How “Good Faith” Is Implied in New York Contracts

As you may know, under New York law, every contract carries an implied covenant (i.e., promise) of “good faith and fair dealing.” 511 West 232nd Owners Corp. v Jennifer Realty Co., 98 NY2d 144, 746 NYS2d 131, 773 NE2d 496.
But what on earth does that mean?
It’s actually rather tricky; in fact, New York’s courts have [...]

At-Will Employees’ Breach of Oral Contract Claim For Unpaid Bonuses Survives Dismissal in NY County Case

If an at-will employee resigns before they are paid their commissions, they forfeit their right to collect them, right?
Absolutely not, held a New York County trial court.
In Nichols v. SG Partners, Inc., the plaintiffs were employed by defendant as placement professionals, earning both a base salary as well as a percentage of defendant’s revenues generated [...]

Employment Contract Cannot Be Implied, New York Federal Court Holds

In Bernhardt v. Tradition North America, a case very similar to the one we discussed recently in “Why Whistleblower Protection Clause In Employee Manual May Be Worthless,” the plaintiff, who was a vice president at defendant Tradition North America Inc., notified the SEC of various securities schemes that he had supposedly uncovered at his company. [...]

NY County Court Explains Why Whistleblower Protection Clause In Employee Manual May Be Worthless

In Candela v. Banco Industrial de Venezuela C.A., the New York County trial court’s decision to dismiss a breach of contract and wrongful termination claim by a bank employee serves a clear warning to at-will employees everywhere: know your rights and what you must do to protect them before you are fired. Conversely, the decision [...]

Why Most Employment Contract Breach/Wrongful Termination Claims Are Doomed In NY

Before addressing the merits of a breach of contract/wrongful termination claim against an employer, the threshold question that must be asked is “if I win, is a judgment against my former employer collectible?” Unfortunately, in this economy, the answer to this question is increasingly “no.” Consequently, even if you have the most meritorious claim, external [...]