Internet Communications Pose New Liability Issues
Law firms, which are as much a part of the e-commerce world as any enterprise they advise, are more often offering clients protected access to their personal case information over the Internet. <br>Clients expect their attorneys to use the most modern communications technologies, including the Internet. Using the Internet, through the firm's Web site, to communicate with clients and other attorneys can be fast, efficient and cost-effective. Providing confidential information over the Internet, however, can increase legal liability for the law firm. As of now, courts and bar associations provide little guidance for lawyers facing these new ethical and legal issues.
Real Property Law
Survivorship Interest Not Terminated By Unilateral Conveyance Hardin v. Rubin NYLJ 7/28/04, p. 20, col. 1 Supreme Ct., Kings Cty (Jacobson, J.) In an action by the daughter of the original owner's deceased son to establish that she owns a 50% interest in the subject parcel, the transferee from the original owner's daughter moved to dismiss the complaint. The court granted the transferee's motion, holding that the son's conveyance to himself did not terminate the daughter's survivorship interest. …
Index
A list of everything contained in this issue.
The Powerful Impact of The Non-Foreclosure Notice of Pendency
RPAPL ' 1331 and RPAPL ' 1403 Notices of Pendency are requisite elements for foreclosing a mortgage. <i>See, Chiarelli v. Kotsifos</i>, 5 A.D.3d 345 (a notice of pendency is a prerequisite to obtaining a judgment in a mortgage foreclosure action); <i>Campbell v. Smith</i>, 309 A.D.2d 581, 582 (a notice of pendency is required in a foreclosure action under RPAPL Article 13). In contrast, an ex parte CPLR Article 65 Notice of Pendency (the "Notice") is not required but it is a significant tool in an action claiming title to, or an interest in or the use or enjoyment of, another's land. The filer does not have to make a meritorious showing or post a bond. Article 65 provides mechanisms for the defendant-owner to vacate the Notice that caused an unilaterally imposed restraint on its realty. But, recent case law establishes the near futility of such efforts if the plaintiff has satisfied the minimal statutory requisites for filing the Notice.
How to Win a Hague Convention Child Abduction Case
Here are some tips for attorneys and clients faced with instituting or defending child abduction proceedings under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, whether in the United States or internationally.
Brooklyn Courthouse Scandal Prosecutions Under Way
The first of the criminal trials based on the alleged corruption uncovered last year in Brooklyn matrimonial court began Aug. 17 with the prosecution of a court officer and of Judge Gerald P. Garson's former clerk. The criminal case against Garson, who is accused of accepting bribes from an attorney to steer cases to him, is expected to go to trial next year. There will be a delay in Garson's case's commencement because the prosecution will probably appeal dismissal of six of the seven counts brought against him, including the charge of fixing case outcomes.
