Matters

Lender – Denial of Intervention Motion Filed By Borrower’s Co-Manager Upheld on Appeal

The Appellate Division, First Department, unanimously affirmed the denial of  a motion filed by a borrower’s co-manager seeking leave to intervene in a lender’s debt enforcement action under a demand note in order to assert direct and derivative claims and defenses on the borrower’s behalf.  The motion was filed after the proposed intervenor’s husband and co-manager, shipping magnate Spiros Milonas, settled the action on behalf of the borrower by confessing judgment for the principal amount of a substantial loan.

Phoenix Capital Finance Ltd. v. Axia Realty LLC, 2019 WL 3069368 (Sup. Ct. N.Y. Co. 2019), affirmed 2020 NY Slip Op. 3610, 2020 WL 3454610 (1st Dep't 2020).

Telecommunications CEO – Dismissal of Securities Class Action

Represented the former CEO of a public telecommunications company in two securities fraud class actions stemming from the company's bankruptcy. The first complaint alleged fraud in connection with disclosures about the company's credit facility. The plaintiffs then filed a second class action alleging that our client engaged in accounting improprieties and caused the company to issue false financial statements. The court granted our motion to dismiss the second complaint, and we were able to obtain a settlement of the entire matter on terms that were very favorable to our client.

NFL Franchise – Class Action

Represented a national football league team in a class action.

Israeli Defense, Aerospace and Aviation Company – Action Dismissed for Lack of Jurisdiction

Obtained dismissal of all claims asserted by a former employee against the largest Israeli defense, aerospace and aviation company. The plaintiff attempted to establish personal jurisdiction over the Israeli company in New York based on a theory that its wholly owned subsidiary operates as its domestic branch or “mere department” in the United States. While the trial court allowed the plaintiff to begin jurisdictional discovery, the Appellate Court reversed the trial court and dismissed our client from the litigation for lack of jurisdiction.

Chelsea Building Owner – Successful Enforcement of Surrender Agreement

Achieved a $1 million victory on behalf of a Chelsea building in an action to enforce the strict terms of a surrender agreement for prime retail space in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. On summary judgment, the Supreme Court, New York County, determined that a commercial tenant breached its contractual obligation to vacate our client’s prime, street level space, ordered the return of an unearned termination fee (including an $800,000 deposit in escrow and $200,000 cash advance), and awarded interest and attorneys’ fees.  

Consumer Products Retailer – Partnership Dispute

Representation of three partners in a 'bet the company' lawsuit brought in New Jersey state court by the fourth partner, who claimed to be an oppressed minority shareholder. Herrick defeated the plaintiff's order to show cause seeking injunctive relief including the appointment of a receiver, and then obtained a dismissal of the lawsuit based on arbitration agreement.

Property Owner – Breach of Contract Dispute

Represented a property owner on claims arising out of a breach of lease and supply agreement.  The client leased property to a tenant for the purpose of operating a gas station on the property.  The lease prohibited the tenant from subleasing without landlord consent.  The lease also contained provisions requiring the tenant to buy petroleum products from the owner.  The tenant violated the terms of the lease and supply agreement when it allowed a sub-tenant to occupy the premises and purchased petroleum products from another party.  Herrick moved for and was granted summary judgment on the claim for breach of the lease agreement.  The remaining claims were thereafter settled.

Non-Profit Organization – Litigation against Former Board Members

Achieved an important victory on behalf of a non-profit pro-bono client asserting claims against several former board members who had used their positions of trust to loot the organization for their own personal gain by misappropriating funds from the client’s operating accounts, gaining control of the organization's Harlem apartment buildings, misappropriating rental income from those properties, and ultimately selling one of the buildings for their own benefit.  Herrick successfully argued a motion for a preliminary injunction, obtaining an order from the court enjoining the defendants from holding themselves out as officers of the non-profit, and requiring them to return the organization’s apartment buildings to our client’s control. 

Specialty Food Retailer – Business Divorce Litigation

Secured a temporary restraining order on behalf of the co-owner of a specialty food retail business preventing partners in the venture from withdrawing company funds or transferring company assets prior to the resolution of ongoing litigation seeking dissolution of the business. 

Corporate Barter Company – Successful Settlement

Represented a corporate barter company defending against claims that it misappropriated confidential information.  The claims arose by reason of the client’s hiring of a competitor’s employee.  Herrick answered the complaint and filed counterclaims alleging tortious conduct by the competitor. The case was settled following mediation to the client’s satisfaction.

