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Civil Lawyer NYC Secures Summary Judgment in Lease Dispute



Civil Lawyer NYC representation is especially critical in landlord and tenant disputes where litigation continues while lease obligations and rent accrual remain in effect.This case study explains how SJKP, acting as a Civil Lawyer NYC, successfully defended a commercial property owner and an affiliated tenant against multimillion-dollar claims arising from a shopping center expansion project.Through strategic use of lease provisions, motion practice, and counterclaims, the court dismissed all claims against the landlord and converted substantial liability exposure into favorable settlements.

Contents


1. Civil Lawyer NYC New York Case Background


The clients retained a Civil Lawyer NYC after becoming embroiled in protracted litigation initiated by neighboring commercial tenants.SJKP, serving as Civil Lawyer NYC, was asked to protect the landlord’s rights while the landlord-tenant relationship and rent obligations continued during the dispute.


Shopping Center Expansion and Tenant Opposition


The dispute arose after a shopping center owner began a planned expansion and renovation of the premises.


While one tenant was directly involved in the expansion, two other tenants objected to the construction activities.


They alleged that dust, noise, and debris from the renovation interfered with their businesses.


Civil Lawyer NYC identified that these objections quickly escalated into claims far exceeding any actual disruption.



2. Civil Lawyer NYC New York Claims Asserted by Tenants


The dissatisfied tenants commenced separate lawsuits seeking substantial damages.Civil Lawyer NYC analyzed the claims against the backdrop of New York commercial lease law and the specific lease provisions at issue.


Allegations of Lost Profits and Lease Breach


One tenant asserted claims for hundreds of thousands of dollars, while the other sought approximately four million dollars in damages.


Both alleged that the expansion breached their leases and interfered with their business operations.


Despite these claims, both tenants ceased paying rent during the litigation.


Eventually, each tenant vacated the shopping center while continuing to pursue damages.



3. Civil Lawyer NYC New York Litigation Strategy


Faced with aggressive claims and unpaid rent, Civil Lawyer NYC implemented a dual-track litigation strategy.This approach focused on eliminating liability while affirmatively enforcing the landlord’s contractual rights.


Lease-Based Defenses and Counterclaims


Civil Lawyer NYC asserted counterclaims seeking unpaid rent and possession of the premises.


At the same time, motions for summary judgment were filed to dismiss the tenants’ claims in their entirety.


The motions relied on express lease provisions that barred recovery for consequential damages, lost profits, and construction-related interference.


Civil Lawyer NYC demonstrated that the tenants had contractually waived the very damages they were seeking.



4. Civil Lawyer NYC New York Court Decision and Outcome


The Supreme Court of New York carefully reviewed the lease language and the parties’ submissions.Civil Lawyer NYC persuaded the court that no triable issues of fact existed regarding the tenants’ claims.


Dismissal of Claims and Favorable Settlements


The court granted summary judgment dismissing all claims asserted against the landlord.


It further directed the parties to appear for settlement proceedings on the landlord’s counterclaims.


As a result, Civil Lawyer NYC secured six-figure settlements in favor of the landlord for unpaid rent.


In total, potential exposure exceeding four million dollars was transformed into recoveries for the client.

 

At SJKP, our litigation team regularly serves as a Civil Lawyer NYC for commercial landlords, tenants, and property owners navigating complex lease disputes.


We assist clients with lease enforcement, construction-related claims, rent recovery, and summary judgment motions under New York law.


If you are facing high-stakes commercial litigation involving landlord-tenant disputes, contact SJKP to consult with a Civil Lawyer NYC and protect your interests.


26 Jan, 2026


The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or relying on the contents of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with our firm. For advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
Certain informational content on this website may utilize technology-assisted drafting tools and is subject to attorney review.

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