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Scott L. Lanin

Scott L. Lanin

The Blackbelt Litigator - Commercial Litigation & Mortgage Foreclosure Defense
  • Foreclosure Defense, Business Law, Real Estate Law ...
  • New York
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Biography

Experience Matters. 32+ years’ experience helping individuals, and small & large business clients, with commercial litigation & appeals, foreclosure defense, lender liability, mortgage loan modification, business operating and shareholder agreements & advice, and Chapter 7 & 13 bankruptcy.

Scott understands all of these connected areas of law. Meet with Scott and review your options. Find your best solution. Get peace of mind from personal attention, competitive rates, flexible payment options, quality work, exceptional professional service, and a strategy to fit your budget. We strive to develop long-term relationships and help clients meet their goals.

Scott has appeared in State, Federal, Bankruptcy, and Appellate Courts in NY and the US. Outside counsel for 26+ years to a large corporation with $300 million annual revenues. Throughout his career, he has handled legal matters involving mortgages and loans totalling more than $500 million.

NY Metro SuperLawyers 2018-2022 (Top 5%); rated AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell; and 10/10 on Avvo. Big firm experience, small firm value & the highest qualifications. Formerly associated with a prestigious Manhattan firm and the largest Long Island firm. Former counsel to banks. NYU Stern School of Business (began at age 16; graduated 1986, Top 5%, Finance and Management). St. John’s University School of Law (1989; Law Review – Highest Honor). Pro bono extern mentor at law schools and colleges. CLE instructor (to teach other attorneys) Litigation and Foreclosure skils.

Scott Lanin is also an attorney who can fight for real. He is a certified martial arts instructor with two black belts (4th Dan in ITF Tae Kwon-Do and 2d Dan in karate). These are our core principles: avoid confrontation but fight fiercely when necessary; prepare, plan, and stay calm; negotiate from a position of strength, adapt and overcome adversity, think creatively; pay rigorous attention to details; and courtesy and integrity matter.

