While the State of New Jersey generally abides by the “American Rule” that litigants pay their own attorneys’ fees in lawsuits, and has a strong public policy against the shifting of costs, the Legislature and the courts have recognized several exceptions to this rule. The exceptions set forth in the Court Rules include certain costs […]
Once in a while, not often, we do like to brag. As many of you are likely aware, one of theFirm’sspecialtiesisinthefieldofLand Use. We spend a lot of late nights out before Land Use boards in the region assisting our clients in their efforts to develop projects from the ground up or to expand and upgrade […]
In the current business environment where people are becoming increasingly dependent on credit in transactions, it is critical to monitor and understand the basis for credit reports and scores. Credit scores are used by creditors, insurers, employers and other businesses to evaluate an individual’s applications for credit, insurance, employment, or renting a home. A credit […]
I have been riding bicycles all of my life, and I have been an avid road bicyclist for about ten years. In addition to helping to keep your mind and body in shape, cycling provides you a keen awareness of the general rules of the road. While operating a motor vehicle you may be somewhat […]
Hot off the press, in a September 26, 2013 Opinion, the New Jersey Supreme Court rendered their decision on In re Adoption of N.J.A.C. 5:96 &5:97 by Council on Affordable. The Court found that the most recent reiteration of the Third Round Rules established by the Council of Affordable Housing (“COAH”) were contrary to the […]
In years past, if you had a good idea, whether it be for a for-profit venture, or more relevant to this article, for a non-profit, you would take that idea to friends and sometimes through friends, to others, and seek support. We call this “networking.” An exciting new concept burst onto the field just a […]
New Jersey Supreme Court, in the well known Mount Laurel decisions of 1975 and 1983, ruled that each municipality must provide a realistic opportunity to provide its fair share of affordable housing. As a result of the Mount Laurel II decision, the Court put each municipality’s “feet to the fire” by mandating the legislature to […]
On May 5, 2011, a huge hole in the Municipal Land Use Law was finally closed when the Time Of Submission Law went into effect. Previously, applications submitted for development approvals were subject to municipal ordinances in effect at the time the decision was rendered. Thus, an applicant could go through the time and expense […]
Recently, New Jersey became the third state to enact legislation authorizing the creation of “Benefit Corporations.” A Benefit Corporation is “for profit,” but at the same time it promotes performance accountability and transparency, and is designed to achieve a “public benefit.” Vermont and Virginia have also enacted similar legislation, and many other states are considering […]
Many first time homebuyers that I represent commonly comment about how stressful the process of purchasing a home is. And with the status of the lending industry, one could hardly blame them for feeling that way. However, this writer shutters to think of how this homebuyer would react to the process of purchasing anything more […]