When Neighbor Disputes Turn Physical: Becker’s Jennifer Karnes Weighs In on Co-Op Board Duties and Lease Termination Risks in The New York Times

Becker Shareholder Jennifer Karnes provided insight in the Real Estate section of The New York Times on how cooperative boards should respond when conflicts between residents escalate into alleged assaults. The article explains the legal standards governing “objectionable conduct,” the importance of evidence before taking disciplinary action, and the potential liability boards may face if they fail to act. The conversation highlights the careful balance boards must strike between enforcing proprietary lease provisions, following proper procedures, and ensuring fairness while protecting the community.

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Jennifer Karnes is a Shareholder in Becker’s New York office and a member of the firm’s Litigation and Condo, Co-Op & HOA practice groups. A former Brooklyn felony prosecutor and experienced litigator, Ms. Karnes is a zealous advocate for her clients, adept at handling a variety of complex litigation matters. She has successfully tried numerous cases to verdict in state and federal courts, and authored motions and appeals, involving novel issues of first impression. At Becker, Ms. Karnes primarily focuses her practice on complex commercial, cooperative/condominium, and general real estate-related litigation, in both federal and state trial and appellate courts. She also provides strategic legal guidance to cooperative and condominium boards as General Counsel.