Robert J. Lum

Robert is an experienced litigator who also routinely represents clients in commercial litigation and their new construction projects. His deep understanding of the unique challenges that arise for new and established businesses translates to strength as a strategist to avoid costly litigation. However, his understanding of business transactions allows him to be an effective litigator who can provide clients with the most favorable results in the courtroom.

In his litigation practice, Robert focuses on complex litigation cases. He has litigated cases in both the federal and state courts involving cases of fraud, breach of contract, asset forfeiture, debtor-creditor disputes, shareholder and partnership disputes, construction defect disputes, property rights, and trademark and copyright infringement. He has obtained success for clients in cases that have been litigated through trial.

Robert also provides general counseling to real estate-focused clients, such as Developers and Contractors, in their day-to-day legal matters which include, conducting legal due diligence on new construction projects; negotiating and drafting construction contracts; and advising commercial landlords, condominium, and co-op boards in various legal matters. In addition, aside from representing real estate-focused clients, Robert advises entrepreneurs and businesses on legal protocols to sustain and further their growth. He provides certainty in their operations and mitigates inherent business risks by drafting and negotiating crucial legal documents on their behalf such as partnership and shareholder agreements; buy-sell agreements; confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements; licensing agreements for intellectual property; non-compete agreements; and exclusivity agreements.

Representative Experience in Complex Business Negotiations and Transactions:

• Represented contractor in negotiations of a construction agreement for the development of a 78,000 sq ft mixed-use building in Long Island City, New York

• Represented owner in contract negotiations, legal guidance on code and regulatory matters, for the development of 83,000 sq ft residential complex in Prospect Park South, Brooklyn

• Represented contractor in negotiations of a construction agreement for the development of a boutique hotel in Midtown Manhattan

• Represented client in the acquisition and merger of several lots, consisting of 1.6 million square feet of industrial space, in Passaic County, New Jersey for the development of a commercial plaza for various retail establishments

• Routinely represents the project owner in various new development projects to obtain license agreements for access

• Represented New York-based startup businesses in a variety of corporate matters including, ownership percentage; distribution rights; buyout and dissolution events; and strategic structuring for fundraising

Representative Experience in Litigation:

• Defended and procured dismissal of copyright infringement lawsuit for artwork and fashion designs

• Represented investors against Coinbase for loss and mishandling of fiat and cryptocurrency funds

• Represented real estate developer against major oil and gas company for causing mass petroleum contamination on developer’s land

• Represented client in successfully obtaining a temporary restraining order against neighboring contractors for causing substantial damage to client’s building

• Represented real estate developer against competitors in an Antitrust lawsuit for their intentional interference in the developer’s plans to redevelop land

• Represented real estate developer in RPAPL 881 Proceeding against neighboring property owners for access to adjacent premises to install temporary protections

• Represented the client in the prosecution of the international bank for wrongful withholding of funds held in an off-shore bank account