Firm News: Isaac Sunkes

In an important clarification of contract and arbitration law, New Jersey’s Appellate Division recently confirmed that an arbitration agreement between sophisticated parties does not need to expressly waive the right to trial in order to bind the parties to arbitration. This ruling clarifies that while arbitration obligations contained in consumer and employment agreements continue to require express waivers, agreements between sophisticated parties do not require the same protections.

By Kenneth A. Bloom, Founder & Managing Partner

Talk about waiting until the last minute! Governor Hochul announced in an op-ed published by the Daily News that she would be vetoing the proposed Grieving Families Act on January 30, the deadline for her to sign the bill.

Proposed New York City legislation would redefine employee/employer relationships for many New York City-based employers.

If passed, Int. No. 837 will prohibit covered employers from terminating employees without either “just cause” or a “bona-fide economic reason.”

Background

“Little imagination is needed to understand the paramount importance of eliminating unfair discrimination in housing.”[1] To combat such discrimination the  New York City Council is planning to pass the Fair Chance for Housing Act (FCHA), a bill sponsored by 26 New York City Council members and the New York City Public Advocate that prohibits landlords and building owners, including co-op boards, from discriminating against a prospective tenant, purchaser, lessee or occupant on the basis of criminal history or arrest record. Not surprisingly, the bill resembles the NYC Fair Chance Act passed a few years ago, which similarly was aimed at reducing discrimination and advancing diversity and inclusion by giving individuals from all backgrounds and circumstances a fair chance in employment.[2]