We hope that 2026 is off to a fantastic start for you and your team!

As we kick off the new year, we’re excited to share the impressive New York–related wins and milestones that Mandelbaum Barrett PC achieved from June through the end of 2025. From high-profile litigation and M&A transactions to regulatory developments and thought leadership, our team closed the year with remarkable momentum, including national recognition from Law360, which named our Cannabis, Hemp & Psychedelics Group and Construction Law Group "Practice Groups of the Year" for 2025! 

We are also pleased to welcome attorneys and staff from Ivey, Barnum & O’Mara, LLC (“IBO”), one of Greenwich, Connecticut’s oldest and most respected law firms, have joined Mandelbaum Barrett PC effective January 1, 2026. The addition of IBO attorneys expands our firm's geographic reach into New England and provides expanded resources to the Connecticut firm’s clients. Further, it strengthens both firms’ capabilities across several practice areas, including real estate, trusts and estates, franchise law, litigation, and personal injury.

We are grateful for the continued trust and partnership of our New York clients and colleagues, which drives our commitment to delivering thoughtful, results-oriented counsel. As we look ahead to 2026, we are excited to build on this momentum and support our clients through the opportunities and challenges ahead.

The following highlights showcase the impactful work and achievements our New York team delivered as we closed out 2025.

Litigation

• Legal Victory: Construction Contract Dispute 📌Read more.
• Crain's: Smoke Shop vs. NY State: The Legal Fight for Fair Cannabis Enforcement 📌Read more.
• NYREJ: ADA Litigation Defense for Businesses 📌Read more.
• Bankruptcy & Creditor's Rights Team Secures Full PACA Recovery 📌 Read More.
• The NYLJ Highlights $335K Attorneys' Fees Award Secured by Mandelbaum Barrett 📌Read more.

M&A Transactions

• Mandelbaum Barrett PC & IMG Business Advisors Represent White Plains Linen in $50M + Sale 📌Read more.
• Tariffs and Raising Capital in New York, Legal Roadmaps for Business Growth 📌Read more.
• What NY Business Owners Need to Know About Sustainable Practices 📌Read more.

Tax & Accounting

• Private Equity Is Reshaping Accounting Firms- What You Need to Know Before You Buy, Sell, or Partner 📌Read more. 

• Living in NJ and Working in NY: Tax Considerations 📌Read more.

Cannabis, Hemp, & Psychedelics 

• Second Circuit Ruling Challenges NY Cannabis Regulatory Scheme 📌Read more.
• NY Cannabis Constitutional Win 📌Read more.
• NY Cannabis Dispensary Litigation Delayed 📌Read more.
• NY Cannabis Legal Landscape 2025: Progress, Paralysis, or Both? 📌Read more.
• NYLJ: Insights on NY Medicinal Psilocybin 📌Read more.
• New Enforcement Risks for NY Hemp Licensees 📌Read more.
• Key Hemp Industry Update: What New York's Enforcement Means for Retailers 📌Read more.
• The Staten Islander: Cannabis Regulatory Changes 📌Read more.

Bankruptcy and Creditors Rights

• Mandelbaum Barrett PC Successfully Negotiates and Confirms Consensual Chapter 11 Plan for Smithfield Hall 📌 Read More.

Events & Industry Engagement

• Shawna A. Brown Speaks on Trusts and Estates Across New York and New Jersey📌 Read More.
• Vincent J. Roldan Speaks at SFNet’s Workout & Bankruptcy Class 📌 Read More.
• Joshua S. Bauchner Speaks at the NYSBA Annual Meeting 📌 Read More.
• Joshua S. Bauchner and Chris Zona Attend IMN's Distressed CRE East 📌Read more.
• William Barrett and Jonathan Rhone Break Down the Risks of Misclassifying Dentists 📌Read more.
• Dental Group Presents at Greater New York Dental Meeting 📌Read more.
• Brent R. Pohlman and Melody M. Block Present at New York County Dental Society 📌Read more.
• Dental Partner Stephanie Rodin Speaks on Legal Considerations to Protect your Practice 📌Read more.
• Vincent J. Roldan Speaks on DIP Financing Trends and Developments 📌Read more.

Professional Affiliations, Leadership & Honors

• Law360 Recognizes Mandelbaum Barrett’s Cannabis and Construction Groups as Practice Groups of the Year 📌Read more.

• Healthcare & Bankruptcy Groups Awarded Restructuring Deal of the Year at Annual M&A Advisor Awards 📌Read more.

• Joshua S. Bauchner Named Chair of the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce – Northeast Region 📌Read more.

* The stories highlighted below are unique to each case, past results do not guarantee future results.

