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News / 02.07.24 /Smith Buss & Jacobs LLP

Join Eric Blaha on March 14, 2024, at 5:00PM, to complete your Fair Housing training requirements! Alternate dates available.

To All Board Members and Property Managers, If you need to fulfill your mandatory Fair Housing training requirements under the new Westchester County law or other New York State law, please register for free by clicking the link below: CLICK HERE to register for Fair Housing training on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 5:00 pm CLICK HERE …

News / 09.23.23 /Eric P. Blaha,Jeffrey D. Buss,Kenneth R. Jacobs,Thomas W. SmithandMark L. Manewitz

Smith Buss & Jacobs 2023 selections by Super Lawyers

Eric Blaha, Jeffrey Buss, Kenneth Jacobs, Mark Manewitz & Thomas Smith have each been selected to the 2023 New York Metro Super Lawyers list. Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of …

News / 06.08.23 /Smith Buss & Jacobs LLP

Introduction to Smith, Buss & Jacobs, LLP

Founded in 1991, Smith, Buss & Jacobs, LLP combines superlative legal service with a practical approach to delivering real-world solutions that ensure client value. Our exceptional attorneys deliver enhanced expertise across Real Estate, Cooperative and Condominium, Business, Litigation and Appeals and Government Law. We are proud of our outstanding reputation, impeccable industry rating, and large and prestigious client …

News / 01.12.23 /Nancy Durand

Join Nancy Durand and Nonprofit Westchester on February 16, 2023 to discuss the top legal and governance issues for nonprofits.

Nancy Durand will be joined by Maurice Segall, the Director of the NY & Fairfield County Program at Pro Bono Partnership. The discussion will be held virtually on February 16th, 2023 from 9:00-10:30 AM. The talk is free for NPW members. Non-NPW members will have to pay $15.00 to register. Click here to register.

News / 11.14.22 /Eric P. Blaha,Jeffrey D. Buss,Kenneth R. Jacobs,Thomas W. SmithandMark L. Manewitz

Smith Buss & Jacobs 2021 selections by Super Lawyers

Eric Blaha, Jeffrey Buss, Kenneth Jacobs, Mark Manewitz & Thomas Smith have each been selected to the 2020 New York Metro Super Lawyers list. Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of …

News / 05.17.22 /Jeffrey D. Buss

Westchester Business Journal: Westchester Attorney, Jeffrey Buss, is Instrumental in $621.5M Refinancing

A Westchester attorney whose firm is based in Yonkers was instrumental in coordinating a real estate refinancing so significant that it was announced jointly on April 28 by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Congressman Jamal Bowman and U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge. Even without the …

News / 05.17.22 /

Jacob Amir obtained a favorable decision after trial for his clients, residential homeowners, defending against claims brought by a contractor for wrongful termination and breach of contract.

Following on a four day trial, the Court issued a decision that dismissed the complaint, determined that Jacob’s clients permissibly terminated the contractor, and awarded the clients counterclaim judgment for overpayments made and expenses incurred.

News / 04.28.22 /Jeffrey D. Buss

Partner Jeffrey Buss Coordinates $124,000,000 Co-op City Refinancing with HUD

Governor Hochul, Secretary Fudge, Senator Schumer, and Representative Bowman Announce Approval of Loan Refinancing to Maintain Housing Quality and Affordability for Co-op City Governor Kathy Hochul, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge, Senator Charles Schumer, and Representative Jamaal Bowman today announced that Riverbay Corporation, the management company for Co-op City, the …

News / 01.14.22 /

Attorney Jacob Amir obtained summary judgment dismissal on behalf of his client, the remaining member of a limited liability company, who was accused of breaching a workout and settlement agreement

The other outgoing member alleged that Jacob’s client agreed to an itemization of income and expenses and make installment payments to the outgoing member in exchange for a transfer of interests. The company was formed as a joint venture to act as general contractor on certain large-scale projects. Jacob used the General Obligations Law to …

News / 12.06.21 /

Attorney Jacob Amir Obtained The Cancellation Of A Mechanics Lien Filed Against A Condominium Building And 48 Condominium Units.

