A quote often attributed to the Prussian statesman Otto von Bismarck in the mid-1800s says something to the effect that laws are like sausages—it's better not to see either of them being made. It's a clever quip, and it's not entirely i…
Charles Dickens once said, “It is a pleasant world we live in, sir, a very pleasant world. There are bad people in it, Mr. Richard, but if there were no bad people, there would be no good lawyers.” Ah Mr. Dickens speaks the truth. Lo…
In today’s economy, co-ops and condos are looking for ways to cut costs wherever they can, and many are turning to examining their legal bills. The problem is two-fold. First, you don’t want to compromise your relationship with your attorn…
Many aspects of the American work landscape have changed radically in the last two decades. As the service and information economies have overtaken manufacturing and other more traditional forms of labor, the old 9-to-5, office-bound workd…
Lawsuits are usually not an association’s go-to method for dispute resolution. Expensive and time-consuming, they can quickly turn into a financial burden and may create strained relations in the community. Unfortunately, in some cases …
While some condos and HOAs have a lawyer present on its board, the majority of boards don’t have a legal expert and often reach out to their lawyer to answer questions, vet documents, send the occasional stern letter to a contractor or …
Community associations would be authorized to install hurricane-proof doors, delay elevator upgrades, deny to delinquent owners the use of certain amenities and services, and allow more lenient access to records; streamline foreclosure …
Differences and disputes happen. We’re only human, and that’s why laws and rules are in place. But, the federalist system of government we use in this country is far from the most efficient system. Layers and layers of laws, statutes, a…
While essential to the successful operation of all cooperatives or condominiums, governing documents are often only glossed over by otherwise well-intentioned board members, residents and property managers leading to potential pitfalls.…
Nothing stays the same forever. As community standards, attitudes and populations shift and evolve, rules and regulations that once made sense or that reflected the views and standards of their day can become antiquated, irrelevant, or…