Restaurant Owner – Disputed Purchase Agreement

Representation of a property and business owner in an action arising out of the sale of a restaurant.  The purchaser was unable to afford the full purchase price and entered into an agreement whereby monthly rental payments would go towards paying the purchase price.  The purchaser was unable to make the monthly rental payments.  In accordance with the terms of the agreement, the seller reclaimed ownership.  The purchaser filed a lawsuit alleging various claims based in tort.  Those claims are currently being litigated.

Title Insurance Company – Insurance Coverage Claim

Successfully defended a title insurance company in an action brought by a commercial property owner by obtaining dismissal of all claims on a motion to dismiss and defeating a motion to reargue.

Commercial Property Insurer – Summary Judgment Granted in Commercial Property Insurance Coverage Litigation

The Eastern District of Tennessee granted summary judgment to our client, a property insurer. The Court held that the commercial property insurance policy at issue was void for lack of an insurable interest following the sale of the covered apartment building by the insured without notifying our client, the policy was not assignable without our client's written consent, and the purchaser was not an assignee or an intended third-party beneficiary of the policy. The purchaser appealed; however, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the District Court’s decision granting summary judgment to our client.

Commercial Liability Insurer – Summary Judgment Granted

Achieved summary judgment in favor of insurer ruling, in a matter of first impression under Michigan law, that the “absolute pollution exclusion” in a commercial general liability insurance policy applied to exclude a claim of bodily injury caused by carbon monoxide in a home. The court also ruled that the “hostile fire” exception to the exclusion was inapplicable.

Sears Holdings Corporation, et al. v. Lampert, et al. (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.)

Serving as Co-Counsel to the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, on behalf of Debtors’ estates, in lawsuit asserting fraudulent transfer, breach of fiduciary duty, and related claims in connection with prepetition transactions totaling billions of dollars.

Defeated Zoning Challenge to Construction of Residential Tower

Successfully represented owner/developer of 32-story residential tower on Upper East Side in defeating zoning challenge and lawsuit brought by community groups and elected officials.

Successful Prosecution of Breach of Operating Agreement in Real Estate Partnership

Represent international real estate investment firm in dispute with partner/co-owner of commercial building on Upper West Side over a contractually-negotiated share of leasing proceeds. On summary judgment, Court awarded all monetary relief demanded and declaratory relief in client’s favor. 

Zoning Resolution Dispute With Developer

Represent ground lessor in action to enforce and declare consent rights as “party-in-interest” under New York City Zoning Resolution in dispute with developer planning to construct residential tower in the “Two Bridges” neighborhood of Manhattan.

Commercial Real Estate Tenants – Pre-Discovery Summary Judgment Ruling Granting Specific Performance of Lease with Purchase Option

Represented Split Rail Holdings, LLC, tenants of a commercial real estate building in the Lower East Side and secured a victory on a pre-discovery summary judgment motion, obtaining specific performance of the lease, allowing Split Rail to purchase the property for $6.3 million.  The decision was affirmed by the Appellate Division, First Department. 

Hedge Fund Investors – Litigation Against Hedge Funds’ Auditors and Administrator

Representing 95 investors, who invested over $100 million into now-defunct hedge funds, in an action against the funds’ auditors and administrator, asserting claims for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and negligence.

Leading Telecommunications Company – Successfully Defeated an Action at the Motion to Dismiss Stage

Herrick successfully defeated an action at the motion to dismiss stage for its client, a leading telecommunications company.  The plaintiff, a public works contractor, sued the telecommunications company for over $2.2 million.

In opposing the motion, Herrick explained that whenever “interference work” is anticipated or involved in conjunction with a City project, the contract includes an addendum called “Section U” (or a specific directive from the City) that identifies what specific work is anticipated. The absence of a Section U addendum in the City contract confirmed that the telecommunications company had no obligation to pay for any protection work that was not agreed upon.

In his comprehensive 20-page decision, Justice Joel M. Cohen adopted all of our arguments, including on the relevance of Section U. This is particularly noteworthy because Courts rarely address these issues.

Real Estate Owners – Represented in New Jersey Attorney General, Division on Civil Rights Investigation and Administrative Action

Represented owner of residential properties in the successful conclusion of proceedings and investigations brought by the New Jersey Attorney General, Division on Civil Rights for allegations of discrimination in housing.

