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 Super Lawyers for 2008, 2009,  2010 and 2011 and has been listed as a Top Lawyer (Litigation) in Avenue Magazine for 2010 and 2011.

Ken maintains an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale Hubbell.

Publications and Speaking Engagements:

Co-Author, Retrofitting, The Law of Green Buildings (American Bar Association, 2010)

Co-Author, Construction Law Column, New York Law Journal

Adjunct Instructor in Construction Law at the NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate

"Creating Effective Mechanics' Lien Waivers" by Kenneth M. Block and John-Patrick Curran, New York Law Journal, September 14, 2011

"Owner Friendly Modifications to Construction Forms" by Kenneth M. Block and John-Patrick Curran, New York Law Journal, June 15, 2011

"New City Green Laws May Spur Retrofitting"by Kenneth M. Block and John-Patrick Curran, New York Law Journal, March 9, 2011

“Statutes of Limitations for Design and Construction Defects” by Kenneth M. Block and John-Patrick Curran, New York Law Journal, November 10, 2010

“Liability of Construction Managers: Look to the Contract” by John-Patrick Curran and Kenneth M. Block, New York Law Journal, September 29, 2010

“Cooperative Surety Can HelpSalvage a Defaulted Project” by John-Patrick Curran and Kenneth M. Block, New York Law Journal, June 30, 2010

“Brownfield Program Should Benefit a Range of Projects” by John-Patrick Curran and Kenneth M. Block, New York Law Journal, March 10, 2010

“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.