Insight

Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C. Threatens To Retain Contract Deposit, Forces Immediate Closing

Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C. Threatens To Retain Contract Deposit, Forces Immediate Closing

Andrew Jorges

Andrew Jorges

August 3, 2021 02:05 PM

Attorneys at Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C. represented the frustrated sellers of a multimillion-dollar property in Hewlett Harbor, New York, whose contract of sale was in jeopardy after the buyers repeatedly refused to close the title in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

The sellers, who were initially represented by different legal counsel at the outset of the transaction, entered into a contract of sale for the property with the buyers that provided for a closing date “on or about” February 18, 2016. Despite numerous attempts by sellers’ prior counsel to schedule a closing, the buyers refused to close on or before February 18, 2016.

The sellers, fearing the buyers would be able to walk away from the contract, retained Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C. to either compel the buyers to promptly close, or retain the contract deposit as liquidated damages.

Within hours of being retained, Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C. sent the buyer’s attorney a letter unilaterally designating a “time of essence” closing date within thirty (30) days, and further advised that in the event purchaser failed to timely close within said thirty (30) day period, the buyers would forfeit their contract deposit totaling $247,500.

Only nine (9) days after being retained and sending a “time of essence” letter to the buyers’ counsel, the parties successfully closed on the sale of the property at the offices of Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C. with sellers receiving the balance of the sales price.

Further, pursuant to a post-closing possession agreement that was negotiated during the course of the transaction, the sellers remained in possession of the premises for the entire summer season at a rental amount far below the market rate.

Andrew C. Jorges and another attorney represented the sellers in this transaction.

Trending Articles

Presenting The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2025


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is proud to present The Best Lawyers in Australia for 2025, marking the 17th consecutive year of Best Lawyers awards in Australia.

Australia flag over outline of country

The 2024 Best Lawyers in Spain™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is honored to announce the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Spain™ and the third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Spain™ for 2024.

Tall buildings and rushing traffic against clouds and sun in sky

Best Lawyers Expands 2024 Brazilian Awards


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is honored to announce the 14th edition of The Best Lawyers in Brazil™ and the first edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Brazil™.

Image of Brazil city and water from sky

The Best Lawyers in Mexico Celebrates a Milestone Year


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is excited to announce the 15th edition of The Best Lawyers in Mexico™ and the second edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Mexico™ for 2024.

Sky view of Mexico city scape

How Palworld Is Testing the Limits of Nintendo’s Legal Power


by Gregory Sirico

Many are calling the new game Palworld “Pokémon GO with guns,” noting the games striking similarities. Experts speculate how Nintendo could take legal action.

Animated figures with guns stand on top of creatures

How To Find A Pro Bono Lawyer


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers dives into the vital role pro bono lawyers play in ensuring access to justice for all and the transformative impact they have on communities.

Hands joined around a table with phone, paper, pen and glasses

Announcing The Best Lawyers in New Zealand™ 2025 Awards


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is announcing the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in New Zealand for 2025, including individual Best Lawyers and "Lawyer of the Year" awards.

New Zealand flag over image of country outline

Presenting the 2024 Best Lawyers Family Law Legal Guide


by Best Lawyers

The 2024 Best Lawyers Family Law Legal Guide is now live and includes recognitions for all Best Lawyers family law awards. Read below and explore the legal guide.

Man entering home and hugging two children in doorway

Announcing The Best Lawyers in Japan™ 2025


by Best Lawyers

For a milestone 15th edition, Best Lawyers is proud to announce The Best Lawyers in Japan.

Japan flag over outline of country

The Best Lawyers in Singapore™ 2025 Edition


by Best Lawyers

For 2025, Best Lawyers presents the most esteemed awards for lawyers and law firms in Singapore.

Singapore flag over outline of country

Canada Makes First Foray Into AI Regulation


by Sara Collin

As Artificial Intelligence continues to rise in use and popularity, many countries are working to ensure proper regulation. Canada has just made its first foray into AI regulation.

People standing in front of large, green pixelated image of buildings

Commingling Assets


by Tamires M. Oliveira

Commingling alone does not automatically turn an otherwise immune asset into an asset subject to marital distribution as explained by one family law lawyer.

Toy house and figure of married couple standing on stacks of coins

How Much Is a Lawyer Consultation Fee?


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers breaks down the key differences between consultation and retainer fees when hiring an attorney, a crucial first step in the legal process.

Client consulting with lawyer wearing a suit

The Hague Convention and International Custody Battles


by Alexandra Goldstein

One family law lawyer explains how Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner’s celebrity divorce brings The Hague Convention treaty and international child custody battles into the spotlight.

Man and woman celebrities wearing black and standing for photo

New York Passes 9/11 Notice Act


by Gregory Sirico

Best Lawyers highlights the newly enacted 9/11 Notice Act, which seeks to find individuals eligible for medical care coverage under different federal programs.

Firefighter stands with their back turned with flames in the background

Presenting the 2024 Best Lawyers Employment and Workers’ Compensation Legal Guide


by Best Lawyers

The 2024 Best Lawyers Employment and Workers' Compensation Legal Guide provides exclusive access to all Best Lawyers awards in related practice areas. Read below and explore the legal guide.

Illustration of several men and women in shades of orange and teal