In a swift and decisive action, KI Legal secured a temporary restraining order from the Kings County Supreme Court against an ex-independent contractor who posted false and defamatory reviews regarding our client.

In a significant victory for our client, a residential cooperative, the New York County Supreme Court denied a declaratory judgment sought by two shareholders attempting to seize control of the board

Successfully assisted our client with the sale of a multimillion-dollar commercial real estate asset located in Queens County, NY. Matthew successfully drafted a Contract of Sale that incorporated various provisions that addressed the unique nature of the asset, which was the subject of a “lease-back” after the sale took place.

Successfully assisted our client, a high-end art studio located in the prestigious SoHo neighborhood of New York, in negotiating with its landlord (a residential co-op board) to obtain approval of renovation plans for its space.? Previously, the client had unsuccessfully tried to obtain the Board’s approval for approximately 6 months, to no avail.

Successfully assisted our client, a New York City residential landlord, with obtaining legal possession of a Rent Stabilized apartment unit from a habitually non-paying tenant. Matthew and Eric successfully secured their client possession of the apartment within approximately 7 months of taking over litigation from another law firm, litigation that had been pending since 2020.

Successfully assisted our client, a New York City residential landlord, with obtaining legal possession of a Rent Stabilized apartment unit from a habitually non-paying tenant. Matthew and Eric’s extensive landlord-tenant litigation experience allowed them to secure client possession.

Successfully assisted our client, a New York City residential landlord, with obtaining legal possession of a Rent Stabilized apartment unit from a habitually non-paying tenant.

Successfully represented an NYC-based hospitality group in negotiating various license and revenue-sharing agreements in the company's first venture in the Hamptons market.

Successfully resolved an ADA website accessibility lawsuit against his client, a respected New York dental practice. Steven used his years of negotiating experience to persuade the plaintiff to accept a token settlement, thus saving his client thousands of dollars in potential legal fees.

Successfully defeated the City of New York in its price-gouging lawsuit against our client. The city, which sought tens of thousands of dollars in penalties, lost and its claims were entirely dismissed thanks to the good works of Ralph and the KI Legal team.

Successfully represented a restaurant client who had been sued by a former employee in the Southern District of New York for alleged wage and hour violations. The employee had sought damages in the six-figure range. At court-ordered mediation, Steven emphasized that his client’s payroll records disproved many of the employee’s allegations. Using his advocacy and negotiation skills, Steve successfully resolved the case for a minuscule fraction of what the employee initially wanted.

Successfully represented a restaurant and theatre tenant in connection with the modification of their commercial lease agreement. Socrates secured a (i) $1,000,000.00 loan from the landlord to fund the remainder of the tenant’s buildout, with no payment due on such loan until 1 year after the tenant’s grand opening; and (ii) a replacement of fixed rent with percentage rent for the 1st year after opening.

Successfully negotiated a property management agreement on behalf of an investment fund client that is developing a single-family rental community of up to 400 homes on a land parcel in the Southeast region of the United States.

Successfully represented a restaurant client in an action brought by the New York State Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (“DCWP”). The DCWP alleged that the restaurant had violated the New York paid sick leave statute. Steven negotiated a consent order with the DCWP so that the firm’s client could avoid costly litigation.

Successfully commenced an involuntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy case in the US Bankruptcy Court against a corporation which owns an office building located in New York City. The bankruptcy petition was accepted by the US Bankruptcy Court. Now, creditors - including our clients - who are owed money by the office building’s owner, have the benefit of transparency and an independent review of the company’s finances. They, therefore, stand a better chance of recovering payment on their outstanding claims.

Successfully represented purchasers in a $630,000 acquisition, with $400,000 in mortgage financing, of a private residence located in Southold, NY.

Successfully represented purchasers in the $795,000 acquisition, with $715,500 in mortgage financing, of a private residence located in Mattituck, NY.

Successfully negotiated 5 NDAs on behalf of a real estate investment and asset management firm in connection with potential real estate development opportunities throughout the United States.

Successfully represented the seller of a 50% interest in a 2-family property located in Astoria, NY.

