THE WEST FIRM, PLLC

On September 24th, the New York State Supreme Court delivered a key victory for cannabis retailers by blocking a new rule that could have forced dozens of dispensaries to relocate. The Court upheld OCM’s 2024 guidance, confirming that the required 500-foot distance from schools must be measured from entrance to entrance—not property line to property line. This ruling protects 44 applicants and 108 licensees through February 15, 2026, providing much-needed clarity and stability for the industry.

Understand the legal requirements for proving a breach of contract, including the existence of a binding agreement, breach of terms, and measurable damages.

Discover how maintenance responsibilities are typically divided in commercial leases, from structural repairs to routine upkeep, and how to negotiate favorable terms.

Explore the regulatory, permitting, and contractual hurdles energy developers face and the strategies for keeping projects on track and compliant.

Discover the steps to strengthen your case on appeal, including preserving trial errors, meeting filing deadlines, and presenting persuasive legal arguments.

Buying property in Albany’s historic hill towns can unexpectedly reveal a serious challenge: your sole access route might cross your neighbor’s property

Explore how shifting workplace policies are affecting office space needs, vacancy rates, and lease terms in the commercial real estate market.

Explore how asset purchase agreements can become central to business litigation, including common disputes, key contract terms, and strategies for protecting your business.

Discover the process for appealing a denied water quality permit, from understanding the reasons for denial to filing challenges under New York environmental law.

Understand the legal power of eminent domain, when it can be used to take private property for public use, and how owners can protect their rights and secure fair compensation.

Discover how retail energy agreements set the terms for purchasing electricity or gas, including pricing structures, contract length, and renewal provisions.

Learn the most effective approaches to settling business disputes, including informal resolution, alternative dispute resolution, and court action when necessary.

Discover key negotiation tactics for commercial leases, including rent adjustments, tenant improvements, and exit clauses that align with your business needs.

Compare arbitration and mediation as alternative dispute resolution methods, focusing on formality, decision-making, and how each approach resolves conflicts.

Learn how to negotiate and structure power purchase agreements to protect your interests, ensure price stability, and align with project timelines.

Learn about the legal framework for oil and gas leasing in New York, including current regulations, environmental considerations, and how landowners can navigate mineral rights issues.

Understand the legal standards for obtaining a zoning variance, including demonstrating unique hardship, compliance with community plans, and minimal adverse impact.

Adverse possession laws in New York can allow individuals to gain legal ownership of property they’ve occupied without permission—but only under strict conditions. In this blog, The West Firm's real estate attorneys break down the essential elements, recent court interpretations, and what landowners need to know to protect their rights.

Learn the rules around solar company solicitations, including your right to accept, decline, or negotiate terms before signing any agreement.

Explore the purpose and process of obtaining a special use permit, including zoning considerations, public hearings, and strategies for securing approval for your project.

Review the most frequent zoning disputes in Albany, from property line disagreements to challenges over permitted uses and development restrictions.

Discover how environmental permitting requirements may delay development, increase costs, or lead to project modifications, and how to address these challenges proactively.

Understand your legal options if a landlord claims you violated your lease, including dispute resolution, lease interpretation, and potential defenses.

Learn the essential EPA rules that apply to businesses, including permitting, pollution prevention, and environmental reporting requirements.

Explore the process energy developers use to secure land for projects, including site selection, purchase or lease agreements, and meeting regulatory requirements.

Review the legal strategies employers and defendants may use in sexual harassment cases, including proof of policy enforcement, lack of evidence, and procedural defenses.

Learn the most common legal defenses to breach of contract claims and how they can help protect your interests in a business dispute.

Explore the details of a new hydropower initiative, including its role in renewable energy production, environmental considerations, and permitting requirements.

Understand the causes of title disputes, including conflicting deeds, liens, and boundary issues, and the legal strategies available to resolve them effectively in New York.