NYS Bar Association creates working group to deal with expected surge in landlord-tenant cases
President of the NYS Bar Association Hank Greenberg announced a working group that has been created to handle the expected rise in landlord-tenant cases. Photo courtesy of the NYSBA
By Rob Abruzzese
May 13, 2020
Copy Link
Email
Facebook
X
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Telegram
Pinterest
Print
The New York State Bar Association announced on Monday that it has created a landlord-tenant working group that it hopes will help deal with the expected rush to file cases related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The governor’s swift action to put evictions on hold kept New Yorkers safe when they needed refuge during shelter-in-place orders,” said NYSBA President Hank Greenberg. “When the moratorium lifts, the courts will be burdened by an unprecedented number of landlord-tenant disputes. Likewise, the demand for legal services by those who cannot afford an attorney will skyrocket. We must therefore plan for that eventuality and recommend steps that can be taken to ensure due process for all concerned.”
The statewide moratorium on evictions is in effect until Aug. 20, and the working group hopes to encourage alternative ways to settle disputes between landlords and tenants in the meantime.
In particular, the group is looking to help sick and financially struggling tenants through alternative dispute resolution options. They expect that settling as often as possible would also help landlords who need income to keep their buildings in good repair.
Former Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman is overseeing the NYSBA’s pro bono network that was created to deal with legal issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The group will work with the landlord-tenant working group to help settle disputes outside of court. Photo: Rob Abruzzese/Brooklyn Eagle
The NYSBA will enlist the help of its newly created pro bono network to help with the effort. That network has already been working with people on jobless claims.
“I am delighted to see the number of lawyers who have stepped forward to help unemployed New Yorkers appeal denied claims,” Chief Judge Janet DiFiore said. “But it’s also crucial that we keep New Yorkers in their homes when the pandemic subsides. The involvement of pro bono attorneys will help our housing courts when they resume normal operations and assist those who perhaps cannot otherwise afford representation.”
The working group will include Hon. Anthony Cannataro, the citywide administrative judge for the Civil Court; and Dominick Napoletano, the NYSBA treasurer and past president of the Brooklyn Bar Association.
It will also include Ross Gilmore, Beth Goldman, Seymour James, Kenneth Kanfer, Mark Moretti, Jason Polevoy, Phil Rosen, Andrew Scherer and Sara Wagner.
“This esteemed group of lawyers has vowed to work quickly and diligently to resolve what will be a vexing problem if immediate action isn’t taken,” said former NYS Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman. “Their goal is to come up with innovative solutions that address the needs of both landlords and tenants, and I am confident that they will be able to do so.”
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