Mandelbaum Barrett PC recently secured a significant win for our New York client in a construction contract dispute involving payment for masonry facade repairs to a New York City high rise. Following a bench trial in the Commercial Division, the Firm's construction litigation team of Jacky Vogt, Jed Weiss and Joshua Bauchner achieved a favorable result—the court enforced the original agreed-upon price saving our client a substantial amount over the contractor’s demand.

📌Read more.

A July 15, 2025 Crain’s New York Business article highlights Joshua Bauchner’s role in a high-profile legal challenge to New York City’s cannabis enforcement crackdown. Josh represents licensed hemp retailers, including Super Smoke n Save, that were shuttered under “Operation Padlock to Protect” despite state authorization. The ongoing case could shape how courts balance enforcement authority, due process, and the future of New York’s cannabis market.

📌Read more.

Joshua Bauchner highlights the surge in ADA “tester” lawsuits in his New York Real Estate Journal article, "Protecting Properties and Businesses from ADA Litigation." These suits, often aimed at technical violations rather than actual harm, can cost businesses tens of thousands and hold landlords and tenants jointly liable. Josh emphasizes proactive strategies—like accessibility audits and experienced legal counsel—to help property owners stay compliant while protecting themselves from exploitative claims.

📌Read more.

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In October 2025, we were proud to be featured in The New York Law Journal for a trademark enforcement victory, securing a $335,000 attorneys’ fees award. Intellectual Property Partners Joel MacMull and Brian Block led the case following a significant contempt finding in a long-running trademark dispute, highlighting the importance of persistent and diligent trademark enforcement.

📌Read more.

We are proud to have worked with IMG Business Advisors on the sale of White Plains Linen to Surge Private Equity LLC. The transaction, which included the company and two Peekskill, NY properties, closed on August 1 and was valued at more than $50 million. This was a true team effort by the Firm’s Corporate Group, led by Partner and Co-Chair Peter Tanella and supported by Steven Sedereas, Eileen Funnell, Nicole Fryer, Brent Pohlman, and Shawn McClelland. We also collaborated closely with Michael Givner of IMG Business Advisors, whose strategic insight was key to the deal’s success.

📌Read more.

In November 2025, William S. Barrett, highlighted how changing trade policies and tariffs could affect business costs and capital planning. He advises businesses to update contracts, track product codes, and align financing with tariff risks, emphasizing that proactive legal planning is key to managing growth and risk.

📌Read more.

On December 13, 2025, William S. Barrett outlined two key trends affecting New York businesses: the growing demand for meaningful ESG practices and continued regulatory uncertainty. He advised companies to track and report sustainability efforts in ways that support revenue and trust, and to proactively align capital planning, contracts, and legal strategies to navigate evolving tariffs and trade policies and protect growth.

📌Read more.

In January 2026, our Private Equity & Corporate Advisory team, led by William S. Barrett, Casey Gocel, and Peter Tanella, analyzed how private equity is rapidly reshaping the accounting industry, highlighting the growth opportunities PE investment can offer as well as the regulatory, structural, and governance risks firms must carefully navigate before buying, selling, or partnering.

📌Read more. 

On December 4, 2025, Martin D. Hauptman and Patrick B. Waters discussed tax considerations for New Jersey residents working in New York, including dual state reporting and New Jersey’s credit to avoid double taxation. They highlighted potential New York state and local taxes and noted that remote work taxation depends on whether a home office qualifies as a bona fide employer office, emphasizing the importance of professional tax guidance.

📌Read more.

On August 12, 2025, the Second Circuit ruled that parts of New York’s cannabis licensing system violated the Dormant Commerce Clause by excluding out-of-state applicants. Joshua Bauchner and Natalie Diaz note that applicants were denied priority because their marijuana convictions occurred outside New York. The Court held that while social equity is legitimate, states cannot favor in-state applicants, reinforcing protections for interstate commerce. 

📌Read more.

Joshua Bauchner and James Mazewski secured a precedent-setting decision in ROC It Out Wellness, LLC (Aug. 13, 2025) allowing New York cannabis businesses to raise constitutional claims, like due process and unlawful searches, directly in Office of Cannabis Management hearings. The ruling lets operators defend themselves more efficiently and preserves key legal arguments, marking a major step toward fairer enforcement statewide.

📌Read more.

On August 15, 2025, 12 licensed cannabis dispensaries sued New York’s Office of Cannabis Management over a sudden rule change on school setback measurements that jeopardizes more than 150 shops. The plaintiffs say the shift threatens millions in investments and could force closures. Although the court denied immediate relief, the case is paused while the parties pursue settlement talks. The outcome could significantly impact regulatory stability in New York’s cannabis market.

📌Read more.

