NYC Law & Legislation News

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Paul, Weiss Adds Private Equity Team in New York

Paul, Weiss is expanding its New York private equity practice with the addition of partner Christopher Machera and five other transactional lawyers. Machera has joined the firm's Private Equity M&A Group in New York, while Timothy Burns, Noah Beck, Amanda Rotkel, Andrew Lawson and Dylan Hans are expected to join in the coming weeks across private equity M&A, tax and executive compensation. The incoming team has worked on hundreds of transactions involving major investment firms including Blackstone, Brookfield, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, TPG and Warburg Pincus. The expansion adds to Paul, Weiss's private equity and mergers and acquisitions capabilities as the New York-based firm continues building its transactional practice.

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DoorDash Reaches $131.5M Settlement With NYC

DoorDash has reached a $131.5 million settlement with New York City following an investigation into payments to the company's delivery workers. More than $115 million will be distributed to over 260,000 workers who experienced underpayments, late payments or other minimum-pay violations, while more than $16 million will go toward civil penalties and costs. The agreement also establishes a three-year monitoring system requiring DoorDash to provide detailed monthly data to the city's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. Workers will also be able to share trip and earnings information directly with the city through new technology being developed with outside partners. Eligible workers are expected to begin receiving settlement payments this fall.

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NY AG Secures Terms in Paramount-Warner Bros. Deal

New York Attorney General Letitia James and attorneys general from 11 other states have reached an antitrust settlement with Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery that establishes conditions for their major media combination. Under the agreement, Paramount must maintain minimum annual film-release levels and increase domestic film-production spending by $1.5 billion over five years. The companies must also negotiate fees for their respective cable channels separately, while an independent editorial board will oversee CNN and CBS. The settlement includes financial penalties if Paramount misses certain film-production requirements and provisions involving unionized entertainment workers. The agreement resolves lawsuits brought by the states and the Writers Guild of America and clears a major legal obstacle to Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

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New York Moves Ahead With RAISE Act AI Regulations

New York is moving forward with implementation of the Responsible AI Safety and Education Act, establishing new transparency and reporting requirements for large developers of advanced artificial intelligence models. Beginning in November, covered developers are expected to begin registering with the state and preparing for requirements that take effect in January 2027. The law requires covered companies to publish safety frameworks, report specified critical safety incidents within 72 hours and submit information about potential catastrophic risks. Oversight will be handled through New York's new Office of Digital Innovation, Governance, Integrity and Trust, known as DIGIT. The state has also appointed Marc Gilman as deputy director for RAISE Act implementation as it builds the new regulatory operation.

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Brooklyn Man Charged in East New York Sex Trafficking

A Brooklyn man has been charged in a federal sex trafficking case involving allegations that women were forced or coerced into commercial sex along Pennsylvania Avenue in East New York and elsewhere. Federal prosecutors allege that Michael Brown, also known as “Mack Bills,” controlled women working along a stretch of the corridor known as the “Penn Track” and transported women from New York to at least one other state. Brown is charged with sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, interstate prostitution and promotion of prostitution. Prosecutors allege that he collected proceeds and used threats, manipulation and violence to maintain control. Brown was arrested September 18. The charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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NY Groups Sue Over New Federal Public Charge Rule

New York organizations are challenging a new federal immigration policy that could affect how the use of certain public benefits is considered when immigrants seek lawful permanent resident status. Make the Road New York, the New York Legal Assistance Group and other organizations filed a federal lawsuit against U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Department of Homeland Security. The plaintiffs argue that the new public charge rule exceeds federal immigration law and could discourage immigrant families from using health, food, housing and other assistance programs. The lawsuit also raises concerns about benefits received by dependent children. The organizations are asking the court to vacate the policy. Their claims are allegations, and the court has not yet ruled on the merits of the challenge.

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NYU Langone Reaches $8.5M DOJ Settlement in NYC

NYU Langone Health has reached an $8.5 million agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice resolving a federal investigation involving gender-affirming medical care provided to patients under 18. Under the agreement, the New York City-based health system will cease providing minors with specified treatments, including puberty blockers, hormones and surgical procedures. The resolution is part of a broader federal investigation involving hospitals and potential violations of federal health care and billing laws. NYU Langone said the agreement protects the confidentiality of patients, families and providers while avoiding prolonged litigation. The health system expressly denied wrongdoing or liability, and the Justice Department stated that the claims resolved through the agreement are allegations and that there has been no determination of liability.

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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.