A cause of action for quantum meruit.

The motion court properly dismissed the claim, as a valid and enforceable written contract governed the subject matter at issue. Recovery in quasi-contract for events arising out of the same subject matter is precluded.

Graciano Corp. v. Lanmark Group, Inc., NY Slip Op 03266 (1st Dep't June 11, 2020)

Here is the decision.

A dismissed cause of action for abuse of process.

Defendant commenced two family offense proceedings based on separate incidents. Both petitions were dismissed, one on the merits and the other without prejudice. The mere filing of petitions is not legally considered process capable of being abused.

Ivancev v. Garrido, NY Slip Op 03190 (1st Dept June 4, 2020)

Here is the decision.

A time-barred claim of tortious interference.

The statute of limitations for tortious interference .with prospective business relations is three years from the date of injury. The limitations period is triggered when a plaintiff first sustains damages.

Linkable Networks, Inc. v. Mastercard Inc., NY Slip Op 03187 (1st Dep't June 4, 2020)

Here is the decision.

Appellate practice.

No appeal lies from an order declining to sign an order to show cause, since it is an ex parte order that does not decide a motion made on notice, pursuant to CPLR 5701(a)(2).

Chi Young Lee v. Osorio, NY Slip Op 03186 (1st Dep't June 4, 2020)

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An alleged violation of Judiciary Law § 487.

An attorney violates § 487(1) by intentionally deceiving the court or any party. A claim premised on a statutory violation must be supported by a showing that the attorney intended to deceive, or engaged in a chronic and extreme pattern of legal delinquency. In order to make a prima facie showing of entitlement to summary judgment, an affidavit from someone with actual knowledge of the allegations is sufficient. The defendant is not required to submit an affidavit from a legal expert.

Koch v. Sheresky, Aronson & Mayefsky LLP, NY Slip Op 03178 (1st Dep't June 4, 2020)

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Summary judgment in a slip-and-fall action.

The Appellate Division reversed the motion court's determination that defendant was entitled to summary judgment dismissing the complaint on the ground that he is an out-of-possession landlord. In addition, it was permissible for plaintiff to plead defendant's violation of  Administrative Code of City of New York § 7-210 in opposition to defendant's motion, as plaintiff did not raise a new theory of liability or prejudice.

Herrera v. Vargas, NY Slip Op 03082 (1st Dep't May 28, 2020)

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CPLR 3212(f).

The motion court providently rejected defendants' argument in opposition to plaintiff's motion for summary judgment. Although defendants purport to require discovery from a third party, that entity is defendants' own agent, and defendants neither explained why they were unable to obtain the information sooner nor outlined any efforts made to obtain it.

Bethpage Fed. Credit Union v. Bouzaglou, NY Slip Op 03081 (1st Dep't May 28, 2020)

Here is the decision.

Affidavits.

An affidavit based upon documentary evidence is sufficient to comply with the requirement of personal knowledge.

Bethpage Fed. Credit Union v. Bouzaglou, NY Slip Op 03081 (1st Dep't May 28, 2020)

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CPLR 1018.

In this action where plaintiff seeks to recover the unpaid balances of eight loans, the motion court properly amended the caption to reflect plaintiff's successorship by merger to the entity that issued the loans.

Bethpage Fed. Credit Union v. Bouzaglou, NY Slip Op 03081 (1st Dep't May 28, 2020)

Here is the decision.

CPLR 306-b.

While plaintiff delayed in seeking an extension of his time to re-serve the complaint, the motion court appropriately exercised its discretion to extend plaintiff's time in the interest of justice . Plaintiff's legal malpractice claim, which would otherwise be time-barred, is potentially meritorious, and defendants have not established that they would suffer substantial prejudice from the extension, where they had actual notice of this action and the allegations against them from early on.

Fernandez v. McCarthy, NY Slip Op -3-79 (1st Dep't May 28, 2020)

Here is the decision.

A motion for a preliminary injunction.

Both CPLR 6301 and 6312(a) require a link between a cause of action and the preliminary injunction. In the absence of such a link, the motion will be deined.

Davis v. Influx Capital Group, LLC, NY Slip Op 03077 (1st Dep't May 28, 2020)

Here is the decision.