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Individual Litigation


Judgment Debtors as LLC Members: How LLC Law § 607 Constrains Creditor Remedies
New York’s Limited Liability Company Law § 607 limits the remedies available to a creditor when the judgment debtor is an LLC member, confining recovery to the member’s economic interest and prohibiting any direct interference with LLC property. As demonstrated in Finance Holding Co., LLC v. Farzam, 2026 N.Y. Slip Op 31868(U) (Sup. Ct., N.Y. County Apr. 7, 2026), courts use the statute to protect the separation between the LLC and its members.

Jeffrey Haber
May 138 min read


Conclusory Claims Fall Short: Second Department Dismisses Fraud and GBL § 349 Claims Against Insurance Adjuster
Conclusory allegations, even when bolstered by informal communications, such as text messages, will not substitute for well-pleaded facts showing materially misleading conduct or a specific misrepresentation.

Jeffrey Haber
May 35 min read


First Department Holds Mortgagor That Sold Property During Foreclosure Has Standing to Raise RPAPL 1304 Defense Because He May Be Liable For Deficiency
RPAPL 1304 requires that at least ninety days before commencing legal action against a borrower with respect to a “home loan” (as defined in the relevant statutes), a lender must: send written notice to the borrower by certified and regular mail that the loan is in default; provide a list of approved housing agencies that offer free or low-cost counseling; and, advise that legal action may be commenced after ninety days if no action is taken to resolve the matter.

Jonathan Freiberger
Apr 245 min read


First Department Rejects Fraud Claims Based on Routine Boardroom Communications
On April 14, 2026, the Appellate Division, First Department issued a decision in which it reiterated the limits of fraud claims in the corporate governance context. In Massoumi v. Ganju, 2026 N.Y. Slip Op. 02208 (1st Dept. Apr. 14, 2026), the Court unanimously affirmed summary judgment dismissing fraud claims brought by a former chief executive officer who alleged that his fellow executives and directors misled him in advance of a board meeting that resulted in his removal.

Jeffrey Haber
Apr 145 min read


Fraudulent Inducement Is Not a Do-Over: Emails, Merger Clauses, and Justifiable Reliance
In today’s article, we examine the elements and heightened pleading requirements for fraudulent inducement claims under New York law, with a focus on the justifiable reliance element.

Jeffrey Haber
Mar 307 min read


Summary Judgment Denied Where Termination “For Cause” Conflicted with Contract Text
In Kim v. XP Sec., LLC, the Appellate Division, First Department affirmed the denial of summary judgment in a wrongful termination action, reiterating settled principles of contract interpretation: clear, unambiguous agreements between sophisticated, counseled parties are enforced according to their plain meaning, without recourse to extrinsic evidence.

Jeffrey Haber
Mar 257 min read


Doctrines of Frustration of Purpose and Impossibility Apply Only When the Agreement’s Purpose is Completely Defeated, Not Partially Defeated
By: Jeffrey M. Haber The doctrine of frustration of purpose is narrowly applied.¹ “In order to invoke the doctrine of frustration of purpose, the frustrated purpose must be so completely the basis of the contract that, as both parties understood, without it, the transaction would have made little sense.”² In other words, the doctrine will not apply “unless the frustration is substantial.”³ However, “frustration of purpose … is not available where the event which prevented pe

Jeffrey Haber
Feb 49 min read


Court Affirms Reformation of a Settlement Agreement Based on Clear and Convincing Evidence of Mutual Mistake
In Romano v. Kelly, the Appellate Division, Third Department, affirmed reformation of a settlement agreement based on clear and convincing evidence of mutual mistake.

Jeffrey Haber
Jan 129 min read


Defamation Per Se and The Qualified Privilege
In today’s article, we examine defamation per se under New York law, which allows recovery for defamation without proving special damages when the alleged statement falls into four categories: accusing someone of a serious crime, harming their trade or profession, imputing a loathsome disease, or alleging unchastity.

Jeffrey Haber
Dec 17, 20259 min read


Written Agreements That are Clear and Unambiguous Must Be Enforced According To The Plain Meaning of Their Terms
In today’s article, we examine Harris v. Dream Volunteers, a case in which the court reaffirmed a fundamental principle of contract interpretation: contracts that are clear and unambiguous must be enforced according to their plain terms.

Jeffrey Haber
Oct 29, 20255 min read


The Right to Seek Dissolution by The Estate of a Deceased Member
Under New York’s Limited Liability Company Law (“LLCL”) § 702, a court “may decree dissolution of a limited liability company whenever it is not reasonably practicable to carry on the business in conformity with the articles of organization or operating agreement.” The claim must be brought “[o]n application by or for a member” of the company.

Jeffrey Haber
Oct 27, 20254 min read
Court Compels Production of Joint Defense Agreement As Not Protected By Privilege
By: Jeffrey M. Haber On numerous occasions, this Blog has examined the attorney-client privilege, the common interest doctrine, and the attorney work product doctrine. Today, we take another opportunity to explore the contours of these privileges. In Simpson v. Chassen , the New York Supreme Court compelled the production of a joint defense agreement (“JDA”), rejecting claims that it was protected under the attorney-client privilege or the attorney work product doctrine. The
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Oct 15, 20259 min read
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