Worldwide: Real Estate and Construction

New Jersey rental property owners must navigate complex zoning and land use regulations that vary significantly by municipality. Understanding these requirements is critical when purchasing property, making renovations, converting uses, or operating short-term rentals to avoid costly violations and legal complications.

Real estate disputes can derail transactions and lead to costly litigation, but understanding the five most common types—breach of contract, landlord-tenant conflicts, zoning disagreements, construction claims, and boundary disputes—can help property stakeholders take preventive measures. This guide explores why each dispute arises and outlines practical steps to avoid litigation while protecting your interests.

New Jersey's FAIR Act prohibits rental property owners from using algorithmic pricing systems that facilitate coordinated rental pricing practices. The legislation addresses concerns about algorithmic collusion in the rental housing market by restricting information sharing and automated revenue management tools that rely on competitively sensitive data from multiple property owners.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is preparing comprehensive revisions to its pesticide regulations and seeking stakeholder input on implementation of the Birds and Bees Protection Act, which will restrict neonicotinoid pesticides and treated seeds. A virtual meeting scheduled for August 2026 will cover certification requirements, commercial permits, pesticide use restrictions, and the critical agricultural waiver process for treated seeds before the 2029 effective date.

The recent resurgence of the New World screwworm (NWS), Cochliomyia hominivorax, has prompted renewed regulatory action by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and raised concerns across the livestock industry.NWS is a parasitic fly whose larvae infest open wounds and feed on the living tissue of cattle, wildlife, pets, and other warm-blooded animals, causing serious injury and economic losses.

Disputes involving easements are a common real property topic in Washington that frequently results in litigation. An easement is a property right separate from ownership that allows the use of another person’s land without compensation.

A revocable living trust (sometimes called a revocable inter vivos trust) is a legal arrangement you create during your lifetime to hold legal title to your assets.

Jennifer D'Amato explores the critical techniques and strategies available under Wisconsin law for post-death estate administration, examining how legal professionals can help families minimize costs, delays, and conflicts during the probate process. The article provides practical guidance on navigating the various administration options available in Wisconsin's aging population landscape.

Leaving real estate to heirs through a will or a revocable trust has long been standard practice in estate planning. Many clients expect to pass along the home they have lived in for years...

Commercial and residential construction projects expose property owners and general contractors to significant risks arising from personal injury, property damage and construction defect claims. Contract documents can help allocate those risks to the responsible parties, while insurance can protect against losses that cannot be avoided or fully transferred. Common risk management tools include contractual indemnity, prevailing-party attorneys’ fees provisions, insurance requirements and early alternative dispute resolution (ADR) clauses.

Building information modeling, artificial intelligence, project management software, digital platforms and robotics have improved efficiency and precision in design, construction and claims management. At the same time, workforce shortages, skills gaps, supply chain disruptions, price volatility, regulatory delays and geopolitical uncertainty continue to make claims and disputes a fact of life in the construction industry.

In this episode of the JAMS podcast, JAMS neutrals (Hon.) Nancy Holtz (Ret.), Stacy La Scala, Esq. and Philip Bruner, Esq. discuss how parties and counsel can make construction mediations more effective by focusing on preparation, communication and problem-solving long before the mediation session begins