Since the rollout of New York’s MRTA, the state’s cannabis program has faced uneven implementation marked by regulatory delays and ongoing litigation. Our attorneys, Joshua Bauchner and Natalie Diaz note that while licensed dispensaries are opening and the legal market is expanding, agency missteps and legal challenges continue to slow progress, leaving the industry caught between forward momentum and regulatory gridlock.

📌Read more.

As New York lawmakers consider legalizing medicinal psilocybin, Joshua Bauchner highlights the need for a strong legal and regulatory framework, noting that attorneys will be essential in guiding licensing, compliance, and responsible industry growth, much like the state’s cannabis rollout.

📌Read more.

On November 17, 2025, Joshua Bauchner and Natalie Diaz warned that New York hemp retailers face aggressive Department of Tax and Finance enforcement, including unannounced raids and steep penalties. They advise businesses to keep thorough records, update contact information, and seek legal counsel to protect both business and personal assets.

📌Read more.

In a November Times Union article, Cannabis Chair Joshua Bauchner discussed aggressive New York raids and tax penalties on licensed hemp retailers, warning they threaten small business owners’ livelihoods and emphasizing the need for due process, accountability, and a regulatory framework that supports legitimate hemp businesses.

📌Read more.

In a recent Q&A with The Staten Islander, Joshua Bauchner, discussed federal regulatory changes to hemp and cannabis under the latest continuing resolution. Josh noted the shift to a Total THC standard and warned that rapidly changing rules create ongoing compliance challenges, placing significant strain on small businesses in the industry.

📌Read more.

Our firm, led by Vincent J. Roldan, successfully represented Smithfield Hall in a Subchapter V Chapter 11 reorganization, securing court approval of a consensual plan that halted creditor actions, preserved jobs, and enabled the restaurant to continue operating while resolving its debts.

📌 Read More.

On January 19, 2026, Shawna A. Brown presented at a NJICLE program focused on trust and estate practice across New York and New Jersey. She addressed common multi-state administration issues, key differences between the two probate systems, and the importance of coordinated estate planning. The program also covered estate litigation and ethical considerations.

📌 Read More.

In January 2026, our Workout & Bankruptcy Class featured a dynamic live/online session led by Vincent J. Roldan, who, alongside an expert panel, shared practical insights and real-world experience to help SFNet professional development students recognize and manage workout and bankruptcy situations.

📌 Read More.

On January 15, 2026, the Cannabis Law Section, in partnership with the NYSBA, hosted a half-day MCLE program focused on New York’s cannabis industry. Joshua  Bauchner, spoke on how litigation can challenge licensing decisions, address regulatory delays, and protect cannabis businesses.

 📌 Read More. 

On October 16, 2025, Joshua  Bauchner and Christopher Zona of attended IMN’s Distressed CRE East Conference at The Union League Club in New York City. The partners shared insights on how strategic litigation can help unlock value, manage risk, and enhance returns across commercial real estate portfolios while connecting with industry professionals.

📌Read more.

William S. Barrett, and Jonathan S. Rhone, discussed the critical considerations for classifying a new dentist as an employee or independent contractor in the latest Dentists’ Quarterly from the New York County Dental Society. They outlined key distinctions, how the IRS and Department of Labor evaluate classification, and the financial and legal risks of misclassification.

📌Read more.

On November 30, 2025, Mandelbaum Barrett's Dental Law Group presented two sessions at the Greater New York Dental Meeting at the Jacob Javits Center. Brent R. Pohlman covered “Top HR Mistakes Made by Dentists” at 11:30 AM, and William S. Barrett and Casey Gocel joined a 3:00 PM panel on “Dental Exit Strategies,” offering practical guidance on practice transitions, HR compliance, and navigating DSO and private equity trends.

📌Read more.

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Stephanie Rodin led a CE session at Limani Roslyn for the Gold Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Study Club. She covered key legal issues for dentists, including managing difficult patients, employment contracts, regulatory compliance, medicolegal risks, and patient dismissals, providing practical strategies to protect both their practice and professional license.

📌Read more.

Vincent J. Roldan spoke on the “DIP Financing: Trends and Developments” panel for the Secured Finance Network, sharing insights on current trends shaping debtor-in-possession financing.

📌Read more.

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Our Healthcare and Bankruptcy teams were honored with Restructuring Deal of the Year ($100M–$1B) at the 24th Annual M&A Advisor Awards for the Chapter 11 restructuring of CarePoint Health Systems.  The matter was led by Mohamed H. Nabulsi, Mason L. Allen, and Vincent J. Roldan, with key contributions from Brent R. Pohlman. CEO William S. Barrett praised the team’s skill and the deal’s impact on healthcare access in New Jersey.

📌Read more.

Joshua Bauchner has been named Chair of the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce’s Northeast Region, covering New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and D.C., effective January 1, 2026.

📌Read more.

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