Leading Special Servicers of CMBS Debt – New Jersey Real Estate Dispute

Representing four (4) leading special servicers of CMBS debt in connection with 18 defaulted loans secured by multi-family apartment buildings located throughout New Jersey. When the principal of the borrowers abandoned the properties, Herrick applied in federal court for appointment of a receiver to manage the properties. That application was successful, and a receiver was appointed. Once the receiver was in place, Herrick then commenced foreclosure actions in state court with respect to all of the 18 loans. Judgments have been obtained in all of the foreclosure actions and over the last year, the Herrick team has utilized a number of creative strategies to pursue the clients’ interests, including facilitating the sales of a number of the properties through the receivership (with the clients receiving the proceeds of such sales), and pursuing title to the balance of the properties through foreclosures sales. This matter is ongoing.

New Jersey-based Food Manufacturer – Leasing Dispute

Representing a New Jersey-based food manufacturer in an action brought against its landlord on a commercial lease for its warehouse at in Franklin Township, New Jersey. Our client seeks damages caused by breaches of various provisions in the lease related to the preparation of the previously-vacant building for occupancy and the build out of office space in the warehouse. The landlord filed a counterclaim asserting that our client breached the lease by applying a purportedly defective coating on the warehouse floor, and also seeking attorney’s fees and unspecified indemnification costs. This matter is ongoing.

New Jersey-based Nursing Home Facility – Leasing Dispute

Represented the defendants in a dispute where the parties had contracted for a long-term lease of a nursing home facility, representing several million dollars of rent. After our clients ultimately decided not to move forward with the lease, they negotiated a settlement that included a general release with the owner of the facility. Notwithstanding that, the facility owner subsequently filed suit in the Superior Court of New Jersey for eight separate causes of action, including breach of contract, tortious interference, and fraud in the inducement. In its complaint, the plaintiff also argued that the release was unenforceable because it was procured by economic duress. Herrick filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that the plaintiff did not plead the existence of economic duress at the level necessary to set aside the release. The court agreed with Herrick, dismissed the complaint without prejudice, and ordered that any refiled complaint contain specific facts with respect to the exact nature and extent of the economic duress at the time the release was given. This was a major victory in that there are very few New Jersey cases where a release has been enforced on a motion dismiss in the face of a claim of economic duress.

Australian Public Company – Misrepresentation Against U.S. Financial Institution

Achieved significant settlement on behalf of the former Chief Executive Officer of an Australian public company alleged of misrepresentation against a U.S. financial institution in connection with the sale of securities in certain securitized loans.

Asia-based Investors – Favorable Settlement in Insider Trading Case

Represented two Asia-based investors indicted and sued in insider trading cases. Succeeded in preventing extradition and having all SEC and criminal charges dropped in a very favorable settlement for our client.

Retailer – Leasing Dispute

Represented a children’s retailer in a suit brought by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) for back rent and future rent (with personal liability) of almost half a million dollars on its lease at Grand Central Terminal. The Herrick team negotiated a favorable settlement on behalf of the client.

Commercial Landlord – Leasing Dispute with International Retailer

Herrick delivered a major victory to a commercial landlord against a billion-dollar international retailer with more than 500 stores worldwide. The retailer sought rescission of its lease based on claims of mutual mistake, breach of contract, breach of duty to cooperate and breach of implied covenant of good faith. The court denied the tenant's motion to amend its complaint to allege impossibility, frustration of performance, constructive eviction, as untimely. Herrick successfully showed that the landlord was not required to do the work for the tenant or to obtain all necessary permits. Herrick believed that the retailer's real motivation for abandoning the space was a corporate decision to open a larger store at a different location. The court found that the retailer failed to conduct proper due diligence as to the necessary certificate of occupancy, the tenant took the premises "as is" and the landlord made no representation to permitted uses. The court dismissed every one of the claims against the landlord. Furthermore, the court granted the landlord a judgment of over $13 million dollars for unpaid rent, plus interest and attorneys fees, bringing the total expected judgement to over $20 million dollars.

International Arbitration Dispute

Successfully defended an international manufacturer against a complex, multi-million dollar breach of contract claim brought by a U.S. trading company involving the sale of petrochemicals, including an award of attorneys’ fees, expenses and costs. The case primarily concerned whether a contract was formed under the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (the CISG) or the UCC. The representation included a seven-day trial involving multiple fact and expert witnesses.

