeannette Vargas.

Suffolk County DA Ray Tierney Assumes DAASNY Presidency Amid Legislative, AI Challenges

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 15:14:39 EST

]]>At its annual summer conference, state prosecutors appoint a new leadership team and target criminal discovery laws and artificial intelligence protocols.

When Models Are so Capable They Can't Be Released

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 15:11:20 EST

]]>The White House introduced orders to oversee powerful AI models like Anthropic's Mythos, which posed cybersecurity risks. Anthropic limited access due to security fears, and government actions...

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White & Case, IT Worker End Lawsuit Over Naked Photos

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 15:07:19 EST

]]>An anonymous IT worker who sued the firm after he was allegedly photographed while naked and unconscious at a firm retreat has agreed to drop his lawsuit against White & Case.

Escrow Dispute; Bais Din Award: This Week in Scott Mollen's Realty Law Digest

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:33:26 EST

]]>In this week's Realty Law Digest, Scott Mollen discusses ‘22 Tomahawk Drive LLC v. Hiser-Chason,' involving a disputed escrow deposit after a minor delay in obtaining a certificate of...

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Mamdani Agrees to Settle Housing Voucher Litigation in Budget Deal

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 13:57:23 EST

]]>New York City officials on Tuesday reached a settlement resolving years of litigation over the CityFHEPS rental assistance program, with the administration agreeing to drop its appeal and fund an...

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Atrazine Lawsuits May Test the Limits of Regulatory Compliance Defenses

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:44 EST

]]>Atrazine, a widely used herbicide in the U.S., was recently classified as “probably carcinogenic by the WHO's IARC, potentially fueling new lawsuits. This raises legal questions about how...

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Might There Be a Broader Message in the 'Bolton' Plea Deal?

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:39:36 EST

]]>The article examines how federal plea agreements often lack certainty because judges have final say on sentencing after reviewing reports, which leads to unpredictable outcomes. While procedures like...

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The New Procedural Frontier of Co-op Admissions

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 10:32:52 EST

]]>Matthew Eiben analyzes how two recent New York City laws impose new procedural and substantive limits on co-op admissions while leaving the Business Judgment Rule largely intact, although newly...

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Leaving

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 10:13:26 EST

]]>David Saxe reflects on his personal journey toward leaving the bench along with the challenges faced by New York State judges as they approach mandatory retirement age.

Anti-Surveillance Pricing Trend Picks Up Steam in New York

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:56:36 EST

]]>New York's legislature recently passed a bill that would ban so-called surveillance pricing, in which retailers adjust prices offered to consumers based on personal data like location, household...

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When Bankruptcy Courts Give Deference to Matrimonial Proceedings

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:59:59 EST

]]>Noah Weingarten and Anita Rojas Carroll discuss a recent bankruptcy case out of the Southern District of New York emphasizes the analysis the bankruptcy courts apply in deciding whether to issue a...

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Court Attorney-Referees May Not Allow Their Images to Be Used in Commercial Social Media: Judicial Ethics Opinion 25-196

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 03:59:59 EST

]]>A court attorney-referee may not allow a professional photographer to use the referee's photograph in a video shown on the photographer's professional social media.

Exiled Chinese Billionaire Sentenced to 30 Years in Fraud Scheme

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 20:01:04 EST

]]>A Manhattan federal judge on Monday sentenced self-exiled Chinese businessman Guo Wengui to 30 years in prison for orchestrating a massive fraud that bilked online followers out of more than $1...

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Clifford Chance Sued by 2 Former Partners Over Compensation Clawbacks

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 18:48:10 EST

]]>Former equity partners Clifford Cone and Michael Sabin departed the firm for Sidley Austin this past January and are asked to repay a combined $5.8 million.

Judge Orders US Justice Department to Spell Out Reasons for Adani Dismissal

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 18:22:47 EST

]]>A judge scrutinizing the DOJ's decision to drop a case is rare and brings the matter into largely uncharted waters, lawyers say.

New York AG, Amazon Labor Union Condemn 'Unprecedented Presidential Influence' Over Labor Board

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 18:01:32 EST

]]>In a surprise offensive, New York state officials and representatives of Amazon's work force are arguing that White House control of the National Labor Relations Board is destroying federal labor...

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'At Most an Error of Law': Second Department Rejects Challenge to Discovery Sanction

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 17:08:17 EST

]]>Westchester prosecutors filed an Article 78 petition asking the court to prohibit a New Rochelle City Court judge's order that prevented the arresting officer's evidence and testimony from the...

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Kirkland Lures Antitrust Boutique Founder in 2-Partner Move

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:56:14 EST

]]>Harkrider was a founding partner at Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider. Minerva has been at the boutique since March 2020.

Deal Watch: Cravath, Latham, Sidley, S&C Lead the Latest Deals; Also, Dealmakers Eye Second-Half M&A Concerns

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:29:50 EST

]]>Big deals continue to be plentiful. But can the deal market withstand cracks in consumer confidence?

Reed Smith Teams Up With Cornell University to Train Partners on AI

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:04:11 EST

]]>The Reed Smith AI Leadership Program, led by Cornell faculty, will address how the firm's partners can bolster AI-related management strategy.

After SEC's U-Turn, Supreme Court Refuses to Review Agency's 'Gag Rule' for Defendants That Settle

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:32:03 EST

]]>The justices denied the petition for certiorari on Monday without any legal explanation, as is customary for decisions issued through its order list. The denial comes after the SEC voted to rescind...

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Supreme Court Declines to Review Trump's Appeal of $5 Million E. Jean Carroll Verdict

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:51:47 EST

]]>The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Donald Trump's appeal of a jury verdict finding him liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll, leaving intact a $5 million judgment against him....

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When In Doubt, Always Authenticate!

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:59:59 EST

]]>A go-to guide for practitioners on how to properly authenticate evidence submitted with summary judgment motions.

Taxation With Representation

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:22:22 EST

]]>The author (humorously) examines tax issues around catching a record-breaking baseball, like whether it's taxable income or a gift. The article notes that courts and the IRS often treat such balls as...

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Drawing the Line Between AI and the Law

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:09:16 EST

]]>The article explains that attorney-client privilege is designed to encourage open communication with lawyers, but courts are increasingly finding that AI chatbot prompts and responses are...

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Abstaining From Declaratory Judgment Claims: 'Wolff v. Trump'

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:51:25 EST

]]>In Wolff v. Trump, the court ruled that the Declaratory Judgment Act is not for preemptive strikes or avoiding normal litigation. Wolff's purely declaratory case was dismissed as an improper attempt...

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