Successfully represented a purchaser in the $600,000 acquisition, with $450,000 in seller-financing, of a commercial property located in Bergen County, NJ.

Successfully represented a purchaser in the $2,375,000 acquisition, with $1,900,000 mortgage financing with assignment from seller’s lender, of a medical office building located in Bayside, NY.

Successfully represented a restaurant tenant in connection with the modification of their commercial lease agreement, securing 50% fixed rent reduction and deferment of additional rent payments for the remainder of 2021.

Successfully prepared and negotiated a joint venture agreement, and corresponding financing documents, for clients’ opening and operation of a high-end wine and spirits retail store located in New York, NY.

Successfully represented a real estate investment and asset management firm in connection with the acquisition and development of a to-be-built, residential townhome community of up to 1,850 homes on a land parcel in the Southeast region of the United States.

Successfully opposed an application for a temporary restraining order (TRO) which was filed by a neighbor of our client, a restaurant/bar in Queens, NY. The neighbor claimed that our client was creating a nuisance with loud music and disturbances in front of his property. Steven argued that the facts alleged by the neighbor did not constitute grounds for emergency relief, and that the neighbor’s own actions contributed to the alleged nuisance.

Successfully assisted our client, a small family-owned hospitality business located in Brooklyn, NY, with the negotiation of a long-term tenancy surrender and commercial landlord-tenant litigation settlement. The terms of the settlement agreement allowed our client approximately 10 months to vacate the premises, while paying a significantly discounted monthly rent.

Successfully assisted our client, a New York City residential landlord, with obtaining legal possession of a Rent Stabilized apartment unit from a habitually non-paying tenant. KI Legal’s Landlord-Tenant Litigation & Family Office Consulting team of Matthew and Eric utilized their years of landlord-tenant litigation experience and the techniques they developed to get their client possession of the apartment within approximately 5 months of taking over the litigation.

Successfully defeated a contempt motion filed against our business owner client in a hotly contested shareholder dispute. At the same hearing, Steven and the KI Legal Litigation team defeated a separately filed motion which sought relief from an injunction that they had obtained against the other party. KI Legal’s litigators have a wealth of experience in handling disputes between business owners.

"Successfully represented the purchaser of a $12,700,000 joint venture acquisition of a 95-room multinational franchised hotel located in the southeastern region of the United States. This purchase was financed utilizing a $7,350,000 first-position CMBS mortgage loan, which the firm assisted the client in negotiating and placing.

Successfully represented a real estate investment fund client in connection with the acquisition and development of a to-be-built, 252-unit residential townhome community (having an estimated as-completed value of ~$75,000,000.00) on ~26.2 acres of vacant land in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.

Successfully represented an international hotel located in Tribeca, New York in the roll-out of a new, exclusive Membership Program that will be utilized by the hotel across all its locations in Europe and the Middle East.

Successfully represented a Miami-based hospitality group in its first Brooklyn project, completing long term lease negotiations, limited partner capital raises, and all related corporate governance documents for a new Williamsburg location set to open later in 2023.

Successfully provided advice and counsel to a healthcare technology startup company focused on the pharmaceutical and prescriptions space. We successfully assisted in drafting numerous agreements for the startup that are integral to the company's operations including, but not limited to, documents as foundational as the terms of service and data privacy policy.

Successfully assisted our client in the negotiation and execution of a general contractor construction agreement that involved a construction project that will total well over half a million dollars. We engaged in extensive negotiation of the contract terms and were able to creatively address both an unusual deal structure and permitting requirements for our client.

Successfully guided and advised his clients through a complicated transaction that culminated with the acquisition of an existing restaurant business located in an exclusive neighborhood in New York, NY. Steven adeptly negotiated a service agreement as well as lease modification and assignment in connection with the purchase. Steven worked with numerous parties and state agencies to ensure not only a successful closing, but also that the client was set up for a lucrative future.

Successfully guided and advised his clients through a complicated transaction that culminated with the acquisition of an existing restaurant business located in an exclusive neighborhood in New York, NY. Steven adeptly negotiated a service agreement as well as lease modification and assignment in connection with the purchase. Steven worked with numerous parties and state agencies to ensure not only a successful closing, but also that the client was set up for a lucrative future.

