New York Law News

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NYC Makes Outdoor Dining Permanent Year-Round

New York City restaurants will now be able to operate roadway dining throughout the year under newly signed legislation eliminating seasonal restrictions on outdoor setups. The change is designed to reduce costs and regulatory burdens for restaurants that previously had to dismantle roadway structures during the winter and rebuild them in the spring. NYC transportation officials are expected to develop guidelines for winterizing outdoor dining areas, potentially making participation more practical for restaurants across the five boroughs while expanding dining options for New Yorkers year-round.

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Tarter Krinsky Names Laskowitz Landlord Practice Co-Chair

Tarter Krinsky & Drogin has promoted Shari S. Laskowitz to co-chair its Landlord & Tenant Practice, adding her extensive real estate litigation experience to the group’s leadership. Since joining the firm in 2024, Laskowitz has worked on complex disputes involving landlords, tenants, property owners, co-op and condominium boards, and other real estate interests. In her new role, she will help guide the growing practice, support attorney development, and advance strategies for handling recurring and complex client matters, including through the firm’s focus on AI and innovation.

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Judge Carmen Pacheco: A Brooklyn Story

Judge Carmen Pacheco has dedicated more than three decades to serving the people of New York through legal excellence, judicial leadership, and community service. A lifelong Brooklynite, she currently serves as Supervising Judge of the Civil Court of the City of New York, Kings County, while also serving as an Acting Supreme Court Justice. Her career reflects a steadfast commitment to fairness, integrity, equal justice, and strengthening the communities she has served throughout her life.

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Farah Louis Introduces SCRIE, DRIE Expansion

A new bill introduced by New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis would expand access to the City's SCRIE and DRIE rent freeze programs by increasing the household income eligibility limit to $75,000. The proposal aligns New York City with recently approved state legislation and is intended to help more seniors and New Yorkers with disabilities remain in their homes despite rising housing costs. Supporters say the measure would reduce displacement, strengthen housing stability, and provide financial relief to residents living on fixed or limited incomes while maintaining reimbursement protections for landlords.

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Nikki Lucas Introduces Bill for 10% Self-Checkout Discount

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

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NY AG James Sues Trump Admin Over Mental Health Cuts

New York Attorney General Letitia James has joined a coalition of 14 attorneys general in filing a new lawsuit to block the U.S. Department of Education from ending federal grants that support school-based mental health services. The coalition argues the administration is attempting to bypass a previous court ruling that prevented similar funding cuts by using a different legal approach. If the funding is eliminated, schools across New York could lose millions of dollars used to hire counselors, psychologists, and social workers, potentially reducing access to critical mental health services for thousands of students.

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Attorney Xavier Carr: Brownsville Roots, Public Service

Attorney Xavier Carr's career reflects a longstanding commitment to the law, public service, and the Brownsville community he proudly calls home. From private practice and the New York State court system to leadership within City government and Brooklyn's legal community, his professional journey has been defined by service, integrity, and a dedication to helping others.

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DeSouza Shares Why She Is Running for Civil Court

Michelle DeSouza is encouraging Brooklyn residents to learn more about the role of Civil Court judges while sharing the experiences and values that inspired her candidacy. She believes judges should combine legal knowledge with fairness, integrity, and a deep understanding of the communities they serve. DeSouza says the decisions made in Civil Court can have a lasting impact on individuals, families, tenants, homeowners, and small businesses, making judicial elections an important part of local democracy.

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Chris Banks Law Aims to Prevent Evictions

New York City Council Deputy Leader Chris Banks announced that Local Law 155 of 2025 officially went into effect on May 8, alongside the launch of a new educational social media campaign designed to inform residents about the law’s protections for emergency assistance grant applicants. The legislation creates digital notification requirements for both applicants and landlords when emergency housing assistance grants are approved, helping to prevent evictions caused by delayed or lost mail. The law was inspired by a constituent in Brooklyn’s 42nd Council District who was evicted after a grant payment check never reached her landlord.