Attorney Jacob Amir obtained the cancellation of a mechanics lien filed against a condominium building and 48 condominium units. The lienor, a general contractor, needed to pay substantial insurance premiums in order to qualify its bid for a project. When the project was delayed, the contractor filed for recovery of its premium costs. Our firm …

News / 11.10.21 /Kenneth R. Jacobsand

Webinar: A Matter of Trust – When Owners Transfer Apartments to Trusts, LLCs, & Other Legal Entities

Register NOW for our November 16th, Cooperator Town Hall Event at 2:00pm EST. Led by Kenneth R. Jacobs and A.J. Morgenstern. Shareholders and unit owners often seek to transfer ownership of their apartments to Revocable Living Trusts, Medicaid Trusts, Family Limited Liability Companies and other artificial entities in order to avoid probate and reduce their …

News / 10.22.21 /

Jacob Amir has been appointed Co-Chair of the Construction Law Committee of the Westchester Bar Association.

Jacob Amir has been appointed Co-Chair of the Construction Law Committee of the Westchester Bar Association. The Committee members are engaged in some of the largest and most advanced public and private development projects in the County and around New York State.

News / 10.15.21 /Eric P. Blaha,Jeffrey D. Buss,Kenneth R. Jacobs,Thomas W. SmithandMark L. Manewitz

Smith Buss & Jacobs 2021 selections by Super Lawyers

Eric Blaha, Jeffrey Buss, Kenneth Jacobs, Mark Manewitz & Thomas Smith have each been selected to the 2020 New York Metro Super Lawyers list. Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating …

News / 07.16.21 /Kenneth R. Jacobs,Emanuela LupuandJennifer L. Stewart

Webinar: Legal Updates – New State, Local & Federal Legislation – What Boards Should Know

Register NOW for our June 29th, Cooperator Town Hall Event at 2:00pm EST. Led by Kenneth R. Jacobs, Emanuela Lupu-Ferrante, and Jennifer L. Stewart. Overview: The New York State legislature amended several important laws affecting co-ops and condos in the last two days of its session. Several new federal and local laws will also have …

News / 11.30.20 /Smith Buss & Jacobs LLP

Webcast: Trends and Developments in Trade Secrets: What Companies Must Know and Do

Charles Welcome joins a group of panelists on Thursday, December 10th at 3:00 pm to present an in-depth analysis of the recent trends and developments in trade secrets. Speakers will offer the best practices to effectively identify and mitigate potential loopholes and protect trade secrets from risks of theft. They will also provide the audience …

News / 10.13.20 /Smith Buss & Jacobs LLP

Smith Buss & Jacobs 2020 selections by Super Lawyers

Eric Blaha, Jeffrey Buss, Kenneth Jacobs & Thomas Smith have each been selected to the 2020 New York Metro Super Lawyers list. Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. In addition, Associate, Charles Welcome has been …

News / 10.06.20 /Nancy Durand

Webinar: Best Practices to Avoid Breach of Fiduciary Duty Liability

Register HERE to join Nancy Durand, Special Counsel on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 12pm as she presents in the webinar sponsored by New York Council of Nonprofits Inc. “Join NYCON corporate ally, Smith Buss & Jacobs as they guide us through the best practices to avoid fiduciary duty liability. In this webinar they will …

News / 10.06.20 /Nancy Durand

Upcoming Board Governance Series: How to Build an Effective Board of Directors

Being a board member of a nonprofit entity is an awesome responsibility undertaken by volunteers (often with other full-time commitments) who are driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to their community, industry, or society at large. Whether you serve on the board of a nonprofit corporation, foundation, or housing entity, you are a fiduciary …

News / 10.06.20 /Kenneth R. Jacobs,Emanuela LupuandDomenick J. Tammaro

Town Hall: Remote Control – Managing Meetings, Elections & Shareholder Anxiety during COVID