Practice Areas
Foreclosure Defense
Business Law
Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Formation, Business Litigation
Real Estate Law
Commercial Real Estate, Condominiums, Easements, Mortgages, Neighbor Disputes, Residential Real Estate
Collections
Bankruptcy
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Debt Relief
Fees
  • Free Consultation
    Please email or call us to ask if you qualify for a free 20 minute strategy session to review your alternatives. Certain complex cases may require a paid one hour consult to give your legal matter the attention it deserves.
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Contingent Fees
    We primarily handle legal matters on an hourly billing basis or for a flat fee. After we evaluate your matter, if we can assist we will quote you a fee. We require a signed written retainer agreement before we begin to provide legal services. We also offer contingency fees and hybrid fees arrangements (reduced hourly rates and reduced contingency fee percentages) for some cases.
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    We accept credit and debit cards, Zelle, Venmo, wire transfers, and checks. Cash payments may also be made in person.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
New York
New York State Office of Court Administration
ID Number: 2329498
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2nd Circuit
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Pro hac vice appearances in Federal & Bankruptcy Courts in CT, DE, FL, OR, IL, MI, and NJ
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U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Eastern, Northern Southern & Western Districts of New York
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United States District Court for the Eastern, Northern, Southern & Western Districts of New York
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Languages
  • English
Professional Experience
Law School & College Externship Instructor & Mentor
Law School Externship Programs
- Current
Training students at Brooklyn Law School, St. John's University School of Law, Touro Law School, Hofstra Law School, Cardozo Law School, New York Law School, & Berkeley College. see https://laninlaw.com/legalassistants_interns/
Certified ITF Taekwon-Do & Kickboxing Instructor
Team USA Taekwon-Do Fitness & Kickboxing
- Current
4th Dan Black Belt TaeKwon-Do & 2d Dan in Karate
Managing Attorney
Lanin Law P.C.
- Current
Real Estate & Business Litigation, Foreclosure, Bankruptcy, Debt Collection, Corporate Law
Judge
Touro Law School, Law Student Oral Arguments
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Senior Commercial Litigation Associate
Helfand & Associates
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Judge
St. John's University School Of Law, Civil Trial Institute
Commercial Litigation & Bankruptcy/Creditor's Rights Associate Attorney
Farrell Fritz, P.C.
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Largest firm on Long Island
Associate (Corporate and Bankruptcy)
Whitman Breed Abbott & Morgan LLC
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Formerly know as Whitman Ransom, this law firm was an international firm with offices in Manhattan, London, Greenwich, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. It's NY office was located in the prestigious Pan Am Building on top of Grand Central Station (now the Met Life Building) at 200 Park Ave in Manhattan.
Education
St. John's University School of Law
J.D. (1989) | Law
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Honors: Law Review (Highest Law School Honor); Top 12.5% of class; Dean’s List; American Jurisprudence Award – Lawyer as Negotiator; John J. Murphy Memorial Scholarship; Law Professor/Faculty Research Assistant
St. John's University School of Law Logo
New York University
B.S. (1986) | Finance and Management
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Honors: Finance and Management; Entered at age 16; graduated at age 20; Top 5%, cum laude, GPA 3.64/4.0, Dean’s List; University Founders’ Day Scholar; Beta Gamma Sigma (Management Honor Society); Phi Alpha Kappa (Finance Honor Society)
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Awards
10.0 Superb Rating (highest possible rating)
Avvo
Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
2018-2023; Rated in top 5% of NY lawyers
Peer Rated AV Preeminent Rating
Martindale Hubbell
For Highest Level of Professional Excellence
4.9/5.0 Client Rating
Nicejob Review Compilation (Google and Facebook)
Based on 139 reviews as of April 2023
Top Rated Litigator
The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale Hubbell
Lawyer of Distinction
The Lawyers of Distinction
10 Best Client Satisfaction, Bankruptcy Division
American Institute of Legal Counsel
Bankruptcy Law Firm of the Year
Corporate INTL
2013
International Who's Who of Banking Lawyers
International Who's Who
Professional Associations
New York State Bar Association
Member
Current
Activities: Commercial and Federal Litigation Section; Real Property Section
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Bankruptcy Lawyers Network
Member
Current
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International Tae Kwon-Do Federation
Certified ITF Taekwon-Do & Kickboxing Instructor - 4th Dan Black Belt TaeKwon-Do & 2d Dan in Karate
- Current
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New York State Bar  # 2329498
Attorney
- Current
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Manhattan BNI Chapter 54
Growth Coordinator - Leadership Team
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Business Networking International - Manhattan
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Activities: Vice President, Chapter 3; Member, Chapter 53; Growth Coordinator Leadership Team, Chapter 54
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Manhattan BNI 53 - Worth Waking Up For
Member
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Manhattan BNI Chapter 3 - Platinum
Vice President
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National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
Member
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American Bar Association
Member
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Activities: Litigation Section: Bankruptcy and Insolvency Committee, Commercial and Banking Litigation Committee, Trial Practice Committee; Business Law Section; Law Practice Management Section
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American Bankruptcy Institute
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Commercial Law League of America
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Activities: Bankruptcy & Insolvency Committee; Creditors’ Rights Committee; Contributing Author – Bankruptcy & Insolvency Newsletter
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Eastern Association of Equipment Lessors
Member
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Turnaround Management Association, Long Island Chapter
Member
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Horizon House
Vice President Board of Directors
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Activities: Horizon House is a 6 building cooperative corporation on 32 acres in Fort Lee with approximately 1400 units and over 100 unionized employees. It is the largest co-op in the State of New Jersey. Scott supervised the management and operations.
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Nassau County Bar Association
Member
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Activities: Bankruptcy Committee; Homeless Advocacy Program
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Bankruptcy Lawyers Bar Association of the City of New York
Member
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Publications
Articles & Publications
Foreclosure Guide For The New York Homeowner
Avvo
NY Business & Real Estate Litigator Blog – The Martial Art of Commercial Litigation
NY Business & Real Estate Litigator 1999-2015
NY Foreclosure Law Blog – Solutions and Strategies for Mortgage Defaults
1999-2015
Pre-Printed Invoice Terms, Course Of Dealing, And Possession Of Goods Did Not Give Creditor A Security Interest Under Articles 2 Or 9 Of The UCC
Commercial Law League Association, Bankruptcy and Insolvency Section Newsletter, Vol. 13, Issue 10, pp.1-4
New York Recognizes Exception to Waiver of Attorney – Client Privilege
62 St. John’s Law Review 752
Speaking Engagements
Manhattan BNI Chapters 3, 53, and 54, New York, N.Y.
Business Networking International
Frequent Featured Speaker for 10 years, 2012-2022
How To Handle New York Foreclosure Law
CLE Course
Part 2: How to Handle Commercial Litigation and Keep Your Clients Happy
CLE Course
Part 1: How to Handle Commercial Litigation and Keep Your Clients Happy
CLE
Certifications
Licensed New York Real Estate Broker
New York State Bar Association Department of Pro Bono Affairs
Internationally Certified TaeKwon-Do/Kickboxing Instructor
International Taekwon-Do Federation
Websites & Blogs
Website
Lanin Law P.C. Website
Blog
NY Business & Real Estate Litigator Blog
Blog
NY Foreclosure Law & Loan Mod Blog
Videos
An Attorney Who Can Fight for Real. My name is Scott Lanin. I'm a commercial litigation attorney in New York. Commercial litigation involves business and real estate disputes. I represent... Scott Lanin, Esq. - The Blackbelt Litigator