Successfully convinced a former employee to withdraw a “demand letter” he had sent to one of our small business clients – without our client paying a dime. The employee claimed that the employer had discriminated against him and failed to follow the wage and hour law; the employee demanded money in the mid-five figures in exchange for a release of his claims. Our client provided video footage of the events leading to this employee’s separation from employment. The employee was operating a piece of heavy mac

Successfully convinced a disgruntled former employee to accept a miniscule settlement for her alleged disability discrimination claims before a lawsuit was even filed. The former employee retained counsel who contacted the employer with a “demand letter” asking for tens of thousands of dollars for alleged discrimination and wage violations. Steven, with the assistance of Law Clerk John Flouskakos, reviewed video footage of the former employee provided by the employer and thoroughly researched the applicable

Successfully represented a commercial lender in connection with the closing of a $1,400,000.00 mortgage loan secured by a first-position lien on a commercial property located in Queens, NY.

Successfully represented a commercial lender in connection with the closing of a $960,000.00 mortgage loan secured by a second-position lien on a commercial property located in Yonkers, NY.

Successfully represented a commercial lender in connection with the closing of a $8,300,000.00 mortgage loan secured by a first-position lien on a commercial property located in Brooklyn, NY.

Successfully guided and advised his clients through a complicated transaction that culminated with the acquisition of an existing restaurant business located in an exclusive neighborhood in New York, NY. Steven adeptly negotiated a service agreement as well as lease modification and assignment in connection with the purchase. Steven worked with numerous parties and state agencies to ensure not only a successful closing, but also that the client was set up for a lucrative future.

Successfully represented a borrower of a $7,000,000 construction loan in connection with the development of a 16,332 sq. foot luxury home in Miami, FL.

Successfully represented a real estate investment fund client in connection with the acquisition and development of a to-be-built, residential townhome community of 284 homes on a vacant land parcel in the Southeast region of the United States.

Successfully represented a commercial lender in connection with the closing of a $1,015,000.00 mortgage loan secured by a first-position lien on a commercial property located in Brooklyn, NY.

Successfully represented a commercial lender in connection with the closing of a $1,000,000.00 revolving line of credit mortgage loan secured by a first-position lien on a commercial property located in Queens, NY.

Successfully guided and advised his clients through a complicated $5,100,000.00 transaction that culminated with the purchase of an existing upscale wine and spirits business located in an exclusive neighborhood in New York, NY. Steven, working alongside the firm's Transactional Real Estate Partner, Socrates Xanthopoulos, adeptly negotiated a $4,000,000.00 Small Business Administration loan in connection with the purchase, and oversaw the execution and delivery of a new 15-year commercial lease.

Successfully represented a commercial lender in connection with the closing of a $999K mortgage loan secured by a first-position lien on a commercial property located in Queens, NY.

Successfully negotiated a heavily contested general release and settlement agreement for the surrender of the possession of a commercial rental space in lower New York, under the guidance of Co-Founder Michael Iakovou and Senior Associate Matthew Zwiren. Kyriaki protected our clients - a corporate commercial tenant and its personal guarantor - from a landlord who was seeking to impose over $14M of liability on both the corporation and guarantor.

Successfully assisted our client in closing a $7.2 million dollar complex purchase transaction of a package of multifamily buildings located in a very desirable neighborhood in Norwalk, CT. In order to properly complete the replacement phase of our client’s 1031 tax-free exchange, we developed a tenancy-in-common ownership scheme for the properties so the client could use the 1031 funds to contribute to the purchase, while bringing on new capital investment.

Successfully resolved a racial discrimination case brought by a former employee of one of KI Legal’s construction company clients. The plaintiff claimed to have been subjected to a hostile work environment by the company’s manager. Steve skillfully argued that the plaintiff’s credibility was in question because he kept changing his story. Steve resolved the case at a mediation for a fraction of the initial settlement demand.

Successfully represented a foreign doctoral student who had been terminated from their academic program for poor grades. Steve contacted the university and pointed out various extenuating circumstances which should have considered. Due to Steve’s tireless advocacy, the university agreed to reinstate the student and give them a second chance.

