Real Estate Litigation

Real Estate and Land Use Litigation

Practicing in both New York state and federal courts, our litigation practice encompasses a wide range of real estate, business, zoning and land use disputes. Protecting the property rights of the firm's clients is paramount and requires a combination of expertise and finely-honed court skills.

Our real estate and zoning litigation practice is founded on a thorough understanding of the law governing real estate property rights. That knowledge is augmented by a deep understanding of the practical and business side of commercial and residential developments which often are the subject of litigation commenced by local civic groups, competitors or others, or require the protection of the courts as a result of arbitrary or unlawful actions of municipalities.

For commercial and residential developers, Harras Bloom & Archer handles a broad continuum of litigation from contract to closing; from zoning application to completion of project construction.

Additionally, Harras Bloom Archer has successfully litigated issues arising under both local zoning statutes as well New York State's Environmental Quality Review Act. One of the largest development projects ever approved by the New York Supreme Court over municipal objection was obtained by the attorneys at Harras Bloom & Archer. The firm also litigates side by side with municipalities when a clients’ projects are challenged by civic groups, competitors or others.

Often the litigation takes the form of Article 78 proceedings, which are expedited hearings in which the court reviews the administrative record underlying the grant or denial of a zoning application or permit. Harras Bloom & Archer has a deep knowledge of the body of law regarding property owner rights and the question of whether a local municipal board has acted improperly when denying a zoning or land use permit. Our firm also handles appeals to appellate courts. Additionally, as a consequence of the firm’s deep understanding of title, easement ant the bundle of rights effecting real property. Harras Bloom & Archer represents title companies and property owners on a wide range of title, boundary and other real property disputes. Harras Bloom & Archer has obtained unique litigation perspectives through service as Supreme Court referees presiding over proceedings involving real estate, subdivision and easement disputes. As a result, Harras Bloom & Archer is well qualified to litigate claims arising from:

• Adverse possession
• Real estate broker disputes
• Riparian rights (rights of waterfront property owners)
• Access to water
• Right of ways and easements
• Encumbrances and Liens
• Boundary line disputes

Our Experience

John A. Harras serves as a New York State Supreme Court referee in matters involving easement, subdivision and related real estate issues, and also serves as a panelist at planning and land use forums. Paul J. Bloom was a member of the Planning Board of the Incorporated Village of Great Neck for five years and sat as its Chairman for three years. Mr. Bloom was elected a trustee of the Village for two consecutive terms and served as the first Chairman of the Village’s Architectural Review Committee. Keith H. Archer is an active member of various community organizations on Long Island. Please review our Attorney Profiles and Firm Overview for more information about our experience.

For credible, professional representation, contact the Long Island real estate litigation lawyers at Harras Bloom & Archer LLP.

Our attorneys serve national retailers, entertainment companies, developers, and business clients on Long Island, New York City, and upstate New York, including Melville, King's Point, White Plains, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Dutchess County, Putnam County, Queens County, Bronx County, Westchester County and Monroe County