Kenneth R. Jacobs, Domenick J. Tammaro, Emanuela Lupu-Ferrante led a Cooperator Town Hall Event on October 6, 2020. Overview Countless co-op and condo communities postponed their annual meetings this past spring thanks to the pandemic. Not only do those meetings still need to be held, but arrears are higher, sales are slower, and it looks …

News / 08.14.20 /Nancy Durand

Webinar: How to Effectively Conduct an Internal Investigation

On August 20th, Special Counsel, Nancy Durand gave a webinar “How to Effectively Conduct an Internal Investigation” where she will discuss strategies for investigating workplace misconduct and other allegations. This webinar was hosted by The Knowledge Group. For more information contact: Nancy Durand ndurand@sbjlaw.com

News / 08.13.20 /Eric P. BlahaandKenneth R. Jacobs

Webinar: Conducting Online Meetings – should the practice be continued?

Ken Jacobs & Eric Blaha were panelists on the webinar hosted by Hudson Valley CAI “HOAs-Discontinue Online Meetings and Voting?” held August 13th. Review the presentation materials here or watch the webinar recording here: Hudson Valley CAI “HOAs – Discontinue Online Meetings and Voting?” For more information contact: Eric Blaha at eblaha@sbjlaw.com or Ken Jacobs …

News / 07.16.20 /Kenneth R. Jacobs,Emanuela LupuandDomenick J. Tammaro

Webinar: Living in a COVID World – Confronting Real-Life Issues as Associations Reopen

Kenneth R. Jacobs, Domenick J. Tammaro, Emanuela Lupu-Ferrante led a Cooperator Town Hall Event on July 16, 2020. Overview Countless co-op and condo communities postponed their annual meetings this past spring thanks to the pandemic. Not only do those meetings still need to be held, but arrears are higher, sales are slower, and it looks …

News / 06.30.20 /

Webinar: Addressing Lien Law 3A claims in and out of Bankruptcy Court

Overview Article 3A of the New York Lien Law sets up a system of trusts to make sure that construction moneys received by owners and contractors are applied to pay for the cost of the improvement. It also provides a mechanism for owners and subcontractors to claim diversion of funds against contractors who fail to …

News / 05.14.20 /Eric P. BlahaandThomas W. Smith

Habitat LIVE: Zoom Annual Meetings

Tom Smith joins Habitat LIVE to discuss the protocol developed by Smith Buss Jacobs to run annual meetings and board elections in the current era of social distancing.

News / 04.03.20 /Jeffrey D. Buss

Smith Buss & Jacobs Closes Historic Financing in the midst of the Pandemic

Co-Op City, New York’s largest affordable housing complex, will stay affordable for another 30 years pursuant to a March 31st, 2020 loan agreement between Co-op City and the City of New York. The Agreement provides One Million Dollars ($1,000,000), at zero percent interest, with the principal forgiven, conditioned upon the Cooperative’s agreement to remain in …

News / 03.23.20 /

BREAKING NEWS CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

Empire State Development Corporation Issues Guidance On What Businesses Provide an “Essential Function” Under Executive Order 202.6, as Revised Executive Order No. 202.6 directed that all businesses and non-profit entities are required to reduce their in-person workforce by 75%, and Governor Cuomo’s “New York State on PAUSE” Executive Order (the “PAUSE Order” will increase that …

News / 03.20.20 /Kenneth R. Jacobs

BREAKING NEWS CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

Governor Cuomo Extends Lockdown on “Non-Essential” Businesses to 100% of Employees Governor Cuomo announced today that New York State would take a “pause,” requiring that 100% of employees of “non-essential businesses” cannot go to their place of employment. The “pause” included specific guidelines affecting persons over 70 and vulnerable persons under 70. We are awaiting …

News / 03.20.20 /Kenneth R. Jacobs

BREAKING NEWS CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

Governor Cuomo Announces Executive Order Imposing 90-day Moratorium on Mortgage Payments and Mortgage Foreclosures Governor Cuomo announced at a press conference this afternoon that he plans to order a 90-day moratorium on all mortgage payments and mortgage foreclosures. Mortgage payments will be suspended for three months based on financial hardship, and mortgage foreclosures will be …

News / 03.17.20 /Kenneth R. Jacobs

Habitat LIVE: What should co-ops and condos do during the coronavirus pandemic?