Successfully represented a hospitality client facing a $10,000,000 lawsuit in alleged damages for breach of commercial lease, cumulative arrears and damages to a commercial property in downtown New York. Michael was able to tactfully secure a full release and indemnification for any damages on behalf of his client from the landlord while also simultaneously negotiating a combination of reductions and releases on all third-party vendor claims against the tenant client.

Successfully negotiated a construction access agreement on behalf of a New York City property owner whose property is adjacent to a new multi-family site under development. Through extensive negotiations, Matthew successfully ensured that our client’s property was provided protection above-and-beyond the minimum statutory requirements, required the developer to provide significant insurance coverage that protected our client and the property, and were able to obtain a $42,000.00 lump sum pay out.

Matthew successfully completed a 1031 tax-free exchange transaction with assets totaling roughly $19M. In connection with this tax-free exchange, the Firm successfully assisted our clients with the negotiation and sale of a triple-net retail site in Charleston, South Carolina and the purchase of a newly renovated 50-unit multifamily property in Bridgeport, CT located in a Federal Opportunity Zone. Additionally, the Firm assisted our client with obtaining very favorable loan terms for financing.

Successfully resolved a wage and hour action brought by a former employee against a restaurant on New York’s East Side. The restaurant kept good employment records which gave it a strong advantage in the case. Unfortunately, the restaurant closed during the litigation as a result of the COVID pandemic. However, the owner still had personal liability under the relevant laws. Steve and the KI litigation team was able to resolve the case for a fraction of the employee’s initial demand.

Successfully resolved a wage and hour case on behalf of a small diner in Queens, New York, at a significant discount to the original settlement demand. The diner was family-owned and operated. Two former employees of the diner sued for wage and hour violations, claiming unpaid overtime, spread of hours pay, and improper deduction for the tip credit. The restaurant did not maintain all the required records, which was a complicating factor. Steve and the KI litigation team were able to resolve this matter.

Successfully resolved a wage and hour case on behalf of a restaurant client for a fraction of the original damages sought. The former employee, a cook and kitchen helper, claimed she did not receive the correct minimum wage and overtime pay over an 18 month period. The client kept good but not perfect records which helped to disprove some of the employee’s claims. These records gave Steve and the KI litigation team enough leverage to mediate the case to a successful conclusion.

Successfully represented seller of a 2-family building in Astoria, NY for $1,450,600 as part of a Section 1031 tax-deferred exchange.

Successfully represented commercial lender in closing of mortgage loan secured by blanket first-position lien on 17-property portfolio located in Tennessee.

Successfully represented a real estate investment and asset management firm client in closing on the acquisition of twenty (20) newly-constructed townhomes in the Southeast region of the United States.

Successfully structured and negotiated operating agreement for multi-member joint venture vehicle in connection with acquisition of forty-three (43) condominium units on Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, Florida for an aggregate purchase price of $9,740,000.00.

Successfully represented a real estate investment and asset management firm client in connection with the acquisition and development a to-be-built, residential townhome community of 280 homes on two vacant land parcels in the Southeast region of the United States.

Successfully negotiated commercial sublease agreement for office space in the Chrysler Building on behalf of the sublessor, an investment management firm with $20 billion in A/U/M.

Successfully facilitated the sale of $15M worth of triple net Walgreens assets in two closings. One sale is currently part of a 1031 tax-free exchange that will allow the client to purchase a 50-unit multifamily asset in an opportunity zone in Bridgeport, CT.

Successfully completed a 31-building, approximately $70M refinancing package for a multi-generational-family-owned real estate holding company. By forging a strategic partnership with Chase Bank, N.A., Matthew was able to effectuate a 6-month interest rate lock that allowed the borrower to realize the rates available in September 2021, while closing in March 2022. This extended period allowed the borrower to forgo paying a prepayment penalty to the pay-off bank of roughly $6.5M.

Successfully secured a six-figure monetary compensation for a minority shareholder client that was ousted from their restaurant operation. Though the client had not financially invested in the restaurant, Steven successfully advocated for the client’s right to be indemnified given their wrongful termination.

