New York has passed a new law, Bill S2271, that simplifies the recognition of out-of-state notarizations, making it easier for businesses and individuals to transact business across state lines.

Previously, New York required a "certificate of conformity" to verify that out-of-state notarizations complied with the laws of the other state. This extra step created delays and added costs for transactions. Under the new law, the signatures and titles of authorized out-of-state notaries now serve as conclusive proof of their authority. 

In simple terms, if a document is notarized according to the laws of another state, it will be treated as valid in New York without additional verification.

By eliminating these unnecessary hurdles, the law streamlines cross-state transactions, saving time and money. Businesses can now operate more efficiently across state lines, while individuals benefit from smoother processes when buying property, signing contracts, or managing other legal matters.

The law is effective immediately, offering instant relief to those dealing with cross-state paperwork. Whether you’re a business professional or a consumer, this change makes interstate transactions easier, less expensive, and more efficient. 

The New York City Council has approved the FARE Act (Int 0360-2024), a new bill that eliminates upfront broker fees for most renters. 

Currently, New York is one of the only places in the country where tenants are required to pay these fees, often around 15% of the yearly rent, even when they’ve never met the broker. This has meant an average upfront cost of $13,000 for renters, which includes broker fees, security deposits, and first month’s rent. Under the FARE Act, the responsibility for paying the broker fee will shift to the party that hires the broker—usually the landlord or building manager—unless the tenant specifically hires the broker. 

The bill passed with solid support, at 42 votes to 8. Proponents argue it’s common sense that the party hiring the broker should pay for their services, adding that the FARE Act will help make housing more accessible for working- and middle-income renters. However, critics, including the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), have raised concerns that the law could lead to higher rents, make it more difficult to find housing, and harm brokers.

Attorney Andrew Lieb appears on NewsNation to talk about potential legislation prohibiting discrimination based on weight or obesity. He discusses the potential enforcement of laws against 'weight discrimination' and their implications for employers, including the consideration of obesity as a protected category akin to race or religion in anti-discrimination laws. 

In the discussion, Lieb tackles employers' worries, such as the possibility of a gym or health-centric business being unable to hire someone who doesn't align with their brand ethos. He delves into the intricate legal aspects and underscores the importance of fostering an inclusive work environment, steering clear of shaming individuals.

Sketchy landlords beware! 

New York's Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law Article 7-C has been added by A3241 to give tenants and municipalities a new tool in their arsenal to address persistent unsafe conditions that are neglected by their landlords. 

Applicable in both residential and commercial mixed use properties, the new law, which is immediately effective, allows for receivership proceedings where a landlord has failed to remedy “conditions dangerous to life, health, or safety.” Basically, this means a court may appoint an independent “receiver” who is empowered to manage and redirect rent deposits towards fixing an issue that a landlord has neglected to sufficiently address.

However, what's interesting is the flip side of the law. It's yet another reminder that tenants should not unilaterally withhold rent or make repairs, outside of their rights in their specific lease, when there are habitability issues at the premises. Instead, they should follow the law and have their rental money deposited with the Court. Doing it otherwise is technically a grounds for eviction. Simple stated, there is a procedure when a landlord doesn't fix property and you, as a tenant, can't decide to just not pay when it's not being fixed. 

This procedure of depositing rent into Court and having a receiver appointed was formerly available only in New York City, but now applies statewide. 

Attorney Andrew Lieb Comments on Trump Organization Being Found Guilty of Tax Fraud on CBS 2 NY.

Federal law requires employers to post a notice created by the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC), which summarizes the federal laws and explains filing procedures. 

The notice was just updated, and it is called the “Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal” poster.

It must be placed conspicuously, in a location that is accessible to all employees, including those with disabilities that limit mobility. To ensure that remote employees receive notice, employers should also post the notice on their website.

Violations have consequences! An employer who fails to comply may be fined up to $612 for each separate offense.

 Attorney Andrew Lieb discusses employment discrimination in the quiet workplace environment including quiet quitting and quiet firing on Newsy.

 Attorney Andrew Lieb discusses legal challenges of Biden's Loan Forgiveness with NEWS 12.

Attorney Andrew Lieb provides clarification to the USA Today by fact checking NY gun laws and false claims. Click here for the full article by USA Today.

On September 17, 2022, President Biden signed the Eliminating Limits to Justice for Child Sex Abuse Victims Act of 2022. 

The Act completely eliminates the statute of limitations for minor victims to file a civil action for a number of federal sex offenses, including sex trafficking, forced labor, sexual abuse and child pornography. By amending Title 18 of the United States Code, the part that deals with federal crimes and criminal procedure, this Act removes all former time restrictions for specified offenses relating to minors.  

Previously, minor victims seeking to file federal civil claims for damages had until their 28th birthday, or until 10 years after the violation or injury was discovered. These restraints presented a substantial barrier for many victims, who often delay in reporting or taking legal action because of the time it takes to process their trauma. Now, the doors of justice are wide open for minor victims to pursue claims and hold their abusers accountable. 

Similar measures have been taken at the state level as well. For example, in New York, the Child Victims Act begins the statute of limitations for child sex abuse crimes when the child turns 23 for criminal proceedings, and the filing of a civil action before a toddler, pre-teen, or teenage victim’s 55th birthday. 

It's becoming clear that the law is evolving favorably for victims of abuse. Perhaps knowing that the law is on their side will provide survivors with the empowerment that they need to carry on. 

Did you know that Title VII employment discrimination cases can happen even if the perpetrator is merely the 6-year-old grandson of the owner?

That's the lesson from Chapman v. Oakland Living Center, which is a case against an assisted living facility where the owner’s 6-year-old grandson repeatedly used the n-word against a black employee.

The problem for the employer was - why didn't anyone stop him? The boy’s grandfather either knew or should have known about the conduct and failed to sufficiently respond. Yes, there was a spanking and an unsuccessful attempted to elicit an apology, but that wasn't enough.

Understanding The Legal Implications of The Unsealed Documents From The Trump Raid. Analysis With Constitutional Attorney Andrew Lieb on Newsy Tonight With Chance Seales.

Not wanting to die in a fire, tenants in a Manhattan building for the hearing impaired and deaf have filed a class action lawsuit demanding that the landlords and management companies upgrade items like the fire alarm so it vibrates and stops being useless for tenants who can't hear. Interview with Attorney Andrew Lieb on the lawsuit. 

Click Here For Patch Article Here.