Articles
Key Pillars of Boston’s Climate Strategy

Chief Swett described the key pillars of Boston’s climate strategy, each implemented through the lens of climate justice— using climate action as an opportunity to address environmental justice communities by disproportionately investing in those communities to rectify persistent past injustices.
Top 10 Legal Malpractice Defenses As Claims Tick Up

Forty years ago, law firms were rarely sued, but today they are a favorite litigation target of both disgruntled clients and third parties, such as investors or bankruptcy trustees, when a transaction or lawsuit has a bad outcome.
Proposed FRCGW Changes & Stamp Duty Concessions: Key Impacts For Property Transactions

The property landscape in Australia is set to undergo significant changes with the proposed amendments to the FRCGW regime and the introduction of a temporary off-the-plan stamp duty concession.
Can An Australian Court Deal With Overseas Property Interests In Family Law?

Family lawyers are increasingly being asked to deal with cases involving overseas property interests, which may include superannuation/pension interests, real property, bank accounts and the like.
Victorian Terror Taxes: Tax Planning Tips For Property Investors Pre-Christmas

The end of the calendar year tends to sweep us all into a whirlwind of holiday plans, Black Friday deals, and gift lists. But for property owners, it is also a time to check in on a few key tax matters.
Governor Healy Enacts Permit Extension Act of 2024: Boosting Development and Protecting Approvals

Effective immediately, the PEA extends the term of a wide array of permits and approvals in effect or existence between January 1, 2023, and January 1, 2025, for two years in addition to the lawful term of the approval.
The CTA Filing Deadline is Approaching. Is Your BOIR Filed Yet?

The clock is ticking—just 49 days remain until the one-year filing deadline for the Corporate Transparency Act! Entities established before January 1, 2024, must submit a beneficial owner information report by December 31, 2024.
Mitigate Risks Of Lender Liability Claims When Reworking Troubled CRE Loans

I recently had the opportunity to present during a Strafford CLE webinar on strategies for mitigating the risks of lender liability claims when reworking troubled commercial real estate loans.
Further Updates To The Massachusetts Estate Tax

Now that we have had a year of working under the new law and with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue—and a clarification from the Legislature—here are some key concepts to know about the Massachusetts estate tax.
What Should You Know When Inheriting Taiwanese Estate with A Will?

For Taiwanese people who are living abroad, they always have a big concern about what national law should be applied for making a valid will to distribute their Taiwanese estate.
Proposed Action Plan for Article 80 Modernization

After an 18-month study process, the Boston Planning Department has released an Action Plan proposing strategies to modernize Boston’s development review process.
Different Sectors, Same Page

I recently attended the IMN Distressed CRE Forum in New York. It was also striking to note how similarly everyone views the current challenges and opportunities around distressed commercial real estate.
Reminder To Draft Purchase And Sale Agreements With Care

After executing a purchase and sale agreement for the entire property, the parties agreed to split the transaction into two staggered sales, reduce the purchase price, and include an earnout provision in connection with potential future development.