Successfully defeated a preliminary injunction which sought to shut down our client, a small family business, for allegedly misappropriating the trade secrets of a larger competitor.

Successfully represented a commercial lender in connection with the closing of (i) a $1,800,000.00 mortgage loan secured by a first-position lien on a commercial property located in Palisades Park, NJ, and (ii) a $750,000.00 revolving line of credit secured by a second-position mortgage line on the same commercial property.

Successfully negotiated a commercial lease agreement for a ground floor and lower-level retail space in the Lower East Side of New York, NY, on behalf of a high-end wine and spirits store tenant.

Successfully negotiated a commercial lease agreement for the NYC office of a global independent production agency specializing in photo, film and digital content production, art buying, creative consultancy and casting.

Successfully represented an investment fund client in acquiring twenty (20) townhomes in the Southeast region of the United States.

Successfully negotiated a purchase and sale agreement in connection with $15,000,000.00 acquisition of 363-unit single-family, apartment and mobile home rental community in Ocala, FL on behalf of the purchaser.

Successfully negotiated a commercial lease agreement on behalf of Martin Snow for Trinity Boxing Club’s new flagship location (~4,500 square feet) in New York City’ Financial District.

Successfully drafted an employee handbook and a policies and procedures manual for a small carwash business in Long Island in compliance with New York law, which has undergone major changes in the past year.

Successfully represented a well-known existing New York City restaurant tenant in a long-term lease modification. Scope of representation included securement of rental arrears forgivingness in excess of 300,000 dollars, extension of lease and subsequent option periods, removal of personal guarantor and long term payment plan of deferred arrears subject to status interest rate.

Successfully represented a nightclub operator in a large-scale venue negotiation of warehouse and event space. Scope of work included negotiation and drafting of all license agreements with landlord and existing tenant as well as contractual agreements with all third parties- Brooklyn, New York.

Successfully negotiated a commercial lease agreement for a ~18,600 square foot warehouse in Bronx, NY on behalf of a moving and storage company tenant.

KI Legal served as co-counsel to a real estate investment and asset management firm in connection with the acquisition and development of a to-be-built, single-family rental community of up to 400 homes on a land parcel in the Southeast region of the United States.

Successfully represented a commercial lender in connection with the closing of a $5M mortgage loan secured by a first-position lien on a commercial property located in Brooklyn, NY.

Represented a hospitality operator in simultaneous lease negotiation workouts across three locations in New York. Secured long-term deferment of arrears, forgiveness of arrears, mitigated personal guarantees, and extended lease terms.

Successfully obtained a favorable low settlement for a restaurant owner client of 20% of the amount demanded by multiple long-time employees for alleged federal and state wage and hour violations, as well as other discrimination claims.

Represented a real estate developer in a multimillion-dollar land acquisition on the North Shore of Long Island and a simultaneous land loan and construction loan of $2.1MM.

Successfully obtained a favorable buy-out with 50% over capital contribution of a wrongfully-removed, minority shareholder of a restaurant after 2 years of litigation.

Represented an existing nightclub operations team in the negotiation and disposition of a long-term Management and Operational Agreement further subject to cross-collateralized real estate assets, secured payment promissory notes, and UCC security agreements.

Successfully represented a commercial lender in connection with the closing of a $2,850,000.00 mortgage loan secured by a first-position lien on a commercial property located in Bronx, NY.

Successfully represented a commercial lender in connection with the closing of a $1,500,000.00 mortgage loan secured by a first-position lien on a commercial property located in Brooklyn, NY.

Successfully represented a commercial lender in connection with the closing of a $1,100,000.00 mortgage loan secured by a first-position lien on a commercial property located in Brooklyn, NY.

Successfully represented a commercial lender in connection with the closing of a $1,950,000.00 mortgage loan secured by a first-position lien on a commercial property located in New York, NY.

Successfully represented a commercial lender in connection with the closing of a $2,500,000.00 mortgage loan secured by a first-position lien on a commercial property located in Brooklyn, NY.