Practical advice for co-op and condo board directors about how to conduct themselves and their buildings due to the health crisis.

News / 03.02.20 /andNancy Durand

WVOX Interview with Jacob Amir & Nancy Durand

Jacob Amir and Nancy Durand discuss the firm and their work in Westchester County with the Business Council of Westchester.

News / 01.14.20 /

Firm News

Jacob Amir won a decision after trial declaring his clients’ shareholder interests in a private corporation, voiding a 2015 deed determined to be fraudulent, and restoring ownership of a nearly eight acre residential property to the corporation. The trial in Westchester involved over 100 exhibits, recreating over 30 years of factual history and followed extensive …

News / 01.08.20 /Nancy Durand

Firm News

Nancy Durand won an appeal on behalf of a local municipality in a proceeding pursuant to General Municipal Law § 50-e(5), for leave to serve a late notice of claim. The City appealed from an order of the Supreme Court, Westchester County, which granted a motion to renew a petition for leave to serve a …

News / 10.06.19 /

Firm News

Jacob Amir, a member of the New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Youth, Law and Citizenship, participated in the committee’s conference on October 3 and 4, 2019 on how school districts can better address student and faculty mental health and substance abuse issues.

News / 08.02.19 /Jack Malley

Firm News

Jack Malley won a preliminary injunction enjoining a Manhattan co-op from evicting his client from the apartment that he, his wife and their kids have lived in since 1994. The case concerns a provision in many New York City proprietary leases that controls the transfer of co-op apartments from an estate of a deceased shareholder …

News / 06.13.19 /Thomas W. Smithand

Firm News

Tom Smith and Jacob Amir won summary judgment on behalf of a large marina owner in Westchester, obtaining dismissal of claims brought by a commercial tenant seeking money damages and the enforceability of a 99-year ground lease. After extensive discovery, our firm moved to dismiss the complaint because the commercial tenant’s claims, if accepted, would …

News / 06.01.19 /

Speaking Engagement

In the Spring 2019, Jacob Amir was invited to once again teach a seminar course in the Paralegal Studies program, hosted by Pace Law School, on civil procedure in the New York courts. Jacob has taught this course for the last several years, and has also lectured on corporations and essential legal skills in the program.

News / 03.06.19 /Emanuela Lupu

CAI Long Island Chapter Meeting 3.28.19

Emanuela Lupu-Ferrante will be participating in an educational presentation on Delinquency & Foreclosure.

News / 10.22.18 /Emanuela Lupu

The Smoke Free Air Act

New York City has recently passed regulations requiring all boards of co-ops and condos to pass a policy with respect to smoking and to notify all their residents of that policy and post it in the building.

This should motivate all boards to begin thinking about what they want and what their residents want with respect to smoking and the quality of life in a building. Many boards have passed policies prohibiting smoking within apartments. Those  are enforceable only through proprietary-lease amendments, and to amend those requires a shareholder vote.

News / 09.28.18 /Kenneth R. Jacobs,Emanuela LupuandDomenick J. Tammaro

The Cooperator Expo 10.11.18

Partners Ken Jacobs, Domenick Tammaro & Emanuela Lupu-Ferrante are teaming up to discuss the unique challenges of co-op and condo governance.

Community Conflicts and Capital Plans – Two Top Issues Boards Must Face

News / 07.31.18 /Emanuela Lupu

Demystifying Housing 2018 Conference

Emanuela Lupu-Ferrante, Esq. will be presenting at the 2018 Demystifying Housing Conference along with other members of the HDFC Coalition.

News / 02.20.18 /Kenneth R. Jacobs

Ken Jacobs Presents a Lesson in Habitat U’s Latest Course

Dealing with a casualty: What do your bylaws require?