Investment Advisor – Department of Justice, SEC Investigations, and 9 State Attorney General Investigations

Represented an SEC registered investment advisor to several private equity funds with over $1.0 billion in assets under management, in connection with investigations of alleged securities law violations by the DOJ, the SEC and state securities regulators.

JMH Development – Dispute Over Luxury Residential Development

Herrick achieved a significant victory for JMH Development, the managing member in a joint venture created to develop a luxury residential development in Miami, Florida, in a dispute against PSB, the joint venture’s partner, who asserted false claims including breach of contract and fiduciary duty, among others. After a lengthy and contentious litigation culminating in a 3-day bench trial, the court ruled in favor of JMH Development on every single claim and issue and dismissed the case.

Wolf Haldenstein – Dispute with Manhattan Landlord

Achieved significant award for Herrick client, the highly-respected plaintiff's class action law firm Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP, in a dispute with their Manhattan landlord. The landlord failed to properly renovate Wolf Haldenstein's office space as outlined in their lease agreement, thus leaving the office in an unsuitable condition for people to work in. The court affirmed that the landlord and its affiliates failed to properly renovate office space leased by Wolf Haldenstein and dismissed the landlord's counterclaim for allegedly owed back rent. The court also awarded Wolf Haldenstein attorney fees. 

Institutional Trader – Asset Recovery

Representation of institutional trader who was victimized in a Ponzi Scheme in order to recover assets that were defalcated.

International Broker Dealer – DOJ and SEC Investigations, Federal Trial

Represents major international broker dealer in connection with DOJ and SEC investigations, and federal criminal trial against founder of publicly traded company for, inter alia, creating false earnings to inflate the price of the company’s stock.

Real Estate Litigation and Hearing – Nonprofit Facility

Herrick represented PEY Realty LLC, which is an entity formed for the benefit of the Chabad Lubavitch of the West Side, in an arbitration against an affiliate of Sackman Enterprises. In 2017, PEY entered into a contract to purchase a $30m community facility condominium unit in a new building being developed on W 96th St. The condominium unit, 6 floors and a cellar, was intended to house the Chabad’s permanent operations, including all religious, educational, and community services. In connection with the contract, PEY tendered a multi-million dollar down payment. The project experienced years of construction delays. Once it became clear that litigation was imminent, each party called defaults under the contract. After a three-day hearing, The Herrick team was able to secure an award directing that the down payment be returned to PEY, together with a significant award in additional money damages, including the lion’s share of attorneys’ fees. The Chabad can finally put the down payment to a productive use and resume its efforts to find a permanent home.

Representing Foreign NFT Art/Photo Marketplace Doing Business in the U.S.

Representing foreign NFT art/photo marketplace doing business in the U.S. on various issues including U.S. copyright and trademark matters and issues involving contracting, consignments and terms of sale.

Major Telephone Company – Appellate Win That May Benefit Utility Companies Throughout New York City

Successfully defended a major telephone company against claims brought by a New York City contractor seeking several million dollars in fees for “interference work” under a municipal contract. Our client challenged the interpretation of a common law rule related to interference work, although many contractors had been utilizing this interpretation for years in order to obtain payments for this work from the utilities. This Appellate Division decision affirmed the correct interpretation of the common law which only allows the City (and not a private contractor), when utilizing its police powers, to require payment from utilities for protection or relocation of its facilities. Going forward, utilities may have substantial sums that they were previously led to believe that they were responsible.

Commercial Real Estate Firm – Partial Summary Judgement Granted in Complex Dispute

Awarded partial summary judgement on behalf of commercial real estate client in a dispute with a former officer and member of the parties’ investment vehicle. The New York Federal Court held that that the plaintiff former officer breached contractual obligations and fiduciary duties by misappropriating resources and soliciting investors during his employment. The Court granted Herrick’s clients’ requested declaratory relief by holding that they properly ascribed “Cause” to the officer’s termination upon discovering the misconduct and validly effectuated the termination and redemption of his profits interest in the parties’ investment vehicle for a penny. The Court also ordered the disgorgement of the former officer’s salary and value of company paid benefits during his period of disloyalty together with injunctive relief requiring him to return all confidential and proprietary information. Notably, the Court also held that the officer’s new business and business partner were jointly and severally liable for aiding and abetting the breaches of fiduciary duty. The remaining claims asserted between the parties were resolved shortly thereafter on confidential terms.

