The pandemic’s financial impact adds another layer of complexity to REITs authorizing, declaring and paying dividends under Maryland law. In “REIT Dividends in the Wake of the Coronavirus,” colleagues Jeffrey B. Grill, Robert S. Logan and Ella M. Lvov discuss what Maryland REITs should consider using the tools at their disposal…
In 731 Market Street Owner LLC v. City and County of San Francisco (June 18, 2020), California appellate court affirms that local realty transfer tax does not apply when leasehold has a remaining term of 35 years or more. In “California Court of Appeal Concludes Transfer Tax Not Applicable to…
In responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, CIOs across all industries may decide to undertake IT initiatives to enhance business resiliency and capabilities while containing costs. Some of these initiatives may involve large, complex migrations and implementations of technologies that require the assistance of experienced systems integrators. In “Post-Pandemic Contracting with…
On June 15, 2020, the California Legislature passed Governor Newsom’s proposed tax legislation to raise additional income tax revenue to assist in balancing the California budget. (AB 85). The Senate and Assembly each achieved the two-thirds majority vote required for California tax increases (27-11 in the Senate and 56-20 in…
Historically, “Act of God” was defined to encompass sickness, but the concept has evolved, and it is unclear whether, in the absence of an express reference to epidemics in a force majeure clause, courts will find COVID-19 to be an Act of God. In “Tour de Force: What Constitutes an…
A recent Executive Order by President Trump directs agencies to expedite reviews of infrastructure projects based on the emergency provisions of several key federal environmental laws. In “President’s Executive Order to Expedite Environmental Reviews of Infrastructure Pushes the Envelope on the Interpretation of Emergency Authorities,” colleagues Sheila McCafferty Harvey, Reza Zarghamee, Mona…
Co-head of Pillsbury’s Projects team, partner Robert A. James, authored the article “Oil Regulation 2020: United States,” in which he describes the key commercial aspects of the U.S. oil sector; national energy policies; major laws concerning production activities, reservoir ownership and mineral rights; environmental, health and safety regulations; and other…
As we approach the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, many states and cities around the country have proposed safety measures for construction projects during the pandemic. These guidelines range from a single page of suggestions to multipage requirements handed down by state public health officers. In “DC Real Estate…
From mask-wearing to physical separation to staggered schedules and crowding-related transit incentives, implementing the new CDC guidelines may reshape office life. In “Updated CDC Guidelines Impact Business Districts, Office Buildings and Their Tenants, and Users,” colleagues Caroline A. Harcourt, Shani Rivaux and Amanda G. Halter outline how these guidelines contemplate a…
On May 26, 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit decided three significant environmental law cases. Two of these cases involved whether global warming tort cases could be brought in California state courts on, for example, a public nuisance claim, and whether the defendant energy companies had…