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Co-Op Board Defense Victory in Shareholder Dispute



When shareholder disputes arise within residential cooperatives, a skilled co op lawyer NYC becomes essential to protect board authority and building stability.

This case study explains how a co op lawyer NYC defended a Manhattan cooperative board against claims of wrongful rejection and breach of fiduciary duty.

The matter required careful application of New York cooperative housing law, the Business Judgment Rule, and relevant provisions of the New York Business Corporation Law.

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Contents


1. Co Op Lawyer NYC NYC Board Authority and Business Judgment Rule Defense


A co op lawyer NYC frequently defends cooperative boards under New York’s Business Judgment Rule.

In this dispute, the shareholder alleged improper rejection of a transfer application.



Manhattan Application Rejection under Levandusky Standard


The co op lawyer NYC relied on the precedent established in Levandusky v. One Fifth Avenue Apartment Corp., 75 N.Y.2d 530 (1990). 

Under this standard, courts defer to cooperative board decisions if made in good faith, within the scope of authority, and for legitimate corporate purposes.
 

The co op lawyer NYC demonstrated:

 

The board acted within its bylaws

Financial review followed established procedures

No evidence of discrimination existed

 

The court deferred to board discretion under established New York law. 



Manhattan Fiduciary Duty Allegations Dismissed


The shareholder also claimed breach of fiduciary duty. A co op lawyer NYC argued that under New York Business Corporation Law § 717, directors must act in good faith and in the best interests of the corporation.
 

Documentation showed:

 

Consistent application of financial requirements

Absence of self dealing

Compliance with governing documents

 

The fiduciary claim was dismissed.



2. Co Op Lawyer NYC NYC Discrimination and Fair Housing Defense


The plaintiff further alleged discriminatory motive.

A co op lawyer NYC evaluated exposure under the New York State Human Rights Law, Executive Law § 296, and the federal Fair Housing Act.



Manhattan Fair Housing Act Compliance Strategy


A co op lawyer NYC structured the defense around objective financial criteria. Under federal and state law, discrimination must be proven through protected class status and disparate treatment.

 

The cooperative produced:

 

Neutral financial thresholds

Uniform application standards

Board minutes confirming non discriminatory intent

 

No prima facie discrimination case was established.



Manhattan Executive Law § 296 Analysis


Under Executive Law § 296, housing discrimination claims require evidence of intentional or disparate impact discrimination. 

The co op lawyer NYC argued the rejection was based solely on insufficient liquidity and debt to income ratios.
 

The court found no violation of Executive Law § 296 and dismissed the discrimination count.



3. Co Op Lawyer NYC NYC Governing Documents and Contractual Interpretation


The dispute also involved interpretation of proprietary lease provisions.

A co op lawyer NYC reviewed the building’s certificate of incorporation, bylaws, and proprietary lease.



Manhattan Proprietary Lease Enforcement


The proprietary lease granted the board broad authority to approve or reject transfers. A co op lawyer NYC demonstrated that:

 

The lease expressly allowed financial vetting

Board discretion was contractually preserved

No mandatory approval language existed

 

New York courts routinely enforce proprietary lease provisions as binding contracts.



Manhattan Business Corporation Law Compliance


Under New York Business Corporation Law § 701 and § 717, directors must exercise corporate powers in accordance with corporate governance principles. 

The co op lawyer NYC showed procedural compliance including quorum, notice, and documented vote.
 

The governance challenge failed.



4. Co Op Lawyer NYC NYC Litigation Resolution and Risk Management


After motion practice, the case narrowed significantly.

A co op lawyer NYC pursued strategic settlement discussions while maintaining strong litigation posture.



Manhattan Summary Judgment Victory


The court granted summary judgment in favor of the cooperative board. 

The co op lawyer NYC successfully established that the Business Judgment Rule insulated the board’s decision.
 

Claims dismissed included:

 

Breach of fiduciary duty

Discrimination under Executive Law § 296

Contractual violation claims



Manhattan Preventive Compliance Advisory


Following resolution, the co op lawyer NYC advised the board on enhanced documentation policies. Recommendations included:

 

Written financial criteria guidelines

Structured interview protocols

Detailed meeting minutes

 

Proactive compliance reduces future litigation risk.


23 Feb, 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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