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Development
Use Variance Not Necessary for Use of Home As AirBnB Rental Merger of Back-to-Back Lots
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State High Court Preserves Lenders' Tort Claims Against Debtors' Insiders
A lender's state law tort claims against "non-debtor third-parties for tortious interference with a contract" were "not preempted" by "federal bankruptcy law," held the New York Court of Appeals.
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COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE: Powering Nonprofits With Research
In a time when many of us are searching for ways to help support others, could we use our research super powers to support nonprofit organizations in their philanthropic work? I think Yes!
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Looking Ahead to Avoid Spoliation Sanctions
A recent Federal Circuit decision denying a petition for a writ of mandamus should serve as a cautionary tale and reminder for corporate entities regarding the critical importance of preserving documentary evidence in a timely and appropriate manner.
Features

Late Year Collections Could Make or Break 2020 Profitability
Success in 2020 is likely to come down to who your clients are. If they were hit hard by the pandemic that will trickle down to their vendors, including law firms. But for others, the top line could come out nearly unscathed.
Features

Extra-Judicial Evictions of Commercial Tenants During COVID-19
This article addresses and updates the law on the self-help remedy that enables commercial landlords to regain possession of leased premises from tenants in material breach of one or more lease covenants.
Features

MARKETING TECH: Leveraging Data to Drive Innovation in A Post-Pandemic (We Hope) World
With a new year and fresh outlook for the future, the time is ripe for legal technologists and innovators to take the delivery of legal services and client experience to the next level. One key is recognizing that successful innovation — be it turning best practices into standard operating procedures, or reinventing the law firm business model altogether — is equal parts mindset, method and message.
Features

Is Accountant Malpractice Compensation Taxable?
If a taxpayer suffers a loss by reason of errors made by a tax advisor, and the tax advisor makes a payment to compensate the taxpayer for the loss. May the payment be excluded from the taxpayer's income subject to tax?
Columns & Departments
Real Property Law
Stranger to the Deed Rule Does Not Bar Easement Claim Misconduct By Mortgagor's Lawyer Voids Foreclosure Sale Permissive Exclusive Use of Common Driveway Does Not Extinguish Easement Bidder At Tax Foreclosure Sale Forfeits Deposit Upon Default
Features

USPTO Sets Precedent on Collective Patent Defense Groups with RPX Ruling
It took two years and a last-minute substitution of judges for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to rule that RPX Corp. was too close to a dues-paying member to bring a patent validity challenge.
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