When dealing with out-of-state or international discovery, two tools often come up: letters rogatory and international subpoenas. While they both serve the purpose of obtaining evidence or testimony from another jurisdiction, they have distinct differences....
Year: 2025
Are informal handshake agreements enforceable in Massachusetts?
A simple handshake can feel like a solid promise in business. You might trust the other side and think a written contract is unnecessary. But when a dispute arises, the strength of that handshake gets tested. How Massachusetts views oral agreements Massachusetts...
How do green building standards affect commercial lease terms?
More businesses want eco-friendly buildings that save money and match their values. Because of this, green building standards are changing how landlords and tenants write commercial leases. These rules can shape who pays for upgrades, how costs are shared, and what...
Can my landlord raise my rent anytime?
Your rent is likely the biggest bill you pay, and every dollar added to that sum comes directly out of your business's profit margin. A sudden, unscheduled rent increase is often an immediate concern to the long-term viability of the enterprise. Can a landlord truly...
What is the difference between a subpoena and a letter rogatory?
When a court case involves witnesses or evidence outside the state or country, you may hear about subpoenas and letters rogatory. Both are tools for obtaining testimony or documents, but they work very differently depending on where the information is located....
When do misrepresentation claims turn into commercial fraud?
Not every false statement in business amounts to fraud, since even well-intentioned people make mistakes. But when someone intentionally hides the truth or twists facts to gain an advantage, that misrepresentation becomes a serious legal issue. Here’s when that line...
What are the risks of informal agreements in business litigation?
Business owners often rely on handshake deals or casual emails when making agreements. While these arrangements may feel convenient and quick, they often create problems if a dispute arises. In Massachusetts, informal agreements can expose you to significant risks in...
What are the challenges in enforcing letters rogatory?
Enforcing letters rogatory, which are official requests to foreign courts for evidence or testimony, can be tricky. There are several reasons why these requests are not easy to carry out, including differences in laws, language problems, and issues with getting other...
Will ghost kitchens reshape retail strip centers?
Ghost kitchens—delivery-only restaurants without a dining room—have grown quickly as food delivery becomes a normal part of daily life. Their rise sparks new questions for retail strip centers, many of which have struggled with vacancies in recent years. Could ghost...
How does a business prepare for commercial litigation?
Commercial litigation can be stressful for businesses, but preparing ahead of time makes the process easier and helps protect the company. In Massachusetts, knowing the legal steps and organizing important materials can give a business a stronger position in a case....

