
Joel R. Glucksman
Partner
201-896-7095 jglucksman@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Author: Joel R. Glucksman
Date: November 28, 2013

Partner
201-896-7095 jglucksman@sh-law.comA four-and-a-half year bankruptcy case involving the failed Fontainebleau Las Vegas casino tower may be nearing an end. A U.S. bankruptcy judge said he was inclined to approve a settlement agreement in the messy Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings over the $2.9 billion tower, which is considered one of the largest busts in real estate history.
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge A. Jay Cristol said he was considering approving a $178 million settlement that would pay contractors roughly 25 cents on the dollar, according to the Miami Herald. Additionally, construction lenders would recoup nearly $89 million.
“I certainly have sympathy for all of the people who have money coming to them and seem to have been waiting forever,” said Judge Cristol in a court hearing, according to the news source.
The settlement funds would come from several organizations and investors involved in the failed project. Approximately $93 million would come from sale proceeds paid by Carl Icahn when he purchased the unfinished tower in 2010. The Herald notes that the money has been in a frozen escrow account pending the bankruptcy outcome. Title companies that backed the project would add another $33 million to the settlement fund, and the remaining $50 million would come from a completion guarantee funded by Jeff and Jacquelyn Soffer.
Construction of the skyscraper was halted in mid-2009 after the toll of the economic crisis hit the commercial real estate market hard, and forced the owners of the unfinished Fontainebleau to seek protection under the bankruptcy law. The building is still in the skeletal stage, and Chris Giunchigliani, Clark County commissioner, said she has received a barrage of complaints over the stalled project, which is considered an eyesore by the city, according to 8 News Now.
“I’m glad if they do the settlement,” Giunchigliani told the news source. “If they’re working that off, that actually then helps clean or prepare the road for something to maybe happen there.”
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Key provisions in your contracts, including those relating to indemnification, insurance, and defense, are essential to contract risk management. While sometimes considered “boilerplate,” these provisions play a pivotal role when determining which party is responsible for certain costs and liabilities. They must always be negotiated and drafted carefully. Indemnification Clauses Businesses should never overlook the […]
Author: George McGowan

Portability of estate and gift tax enables a surviving spouse to inherit any unused portion of their deceased spouse’s federal estate and gift tax exemption. So, if one spouse doesn’t utilize their full exemption, the surviving spouse can effectively double their exemption amount with regard to estate tax liability. For married couples, portability offers a […]
Author: Marc J. Comer

For many of us, pets are more than companions—they are members of the family. Yet they are often overlooked or inadequately provided for when it comes to estate planning. A pet trust offers a legally enforceable way to ensure that your animal continues to receive proper care if you become incapacitated or pass away. As […]
Author: Marc J. Comer

For many New Jersey business owners, a closely held company represents decades of work, financial investment, and personal sacrifice. Trusts in business succession planning are one of the most effective tools for protecting that value, allowing founders to control how and when the business passes to the next generation while reducing the risk of disputes, […]
Author: George McGowan

In today’s digital economy, New Jersey businesses of all sizes rely heavily on technology vendors, software providers, cloud platforms, and managed IT services. Whether your company is purchasing software, migrating data to the cloud, engaging a cybersecurity consultant, or entering into a long-term managed services agreement, a careful IT contract review can have significant operational, […]
Author: George McGowan

Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) remain a critical tool for protecting sensitive business information. However, New York NDA requirements have evolved, and businesses must ensure these agreements are carefully drafted to remain enforceable. In a competitive market like New York City, NDAs are commonly used to protect proprietary information, client relationships, and strategic plans. At the same […]
Author: Dan Brecher
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!