How to Prove the Breach of a Broker’s Commission Agreement Under NY Law

It should come as no surprise that as the economy continues to sputter, falter, or whatever your term of choice may be, that many real estate  brokers have taken an increasingly aggressive stance in protecting their commissions. The flip side of that same coin is that the other parties to the deal have likewise hardened [...]

When Attorneys Go (Way) Too Far

Recently, I attended a non-party deposition in a commercial litigation matter arising out of a dispute over who is the rightful owner of a particular property in New York. As is often the case, the attorney conducting the deposition was less than thrilled at the answers given by the witness. So, first he tried to [...]

How A Client’s Bad Behavior In Breach of Fiduciary Duty and Fraud Case Led To Disaster

In a case that should sound a warning to ill-tempered, egomaniacal bosses everywhere, a jury recently awarded five of former Guess CEO Georges Marciano’s employees a total of $370 million  on their counterclaims for intentional infliction of emotional distress, libel and defamation. The initial action, which sought monetary damages for these former employees’ alleged breach [...]

How Having Your Trade Secrets Stolen Can Affect Your New York Business

A trade secret theft lawsuit that was recently filed in upstate New York by the Price Chopper chain store illustrates rather vividly how having your small business’s trade secrets – in this case pricing information – can dramatically impact your bottom line. In its initial suit papers, Price Chopper claims that competitor Giant Market would have someone [...]