Brian Lee

Brian Lee is an Albany-based litigation reporter for the New York Law Journal. He has worked at daily newspapers in Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey. He can be reached at [email protected]. Twitter: @bleereporter

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March 28, 2024 | New York Law Journal

NY Housing Lawyers Weigh 'Squatting' Crackdown Bill Package

One proposal would elevate squatting to a criminal misdemeanor punishable by 90 days in jail, while also giving landlords an extra two weeks to prove, prior to launching an eviction proceeding, that the occupant is trespassing.

By Brian Lee

5 minute read

March 28, 2024 | New York Law Journal

Strategic Litigation Leader Is Named NY Federal Defenders' Executive Director

Tamara Giwa has been with the organization since 2019, developing litigation strategies to combat racism and inequity in federal criminal justice.

By Brian Lee

2 minute read

March 27, 2024 | New York Law Journal

NY Senate Passes Revived Bill to Unveil Lobbying Behind Top-Court Nominees

Gov. Kathy Hochul vetoed a prior version that contained a retroactive component, which has been removed.

By Brian Lee

4 minute read

March 26, 2024 | New York Law Journal

Reform Groups to Lawmakers: Give Judicial Misconduct Watchdog Greater Budgeting Independence

The measure would also allow the judicial misconduct watchdog, up to 120 days to continue investigating complaints against judges who have resigned or retired while under scrutiny.

By Brian Lee

3 minute read

March 26, 2024 | New York Law Journal

Senate Judiciary Moves Bill That Targets Massive NYC Co-op Rent Increases

Republicans said they viewed the bill as limiting contracts.

By Brian Lee

3 minute read

March 25, 2024 | New York Law Journal

Hospital's Big Law Firm Says AG's Subpoena for Medical Records a 'Fishing Expedition'

Two obstretics patients said they falsely tested positive for illegal opioids at Garnet Health Medical Center in Orange County, New York because they had consumed poppy seeds, the hospital's lawsuit in state court by Bryn Goodman of Fox Rothschild states.

By Brian Lee

3 minute read

March 21, 2024 | New York Law Journal

Sharply Divided NY Top Court Seizes Property Tax Exemption From Nonprofit Landlord of For-Profit Dialysis Center

The 4-3 vote indicates the panel is far from united on New York City taxation policy,

By Brian Lee

4 minute read

March 20, 2024 | New York Law Journal

Ruling on NYC's 'Disparate' Tax System Could Spur Reforms and Valuation Protests

The decision in an appeal filed by Latham & Watkins attorneys including ex-New York Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman, is not final, but an important step toward possible reform.

By Brian Lee

4 minute read

March 19, 2024 | New York Law Journal

NY Judge Declares Social Media 'Products' May Be Liable in Buffalo Racist Massacre

Erie County Supreme Court Judge Paula Feroleto allowed the case to proceed, siding with the estates of those murdered in a mass shooting motivated by racist ideology.

By Brian Lee

4 minute read

March 19, 2024 | New York Law Journal

North Country Judge Resigns Amid Probe Into Retaliatory Acts Against Defense Lawyer

"Judicial retaliation against those who file complaints with the Commission is unacceptable and taken very seriously," said Robert Tembeckjian, administrator and counsel to New York's judicial watchdog.

By Brian Lee

3 minute read

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