Matters

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.

Foreign Consultant – Successfully Defended in Payment Dispute

Awarded motion to dismiss on jurisdictional grounds in lawsuit brought against Herrick’s client, a foreign consultant, by an entity attempting to claw back valuable compensation.  

Property Owner – Construction Defect Dispute

Represented a property owner as the plaintiff in a complex construction suit filed against the construction manager and licensed special inspector for a high-profile, luxury residential property in Manhattan. After multiple days of mediation, Herrick obtained a favorable settlement for the client.

Condominium Board – Condominium Litigation

Prevailed on a matter of first impression before the Appellate Division, First Department. At issue was the statute of limitations under Real Property Law (“RPL”) section 339-l, which provides that condominium common charges are to be held in trust for the benefit of materials suppliers, laborers, contractors, and other construction professionals, provided that (i) those individuals provided services benefitting condominium common elements and (ii) the services were provided at the request or consent of the board of managers. RPL § 339-l does not specify a statute of limitations, and a contractor sued Herrick’s client for a violation of the statute based on a five-year-old claim. At the trial court level, Herrick prevailed on a motion to dismiss, successfully arguing that, under prevailing law, a three-year statute of limitations applies to claims under RPL § 339-l, thus rendering the contractor's claims untimely. The motion to dismiss was unanimously affirmed on appeal, thus representing a complete victory for Herrick’s client. The case is ELM Suspension Sys., Inc. v. 45 E. 33rd St. Condo., 201 A.D.3d 498 (1st Dep’t 2022).

New York City Synagogue – Real Estate Covenant Dispute

Successfully represented a synagogue in extinguishing restrictive covenants placed on its deed from the synagogue’s predecessor interest that were prohibiting a redevelopment project from moving forward.

New York City Church – Real Estate Covenant Dispute

Successfully represented a church in extinguishing an unsatisfied mortgage recorded against the church’s property, thus giving the church clean title.

New York City Fine Dining Restaurant – Successfully Obtained Yellowstone Injunction

Successfully obtained a Yellowstone injunction on behalf of a restaurant/nightlife establishment in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District.

Developer – Specific Performance

Successfully represented a developer in an action to specifically perform a 15+ year option to purchase a plot a land in Poughkeepsie, New York and obtained an order permitting an assigned money judgment to offset the purchase price.

Real Estate Investment Firm – Summary Judgment Granted in Breach of Contract Dispute

Represented real estate investment firm in breach of contract dispute regarding a books and records clause in a loan participation agreement.  The New York State Supreme Court, Commercial Division granted summary judgment in favor of Herrick’s client and endorsed the interpretation of the books and records clause propounded by Herrick without exception. Under the order, the defendant was required to turn over a comprehensive set of its records to Herrick’s client. In addition to specific performance of the books and records clause, Herrick obtained an award of prevailing party legal fees.