When forming a business it is important to understand the different kinds of business entities and their tax implications. The following article summarizes the different types of legal entities that are commonly used and the advantages and tax filing requirements of each.

Mediation is a form of alternate dispute resolution that allows businesses and individuals to resolve disputes outside of the courtroom. With settlement as the ultimate goal, the parties negotiate in front of a neutral third party, known as a mediator.

Pursuant to New York Lien Law Article 3-A, all funds received by a contractor for a construction project, or by an owner under a construction loan, constitute assets of a statutory trust. The recipient, as trustee must apply the funds to the costs of improvement before diverting them to any other purpose.

Construction defects are common occurrences in construction. Often, a party contracting for work requires a warranty against construction defects for a specific time. Warranties may be either expressly given or implied through operation of the law.

Delay of construction projects can impose substantial unanticipated costs. As a result, disputes regarding the delayed completion of construction work are one of the most common types of construction disputes.

As with all contracts, software development contracts must clearly define the rights and obligations of the parties. However, the complexity of software development and the frequent lack of detailed initial specifications requires additional care in drafting.

The filing of a mechanic’s lien can help contractors secure their right to payment. However, it can also cause hardship for owners and higher tiered contractors if the lien claim is unjustified.

Mechanic's liens are a statutory device designed to protect the interests of persons who furnish labor and materials for a construction project.

“What next?” is a question commonly asked by recipients of an arbitration award. Those who believe that the award is fundamentally wrong or unfair may pose the same question.

Arbitration is heavily favored by the courts of New York, and as a matter of federal policy, under the Federal Arbitration Act. One can be compelled to arbitrate even without having signed an arbitration.

The United States Courts of Appeal are intermediate appellate courts that hear appeals from the United States district courts. They are thirteen circuits. Twelve cover geographic regions (circuits) and generally hear appeals from United States district courts within that circuit.

Breach of contract lawsuits arise in a variety of business and professional settings, from disputes between investors or partners in a business, to disputes between businesses – professional and everyday service providers, contractors, developers, suppliers and more.