An Attorney Who Can Fight for Real. My name is Scott Lanin. I'm a commercial litigation attorney in New York. Commercial litigation involves business and real estate disputes. I represent...

https://www.laninlaw.com. This video is one in a series of videos presented by New York Attorney Scott Lanin of the firm Lanin Law P.C. in the areas of foreclosure and bankruptcy... Q&A No. 1 - My lender accelerated my mortgage loan and returned my payment. Will I lose my home?

https://www.laninlaw.com. This video is one in a series of videos presented by New York Attorney Scott Lanin of the firm Lanin Law P.C. in the areas of foreclosure and bankruptcy...

https://www.laninlaw.com. This video is one in a series of videos presented by New York Attorney Scott Lanin of the firm Lanin Law P.C. in the areas of foreclosure and bankruptcy... Q&A No. 2 - I've Been Sued by My Mortgage Lender. Now What?

https://www.laninlaw.com. This video is one in a series of videos presented by New York Attorney Scott Lanin of the firm Lanin Law P.C. in the areas of foreclosure and bankruptcy...

https://www.laninlaw.com. This video is one in a series of videos presented by New York Attorney Scott Lanin of the firm Lanin Law P.C. in the areas of foreclosure and bankruptcy... Q&A No. 3 - Why Do I Need An Experienced Foreclosure Attorney?

https://www.laninlaw.com. This video is one in a series of videos presented by New York Attorney Scott Lanin of the firm Lanin Law P.C. in the areas of foreclosure and bankruptcy...

https://www.laninlaw.com. This video is one in a series of videos presented by New York Attorney Scott Lanin of the firm Lanin Law P.C. in the areas of foreclosure and bankruptcy... Q&A No. 4 - How Can I Avoid Foreclosure Rescue Scams and Save My Home?

https://www.laninlaw.com. This video is one in a series of videos presented by New York Attorney Scott Lanin of the firm Lanin Law P.C. in the areas of foreclosure and bankruptcy...

https://www.laninlaw.com. This video is one in a series of videos presented by New York Attorney Scott Lanin of the firm Lanin Law P.C. in the areas of foreclosure and bankruptcy... Q&A No. 5 - What Is The Foreclosure Process In New York?

https://www.laninlaw.com. This video is one in a series of videos presented by New York Attorney Scott Lanin of the firm Lanin Law P.C. in the areas of foreclosure and bankruptcy...

https://www.laninlaw.com. This video is one in a series of videos presented by New York Attorney Scott Lanin of the firm Lanin Law P.C. in the areas of foreclosure and bankruptcy... Q&A No. 6- I'm In Foreclosure. Will The Sheriff Knock On My Door To Evict Me?

https://www.laninlaw.com. This video is one in a series of videos presented by New York Attorney Scott Lanin of the firm Lanin Law P.C. in the areas of foreclosure and bankruptcy...

