SLG Attorney Wins Important Condominium Decision

In a case handled from inception to conclusion (including argument before the SJC) by Attorney Mark Rosen, who recently joined the Schofield Law Group, the Supreme Judicial Court has ruled that an arbitration provision contained in a condominium’s governing documents does not entitle the prevailing party to an award of attorneys’ fees and costs.

The decision, which was issued on January 7, 2016, is significant because many condominium documents include provisions which require unit owners to arbitrate any challenges to the actions or decisions of the Board of Trustees. In its fourteen-page decision, the SJC held that under such circumstances an arbitrator cannot award attorneys’ fees to a prevailing owner unless the arbitration provision specifically authorizes the awarding of such fees. The decision is significant for condominiums because it reduces the exposure of arbitration if the relevant provision is silent as to the issue of attorneys’ fees.

To learn more about this decision or to obtain a copy, please contact Mark Rosen at mark@schofielddonnelly.com

Also, please visit our website at www.schofielddonnelly.com