Melissa T Billig

June 25, 2024 | New York Law Journal

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform the real estate industry, but are owners and developers and construction managers adapting to its rise?

By Melissa T. Billig

5 minute read

March 12, 2024 | New York Law Journal

In their Construction Law column, Melissa Billig and Brandon Reiner discuss five pitfalls to avoid when using standardized industry form agreements with architects and contractors.

By Melissa T. Billig and Brandon Reiner

6 minute read

November 07, 2023 | New York Law Journal

The artificial intelligence (AI) revolution is underway in nearly every industry, including the real estate industry, but have the consequences of such use in the world of architecture been fully considered?

By Melissa T. Billig and Stuart Rosen

5 minute read

September 12, 2023 | New York Law Journal

In their Construction Law column, Kenneth Block and Melissa Billig discuss they city's "Get Sheds Down" initiative which was recently unveiled by New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo and provides a plan to overhaul current rules governing the design, use and permitting for sheds and scaffolding systems on public sidewalks.

By Kenneth M. Block and Melissa T. Billig

5 minute read

March 07, 2023 | New York Law Journal

The pandemic has changed the way we use office space. New York City has a significant amount of under-occupied or vacant office real estate. Converting these commercial spaces to residential could help to solve the housing affordability crisis, but not every building is a viable candidate for a residential conversion—it's expensive to renovate, there are no tax breaks, and the commercial districts have not been re-zoned to permit these conversions—so how can they do it?

By Kenneth M. Block and Melissa T. Billig

5 minute read

November 08, 2022 | New York Law Journal

A well drafted agreement will lay out key business terms, the responsibilities of each party, and will manage expectations and risks. It is critical to balance what may be achievable with what is reasonable under the circumstances and, importantly, what hot button issues may derail contract negotiations.

By Kenneth M. Block and Melissa T. Billig

6 minute read