Thanks to the recent market crash and global recession, real estate litigation is on the rise. And the historical data on post-recession real estate litigation suggests that the industry will see unprecedented levels of significant litigation for years to come, well after macroeconomic conditions improve. In this environment, corporate clients need experienced real estate counsel to make informed decisions about litigation strategy.
Cozen O’Connor’s real estate attorneys act as counsel to developers, owners, real estate investment trusts, investors, retail and office tenants, real estate brokers and managers, banks and other lending institutions, title insurance companies, architects, and building contractors. Our team handles all types of real estate litigation involving failed loan workouts, landlord-tenant disputes, commercial evictions, rent resets, valuations, mortgage foreclosures, partnership and joint venture disputes, real estate tax appeals, condemnations, land use and zoning, and ownership disputes. We have a lengthy track record of success at trial, as well as in alternative dispute resolution forums such as arbitration, mediation, and administrative proceedings.
Real estate litigation is a specialized legal practice that demands a comprehensive understanding of both business and litigation. As a well-known business litigation firm, Cozen O’Connor is ideally suited to operate effectively at this intersection of corporate interests and dispute resolution. Our real estate attorneys are involved in some of the most complex transactions in the nation, which means that we are fully versed in the most current deal structures. That familiarity is an enormous benefit on the litigation side because it enables us to identify substantive issues and assess the relative merit of various positions.
In addition to the requisite real estate background, our attorneys also have excellent trial skills. Members of the real estate litigation team have been handling major cases for decades and can claim a successful track record before trial judges, juries, and appellate courts alike. This experience not only enables us to steer clients more quickly through the crucible of court, it also supports our ability to negotiate beneficial settlement agreements. Adversaries know that we settle to serve clients’ interests, not to avoid trial, which eliminates needless brinksmanship and strengthens our bargaining position.
SERVICE AREAS
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Handle landlord-tenant disputes
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Litigate commercial evictions, mortgage foreclosures, eminent domain claims, and condemnations
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Lead rent reset proceedings and valuation proceedings
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Resolve disputes among investor groups, joint venturers, and partners
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Counsel clients on real estate tax reassessment appeals
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Lead real estate finance and insolvency litigation
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Handle ownership, easement, and boundary disputes
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Review breach of lease options, right-of-first-refusal agreements, and buy-sell agreement claims
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Conduct land use and zoning appeals