Practice Description:

Kenneth M. Block is the Construction Chair of the Firm's Real Estate, Environmental and Construction Law Department and has more than 35 years of experience in the practice of real estate and construction law, as both a litigator and transactional attorney.  Over the course of his career, Ken has represented developers, owners, tenants, lenders, cooperative and condominium associations, and design and construction professionals.  

In transaction matters, Ken has extensive experience with financing, contracts of sale, development and management agreements, leasing, and outsourcing, and has negotiated countless design and construction contracts.  Ken regularly advises clients on structuring real estate acquisitions and dispositions, as well as development and construction projects.

As a litigator, Ken has successfully handled matters involving land use, contracts of sale, partnership agreements, mortgage foreclosures, loan workouts, commercial and residential leases, cooperative and condominium sponsorship, and real estate brokerage.  He also has handled a wide variety of disputes relating to construction defects, structural and mechanical failures, architectural and engineering malpractice, change orders, delay claims and mechanic's liens.  

Recently, after having immersed himself in the "built environment" throughout his professional career, Ken has emerged as an industry expert on sustainable construction, and he counsels clients regarding the evolving LEED rating system established by the U.S. Green Building Council.  Ken also serves as general counsel to the New York Chapter of the USGBC.

Ken has been selected for inclusion in New York SuperLawyers for 2008 and 2009.

Publications and Speaking Engagements:

Ken regularly writes and speaks on real estate and construction issues.  He is the author of a quarterly column for the New York Law Journal on Construction Law.

“New York City’s Greener, Greater Buildings Plan Becomes Law,” reprinted from the New York Law Journal January 8, 2010

“New Asbestos Regulations to Boost Costs, Enforcement,” reprinted from the New York Law Journal,” September 30, 2009

" Special Rules Govern Condo Mechanic's Liens," reprinted from the New York Law Journal, July 29, 2009.

" Recovery Act May Stimulate Energy Efficient Building," reprinted from the New York Law Journal, March 11, 2009.

" Employment Pitfall - Worker Misclassification May Bring Penalties, " reprinted from the New York Law Journal, September 10, 2008.

"Green Buildings: Detailed Specifications Chart LEED Certification," reprinted from the New York Law Journal, June 11, 2008.

"Brownfields Cleanup - Case Law, Amendments May Modify Program," reprinted from the New York Law Journal, March 12, 2008.

"Time Is Money - Contractual Treatment of Delay Damages," reprinted from the New York Law Journal, August 29, 2007.

" 'Green' Contracts - Documents Should Reflect LEED Requirements," reprinted from the New York Law Journal, November 14, 2007.