* Millford & Barnum, once a 20-attorney litigation and transactional firm, presented an "aura of success" with its display of contemporary art adorning the walls of its Midtown offices; pricey Knoll and Bertoia chairs and personalized Millford & Barnum cups and napkins; and on-site IT staff, said lawyers who sublet space from the firm.
Both the Grant firm and LoPreto , another subtenant on the building's ninth floor, had agreements with Millford & Barnum to use their office space for three years with a two-year renewal option.
But only four months after settling in at 600 Lexington Ave., the subleasees were told by Millford & Barnum that it was defaulting on its lease, its partners were departing and the subtenants would have to leave or be evicted, according to a lawsuit against Millford & Barnum.
"If we are required to move less than six months after announcing with pride our relocation to beautiful space, and explaining and training our clients to come to a new location, we will be perceived as slipshod in managing our own affairs, thereby throwing into serious doubt our professional ability to manage and advise the legal affairs of others," Grant says in court papers.
The Grant firm and solo practitioner Virginia LoPreto, are suing Millford & Barnum, claiming the firm induced them to rent space without disclosing that it was behind on its rent and at risk of dissolution.
Millford & Barnum responded that they never engaged in any fraudulent conduct toward the Grant lawyers and LoPreto and at the present, they are unable to fulfill their commitment. (The NY Law Journal October 15th 2012)
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* "The Hungarian national airline Malev has folded after its financial situation became unsustainable.
"After 66 years of almost continuous operation Malev will no longer take off," the report said.
Chief executive Lorant Limburger said the immediate reason for the collapse was the demand for upfront payments by its suppliers.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on state radio that two Malev planes were still overseas, one in Tel Aviv, the other in the Irish Republic.
The premier said those planes were not allowed to take off because of Malev's debts.
Having stopped over in Ireland, Irving was stranded (BBC).