Successfully represented a commercial lender in connection with the closing of a $5,775,000.00 mortgage loan secured by a first-position lien on a commercial property located in Brooklyn, NY.

Successfully represented a commercial lender in connection with the closing of a $1,600,000.00 mortgage loan secured by a first-position lien on a commercial property located in White Plains, NY.

Successfully represented a commercial lender in connection with the closing of a $2,400,000.00 mortgage loan secured by a first-position lien on a commercial property located in Brooklyn, NY.

Successfully negotiated a dismissal with prejudice against two restaurant owners in a federal Wage and Hour case. Steve successfully persuaded the plaintiff, who was represented by capable counsel, to drop his claims against the individual owners after Steve deposed the plaintiff on the subject of the individual owners’ involvement in the business.

Successfully assisted a corporate client in dismissing an emergency Order to Show Cause that alleged the petitioner was illegally locked-out of an apartment our client previously rented.

After being substituted in a counsel on this matter, we were able to successfully obtain a judgment of possession in a holdover proceeding against an occupant who claimed succession rights to the apartment.

Successfully obtained an approximately $23,000.00 judgment for our client, a Landlord of affordable housing in Bronx County. This matter was stayed for a significant amount of time due to an ERAP application the tenant submitted. We filed a well timed and strategized motion in this matter that allowed us to obtain the aforementioned judgment and also receive a warrant of eviction.

Successfully obtained an approximately $45,000.00 judgment for our client, a Landlord of affordable housing in Bronx County. After having the proceeding stayed from its onset in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to obtain a substantial monetary and possessory judgment for our client. We did so at the first court appearance on this matter.

Successfully facilitated a $600,000.00 financing transaction for the owner of a multifamily property in Brooklyn, NY. We were able to work with our client’s mortgage broker to obtain short-term financing for the client, which will allow them to utilize the funds for an additional investment. We worked with the Lender and Lender’s counsel to provide our client with the most advantageous terms possible.

Successfully assisted our client in all aspects of the selection of the new space for its business. We began this process by performing extensive due diligence reviews for multiple different commercial locations, which resulted in the selection of one location for our client to move its existing high-end art gallery and studio.

Successfully represented a commercial lender in connection with the closing of a $7,200,000 mortgage loan secured by a first-position lien on a commercial property located in the Bronx, NY.

Successfully represented a commercial lender in connection with the closing of a $1,600,000 mortgage loan secured by a first-position lien on a commercial property located in Yonkers, NY.

Successfully represented a commercial lender in connection with the closing of a $735,000.00 mortgage loan secured by a first-position lien on a commercial property located in Bronx, NY.

Successfully represented a commercial lender in connection with the closing of a $1,015,000.00 mortgage loan secured by a first-position lien on a commercial property located in Brooklyn, NY.

Successfully represented a commercial lender in connection with the closing of a $1,000,000.00 revolving line of credit mortgage loan secured by a first-position lien on a commercial property located in Queens, NY.

Successfully closed the purchase of a long term (more than 50 year) lease for a unique, high-end art gallery space in SoHo.

Successfully closed a $600K commercial loan for a family-owned landlord in Brooklyn.

Successfully assisted our client, a commercial condominium unit owner, by negotiating with the Condominium Board to receive a significant financial contribution toward repair costs for the HVAC system in the space.

Successfully obtained a favorable settlement in a race discrimination case against one of the Firm’s longstanding clients. Steve conducted an internal investigation and handled all aspects of the case as it moved through the EEOC and into District Court. Steve determined that the case did not have merit and adopted the appropriate settlement posture. The case settled quite early in the litigation process with the assistance of a mediator. The client was very satisfied with the result.

Successfully assisted our client, a commercial condominium unit owner, by negotiating with the Condominium Board to receive a significant financial contribution toward repair costs for the HVAC system in the space.

Successfully represented a commercial lender in connection with the closing of a $735,000.00 mortgage loan secured by a first-position lien on a commercial property located in Bronx, NY.

Represented an institutional commercial lender on a $500K cash-out refinance secured by a first-position mortgage on a multifamily asset in the Bronx, New York.