All Year Holdings Limited – Special Litigation Counsel

Represented real estate debtor as special litigation counsel. Won motion to dismiss adversary proceeding, which was affirmed on appeal. 

Wythe Berry Fee Owner LLC – Debtor in Chapter 11

Representing debtor in chapter 11 proceeding involving the William Vale Hotel, a luxury hotel in Brooklyn. 

Condominium Board – Construction Defect Claims

Representing a condominium board with respect to construction defect claims against sponsor and principals. The case is Board of Managers of 252 Condominium v. World-Wide Holdings Corp., et al. (N.Y. Sup. Ct.).

Global Logistics Company – Achieved Summary Judgment in Shareholder Dispute

Obtained both initial appellate and summary judgment victories in favor of shareholders of global logistics company, and in defense of oppression and related claims. The case is Estate of Stile v. C-Air Customhouse Brokers-Forwarders, Inc. et al. (N.Y. Sup. Ct.), and is currently pending subsequent appeal.

International Mining Company – Complex Contract Dispute

Serving as co-counsel to defendant in contract dispute. Successfully defeated motion to remand case to state court. The case is Viridian Resources v. Vale Canada (D.N.J.).

Schneider, et al. v. Pine Management, Inc., et al. (N.Y. Sup. Ct.):

Representing LLC property manager and majority LLC members in suit by minority LLC members alleging breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty claims related to scope of manager’s authority to manage properties owned by LLCs.

National Cleaning Solutions Company – Trade Secret Misappropriation and Breach of Restrictive Covenant Claims

Successfully resolved a dispute on behalf of a national cleaning solutions company in connection with trade secret misappropriation and breach of restrictive covenant claims.

Real Estate Investment Firm – Motion to Dismiss Granted in Breach of Contract Dispute

Successfully defended real estate investment firm in breach of contract lawsuit where the plaintiff/borrower was attempting to claw back a multi-million dollar late payment charge in connection with a promissory note. The New York State Commercial Division granted our client’s motion to dismiss in full.

Center for Safe Internet Pharmacies (CSIP) – Summary Judgement Granted on Antitrust Claims

Represented the Center for Safe Internet Pharmacies (CSIP), a non-profit organization that addresses the global problem of consumer access to illegitimate pharmaceuticals from illegal online pharmacies and other sources.  CSIP was named as a co-defendant in a case brought by PharmacyChecker.com in the Southern District of New York, alleging Sherman Act antitrust violations against CSIP and several organizations that promote safe online pharmaceutical purchases and alert the public to the risks and illegality of purchasing prescription drugs from foreign online pharmacies.  The Court granted summary judgement in favor of all defendants, dismissing claims that alleged the defendants had conspired to put the plaintiff out of business and had entered into a group boycott by allegedly implementing a “black list,” which included the plaintiff and allegedly blocked or limited Internet search results for the plaintiff.  The Court found that because substantially all of PharmacyChecker.com’s business was intended to promote and facilitate illegal online prescription drug purchases, it lacked antitrust standing to pursue its alleged claims.

Real Estate Brokerage Firm – Favorable Decision in Breach of Contract Dispute

Represent a global real estate brokerage firm in a breach of contract dispute. In this matter, the brokerage firm contracted to the be the exclusive agent in the sale of multiple properties in New York City. Herrick’s client brought an action in the Supreme Court of the State of New York when the defendants failed to pay the requisite commissions due under the agreement. As a result, the Court granted the client's motion for summary judgement and ordered a judgment in favor of the brokerage firm for the full amount owed. This litigation remains ongoing.

Apparel Company – Motion to Dismiss Granted in Precedent Setting Merger Dispute

Represented a leading apparel company and its majority shareholders in a cash out merger dispute with its former minority shareholder. The minority shareholder filed an action in New York State Supreme Court to rescind the merger, alleging that the apparel company failed to comply with New York case law mandating a legitimate business or corporate purpose for corporate mergers. The Court initially denied the apparel company’s motion to dismiss but granted reargument, recognizing that its original decision did not fully address the business purpose arguments that lay at the core of the dispute. Following reargument, the Court granted the apparel company’s motion to dismiss, acknowledging the merger’s clear legitimate business purpose. This decision holds great significance for the legal community as there are very few precedents under New York law addressing the conditions under which a merger can be rescinded, particularly for lack of a legitimate business purpose. The case is Alan Ades v. Van Dale Industries, Inc. et al. (N.Y. Sup. Ct.).