Litigation Services

Helbraun Levey’s Litigation Group implements a customer service based approach that examines the larger picture when litigating commercial and business disputes. In order to be successful, our attorneys work with our clients to develop a litigation strategy with an in-depth understanding of each client’s business goals, both short term and long term. Armed with an extensive knowledge of the judicial system and a practical understanding of the challenges facing our clients’ businesses, our attorneys are able to achieve a successful outcome for our clients. Our team’s experience litigating cases in both New York State and Federal courts and understanding of the hospitality industry allows them to dig into the details that really matter, which ultimately makes all the difference when it comes to litigation.

Commercial and Business Litigation

Unfortunately for most businesses, especially those in New York City, litigation or threats of litigation are a normal occurrence. Whether a client has a dispute with a vendor, a contractor, an insurance carrier, or even internally among partners, Helbraun Levey’s team of litigators represent and counsel our clients throughout the entire process. Our litigators have experience with all types of commercial and business litigations, from the small and simple to the large and complex.

Our process includes evaluating litigation at all stages to determine the most desirable course of action for the client. We devise and execute litigation strategies to procure the most advantageous outcome for our client.

Employment/Wage and Hour Litigation

Developing clear employment practice policies is crucial to preventing — or minimizing the likelihood of — labor and employment problems within your restaurant or bar. Even the best operators, though, can be subject to employment-related lawsuits.

Helbraun Levey has a dedicated team of litigators and professionals that focus on Employment Practices and understands the complex issues that often arise in the hospitality industry. Our team can help protect your business and your employees from issues arising from:

• WAGE AND HOUR LAWSUITS
• SEXUAL HARASSMENT
• TIPPING VIOLATIONS
• DISCRIMINATION LAWSUITS
• NYS PAID FAMILY LEAVE ACT

Landlord/Tenant Disputes

Landlord/tenant issues are likely to arise at some point during a business’s lifecycle. Helbraun Levey’s litigation team handles all aspects of commercial landlord/tenant litigation – both tenant and landlord side. We have deep experience with the New York commercial real estate market and have advised businesses and their landlords through every kind of related proceeding.

Avoiding litigation is often preferred and our team can create a plan to negotiate and execute thorough settlement agreements that protect our client’s interests. Our team can provide an upfront assessment of your case and create a strategy to obtain the most favorable outcome.

We also help our clients proactively avoid future disputes by drafting detailed leases that spell out the rights and remedies necessary to avoid common litigation issues.

Helbraun Levey handles all manner of commercial landlord/tenant disputes including:

• EVICTIONS
• DEFAULT CLAIMS
• YELLOWSTONE INJUNCTIONS
• UNPAID RENT CLAIMS
• PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIMS

New York State Liquor Revocation Defense

Helbraun Levey’s team is instrumental in assisting our clients with revocation hearings before the State Liquor Authority (SLA). These hearings are essentially small-scale criminal trials which can result in fines from the SLA Board of Directors and potential penalties, that may include liquor license restrictions or revocations.

For something as simple as noise violations or a one-time failure to check identification, it is possible for an establishment to permanently lose its liquor license through the revocation hearings process. Even if the charges are disputed and defended, a licensee can face serious fines of tens of thousands of dollars — even if the summons issued by a NYPD officer is dismissed at the Criminal Court Level.

The SLA may choose to have a civil hearing to determine whether a licensee should maintain its license. Our attorneys are experienced with the nuances of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law (ABC) and are prepared to vigorously defend our clients and to seek dismissal of such charges.

We are also regularly able to secure reasonable settlements from the SLA Counsel’s Office, allowing for lower fines to be paid along with no additional penalty for the licensee.