NYC Law & Legislation News

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NYC Council to Vote on Veterans Housing Bills

New York City lawmakers are preparing to consider three measures intended to address financial pressures, housing access and service gaps affecting military veterans. The City Council's November 12 vote will include a proposal to eliminate property taxes on qualifying homes owned by veterans with permanent, total service-connected disabilities, potentially benefiting approximately 4,500 households. Another measure would increase oversight of veterans' access to Mitchell-Lama housing through annual reporting requirements. A third would establish a dedicated contact within the Department of Veterans' Services to assist LGBTQ+ veterans, including those seeking corrections to military discharge records. The proposals follow Veterans Day observances across the city.

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Paul, Weiss Adds Caroline Hickey Zalka in NYC

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP has added Caroline Hickey Zalka as a partner in its New York Litigation Department, expanding the firm's securities litigation and corporate advisory capabilities. Zalka represents public companies, boards, executives and private equity firms in shareholder class actions, merger disputes and complex commercial litigation. Her experience also includes corporate governance, regulatory matters and investment management disputes. Recognized by Forbes, Chambers USA and other legal publications, Zalka was named North America Securities Lawyer of the Year by Euromoney in 2026. Her appointment strengthens Paul, Weiss's ability to represent corporate clients facing significant legal and regulatory challenges.

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NY AG Secures $2.35M in Carelon Settlements

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced two settlements with Carelon Behavioral Health following investigations into inaccurate mental health provider directories and improper denials of addiction treatment coverage. Carelon will pay $2.35 million in penalties, fees and costs, while providing up to $8 million in restitution to eligible members who paid for out-of-network mental health services. Additional reimbursements will address certain denied substance use treatments. Investigators found widespread provider directory inaccuracies, including unavailable psychiatrists, and identified instances of coverage decisions using unapproved standards. The settlements also require improved appointment access, updated provider listings and independent oversight of Carelon's compliance.

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Steptoe LLP Opens New 58,000-Square-Foot NYC Office

International law firm Steptoe LLP has relocated its New York operations to a 58,000-square-foot office at 1133 Avenue of the Americas in Midtown Manhattan. Occupying the building's three highest floors, the new workplace provides additional meeting, collaboration and event facilities following substantial growth in the firm's local legal team. Steptoe has added nearly 36 attorneys over the past two years, expanding its capabilities in financial regulation, litigation, international trade and other practice areas. The move places the firm one block from its previous office near Bryant Park. The 45-story property holds LEED Gold certification and contains approximately 1.1 million square feet.

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Nikki Lucas Urges Albany To Back Her Self-Checkout Bill

New York State Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas is seeking additional legislative backing for a proposal that would give shoppers a 10% discount when using self-checkout at grocery and retailers. Her legislation, Assembly Bill A11501, would require retailers offering self-service checkout to reduce customers' purchase totals. Lucas is encouraging fellow Assembly members to co-sponsor the measure while seeking a Senate sponsor to advance companion legislation. The Brooklyn lawmaker says growing public interest reflects concerns about grocery affordability and the responsibilities customers assume at self-checkout stations. The proposal remains pending and would require legislative approval before becoming law.

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Cleary Gottlieb Names NY Based Mark Pflug M&A Partner

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has announced that Mark Pflug has joined the international law firm as a New York-based partner in its Americas M&A and Private Equity Transactions groups. Pflug brings approximately two decades of experience advising private equity sponsors and public and private companies on acquisitions, investments, recapitalizations, joint ventures and other complex transactions. His practice spans healthcare, life sciences, real estate services, industrial businesses, technology, media and telecommunications, including cross-border deals in Europe and Asia. His appointment follows several other senior additions to Cleary's M&A practice during 2026, including Niqui Kohli, Emmanuel Enrici and Matthew Schwartz. The firm says the expansion strengthens its capabilities in private equity and corporate transactions.

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NY AG James Secures $6M in Crypto Fraud Settlements

Thousands of New Yorkers who invested in cryptocurrency ventures promoted through community networks are at the center of a major financial fraud enforcement case. Attorney General Letitia James has secured nearly $6 million in settlements from four promoters of NovaTech and AWS Mining, businesses accused of operating pyramid schemes that disproportionately targeted Haitian and other immigrant communities. More than 11,000 New Yorkers invested in the ventures, which advertised unusually high returns and recruitment incentives. The promoters have also been permanently barred from participating in securities, commodities and cryptocurrency industries. Separately, James is seeking $1.3 billion in damages and disgorgement from NovaTech founders Cynthia and Eddy Petion following a 2025 default judgment. The settlements are intended to benefit victims, although individual reimbursement amounts have not been announced.

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NYC Voters Get Federal Election Protection Hotlines

New York City voters preparing for the November 3 general election will have direct access to federal prosecutors if they encounter possible voting rights violations, intimidation or election-related misconduct. The U.S. Attorney's Offices covering the city's five boroughs have designated attorneys to coordinate complaints during early voting, which begins October 24, and on Election Day. Separate telephone lines will serve Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, and Manhattan and the Bronx, helping residents reach the appropriate federal district. The Justice Department's program addresses potential violations of federal election law, while local boards of elections remain responsible for routine voting questions. Federal officials also emphasize that immediate threats or violence at polling places should be reported to 911.

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TWU Threatens Lawsuit Over NYC Horse Carriage Ban

New York City's debate over horse-drawn carriage rides could move from City Hall to federal court as the Transport Workers Union prepares to challenge proposed legislation that would end the industry. Ahead of an October 22 City Council vote, TWU notified city officials that it intends to seek an emergency court order if Intro. 943 is approved. The union argues that the proposal threatens carriage drivers' jobs, business owners' investments and the value of city-issued medallions without providing adequate financial protections. TWU also disputes restrictions on the future sale of carriage horses, raising constitutional concerns about property rights and due process. The proposed ban remains subject to legislative action, and the union's legal claims have not been adjudicated.