• QuickRead Top Story - Valuation/Appraisal

    The Land Estate

    Valuation Issues for Wind and Mineral Surface Development Rights As wind energy has emerged as a leading source of energy, several issues have arisen with respect to the rights of parties holding surface and mineral rights. There are important legal issues that need to be explored to assess whether to develop a wind energy farm. This article provides a historical and brief legal overview of the issues. By the mid-19th Century, the effects of the Industrial Revolution had created a need for a cheaper and more convenient fossil fuel than coal: petroleum. Edwin Drake had drilled the first oil well…

  • Case Law - QuickRead Featured

    Case Law Update

    A summary of recent federal and state court cases involving final partner administrative adjustments, mergers, and matrimonial law This month we highlight four cases.  The first is Rovakat, a federal appellate court decision where a claimed redemption was deemed a sale of stock. The In re MFW Shareholder Litigation case involves a motion for summary judgment where a majority of the minority shareholders approved a merger transaction; this was deemed a “cleansing device” that led to the dismissal of plaintiff’s leading claim, which involved an allegation of breach of fiduciary duty.   In Matter of Central N.Y. Oil & Gas, the…