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Slight Decrease In Commercial Foreclosures Hints at Market Stabilization
November 01, 2024
While the commercial real estate market faced significant headwinds in 2024, recent data suggests that the tide may be turning. The combination of lower interest rates, a decline in foreclosures, and improving market conditions offers a glimmer of hope for property owners and investors alike.
The State of Cost Recovery — Post COVID
November 01, 2024
Law firm operations are different now. Obviously, the biggest impact of COVID has been the inception and continuation of the hybrid work environment. This has been a kick in the pants for law firms to migrate to a digital working environment
The Federal Circuit Clarifies Who Can Be an Expert In Patent Cases
November 01, 2024
In September 2024, the Federal Circuit clarified the necessary qualifications for a technical expert to testify in a patent lawsuit, holding that while an expert must possess ordinary skill in the art, they need not have possessed such skill "at the time of the alleged invention."
Artist Challenges Copyright Office Refusal to Register AI-Assisted Work
November 01, 2024
While the Copyright Office has previously cited the "bedrock requirement of copyright" that that a work must have a human author to be eligible for copyright protection to reject registrations, recent decisions have focused on the role of human authorship in the context of AI.
Real Property Sale Proceeds Must Be Paid First to Unavoided Portion of IRS Tax Lien
November 01, 2024
Given the downward pressure on commercial real estate valuations in many areas, and the increasing likelihood that owners of real property will cease paying real property taxes when there is no longer any equity, we decided to report on a recent decision issued by the Ninth Circuit that reversed a decision of the bankruptcy court allocating the distribution of the proceeds of a sale of real property pro rata between the IRS, on account of its tax lien, and the bankruptcy estate.
Law Firm Real Estate Strategy: Attorney Offices Are Out, Conference Rooms Are In
November 01, 2024
Law firms are navigating a paradigm shift in how they approach office space. With the rise of flexible workplaces, firms are finding that when their attorneys do come into the office, the main goal is to connect and collaborate with peers — and this shift has transformed how law firms address their real estate needs.
Real Property Law
November 01, 2024
Scouting Organization's Adverse Possession Claim Against County Land Fails Easement Not Subject to Termination Under RPAPL 1951 Doctrine of Emblements Might Sustain Former Tenant's Claim to Crops Church Property Tax Exempt Because Town Did Not Establish Zoning Violation
Law Firm Real Estate: Attorney Offices Are Out, Conference Rooms Are In
November 01, 2024
Law firms are navigating a paradigm shift in how they approach office space. With the rise of flexible workplaces, firms are finding that when their attorneys do come into the office, the main goal is to connect and collaborate with peers — and this shift has transformed how law firms address their real estate needs.
The Binding Effect of Plea Agreements In White Collar Crimes
November 01, 2024
Federal plea agreements sometimes state explicitly that they are limited to that one office and do not bind other U.S. attorney's offices. In this article, we discuss the circuit courts' competing approaches to interpreting the binding effect of plea agreements and the Department of Justice policy.
Authentic Communications Increase Success for Value-Driven Clients
November 01, 2024
In an era of rapid change and increasing client expectations, fostering authentic relationships and prioritizing effective communication are essential for sustainable growth.

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  • The 'Sophisticated Insured' Defense
    A majority of courts consider the <i>contra proferentem</i> doctrine to be a pillar of insurance law. The doctrine requires ambiguous terms in an insurance policy to be construed against the insurer and in favor of coverage for the insured. A prominent rationale behind the doctrine is that insurance policies are usually standard-form contracts drafted entirely by insurers.
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  • Abandoned and Unused Cables: A Hidden Liability Under the 2002 National Electric Code
    In an effort to minimize the release of toxic gasses from cables in the event of fire, the 2002 version of the National Electric Code ("NEC"), promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association, sets forth new guidelines requiring that abandoned cables must be removed from buildings unless they are located in metal raceways or tagged "For Future Use." While the NEC is not, in itself, binding law, most jurisdictions in the United States adopt the NEC by reference in their state or local building and fire codes. Thus, noncompliance with the recent NEC guidelines will likely mean that a building is in violation of a building or fire code. If so, the building owner may also be in breach of agreements with tenants and lenders and may be jeopardizing its fire insurance coverage. Even in jurisdictions where the 2002 NEC has not been adopted, it may be argued that the guidelines represent the standard of reasonable care and could result in tort liability for the landlord if toxic gasses from abandoned cables are emitted in a fire. With these potential liabilities in mind, this article discusses: 1) how to address the abandoned wires and cables currently located within the risers, ceilings and other areas of properties, and 2) additional considerations in the placement and removal of telecommunications cables going forward.
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