https://www.laninlaw.com. This video is one in a series of videos presented by New York Attorney Scott Lanin of the firm Lanin Law P.C. in the areas of foreclosure and bankruptcy... Q&A No. 7 - What Is The Mandatory Foreclosure Settlement Conference?

https://www.laninlaw.com. This video is one in a series of videos presented by New York Attorney Scott Lanin of the firm Lanin Law P.C. in the areas of foreclosure and bankruptcy...

https://www.laninlaw.com. This video is one in a series of videos presented by New York Attorney Scott Lanin of the firm Lanin Law P.C. in the areas of foreclosure and bankruptcy... Q&A No. 8 - Will Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Help Me Stop Foreclosure?

https://www.laninlaw.com. This video is one in a series of videos presented by New York Attorney Scott Lanin of the firm Lanin Law P.C. in the areas of foreclosure and bankruptcy...

https://www.laninlaw.com. This video is one in a series of videos presented by New York Attorney Scott Lanin of the firm Lanin Law P.C. in the areas of foreclosure and bankruptcy... Q&A No. 9 - What Is A Motion For Summary Judgment In A Foreclosure Action?

https://www.laninlaw.com. This video is one in a series of videos presented by New York Attorney Scott Lanin of the firm Lanin Law P.C. in the areas of foreclosure and bankruptcy...

Legal Answers
4 Questions Answered
Q. How do i stop collection agency harassment? In addition to calling me several times a day they also contact others
A: One thing you might consider doing is to write a letter to the collection agency to dispute the charge, request debt validation, and request copies of all underlying documents including the original credit agreement or contract, payment history, invoices and statements, and demand letters. They may not have the backup documentation to support the claim. You can notify them in the letter that if they do not comply you will seek all remedies available under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act which is a federal law that governs collection conduct for consumer debt. This might not stop them from harassing you but it will at least put them on notice in case you have to write a second letter. I hope this is helpful. Please note that my response here does not create any attorney-client relationship and my firm requires a signed written retainer agreement before we represent clients. Best of luck. ... Read More
Q. What happens after you default mortgage 120 days
A: After your default for 120 days, your lender or the lender's servicer may elect to send you a default notice or a letter of acceleration. Accelerating the loan means that they are calling it as fully due and payable now instead of over the regular loan term. They may also send you a 90-day pre-foreclosure notice under RPAPL 1304 which is the New York law requiring that. After they send out the necessary notifications, they might file a summons and complaint with the Supreme Court for the county where the real estate is located and a lis pendens, or notice of pendency, with the county clerk which is public notice that there is a foreclosure action pending on the property. Foreclosure can take quite a long time in New York but you should take immediate steps to address this. You should hire an experience attorney to assist you with a loan modification, foreclosure defense, or if you simply wish to get rid of the property, you may be able to surrender or sell it. There are options to consider but these options can be lost and time barred if you delay. Please note that this response does not create an attorney-client relationship with me or my firm as we do require a signed written retainer agreement to become someone's lawyer. Please feel free to reach out to us to schedule a consult if you are looking for help. I've handled many cases in Brooklyn over 30 plus years. ... Read More
Q. Does bankruptcy court have jurisdiction regarding a state judgment of foreclosure that is void?
A: If the state court issued a judgment of foreclosure, even if you believe that the note and mortgage were somehow void, your remedy would be to challenge that judgment in that court with a motion to reargue or an appeal to the higher state court. If you try to collaterally attack it in a bankruptcy court, you will likely fail. The bankruptcy court and all federal courts give state court judgments what is called full faith and credit and the prior proceeding in state court may bar subsequent litigation of the same issue under the doctrine called res judicata. This doctrine bars claims that were actually litigated before or could have been raised in the prior proceeding. There's also a federal doctrine that applies in the bankruptcy court called the Rooker-Feldman doctrine which basically works to prevent lower federal courts from hearing appeals of state court decisions. Please note that this is provided for general information only and does not create any attorney-client relationship. Our firm requires a signed retainer agreement to create such a relationship. Laws can vary in different jurisdictions. You should consult with a local attorney for specific legal advice about your case. Best of luck. ... Read More
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Contact & Map
Lanin Law P.C.
505 8th Ave, Suite 1402
New York, NY 10018
Telephone: (212) 764-7250