Friday 22 August 2014

Debra Cherney - Hartley Bernstein

Debra Cherney represents corporate clients and individuals in connection with all aspects of corporate, commercial and real estate transactions. While a significant portion of her practice has been devoted to representing companies in the financial services industry, including international and U.S.-based broker-dealer/investment banking organizations and an NYSE Group affiliate company

Partner in a boutique law firm with a broad-based practice covering all aspects of corporate and commercial transactions and other transactional matters, litigation and securities matters, including FINRA arbitrations, employment discrimination, including discrimination against individuals on the basis of gender and gender/transgender status. My practice areas include contract documents for the purchase, sale and license of goods, products and services; agreements for commercial and residential real estate ventures and transactions, including agreements for property and real estate management services, as well as construction, architecture, engineering, design and landscape design agreements; corporate governance and transactional documents; technology-related and services agreements; contracts related to information dissemination; and intellectual property matters.

Our law firm provides legal services to companies in a wide variety of fields, including the financial services industry, advertising/marketing, internet publishing, real estate development and management, strategic research and planning, information dissemination, consumer products, and sports and entertainment services. Bernstein Cherney regularly advises clients in connection with contractual matters, including, partnerships, joint ventures, licensing agreements, executive compensation and employment and consulting agreements, stock option plans and other routine business matters.


Friday 18 April 2014

Five Questions you must ask before hiring a real estate lawyer



Buying a home or property is certainly one of the most important transactions that most people undertake during their lifetime. And real estate transactions are never straightforward. As such, it makes sense contracting the services of real estate lawyers. If you are in New York, then some of the most reputable lawyers that you can hire are Hartley Bernstein and Debra Cherney. These New York based real estate lawyers are equipped with information required to review surveys and advise clients when carrying out real estate transactions in the state on New York.

Just because a lawyer says they specialize in real estate law doesn’t automatically make them the right attorney for you. There are certain crucial details that you need to consider before hiring a lawyer to handle your real estate transactions. Here are some of the important things that you need to ask before hiring any real estate lawyer.

First off, you need to ask the lawyer how long they have been in practice. This will help you determine the amount of legal experience under their belt. If what you are looking for is help making a purchase agreement, then a lawyer with 1-2 years of experience may suffice. However, if you are dealing with a complex case like real estate development, then you need to hire a lawyer with at least 8 years of active experience.

Next, you need to ask the attorney how many questions similar to yours that he has handled in the past. While every real estate case is unique, it will help if the lawyer has experience in handling cases similar to the one you are hiring him for. In addition, find out what the outcome of these cases was.

Next, ask the lawyer how they intend to handle your case. You have the right to ask how the lawyer intends to represent you. In fact, this is a great way to find out if the lawyer is knowledgeable and whether he is interested in helping you. A skilled lawyer should be able to provide you with a plan that he will use while handling your case.

Fourth, find out how the lawyer plans to bill you. Knowing the actual cost of representation will save you from unpleasant surprises at the end of your case. Most lawyers charge their clients on an hourly basis hence it is a good idea finding out how you will do business.

Finally, find out who will be working on your case. This is important if you are contracting a large law firm with several real estate lawyers. Some law firms have a tendency of assigning cases to junior lawyers with no experience. Be sure to find out who will be working on your case and whether you will be comfortable with them.