Top Provisions to Look Out For When Negotiating a Restaurant Lease

Andreas Koutsoudakis | KI Legal

Andreas Koutsoudakisis the co-founder of KI Legal. He represents and advises businesses in litigation matters involving employment-related issues, shareholder and commercial disputes, governmental investigations and audits, and contractual relationships. In the context of protecting his clients in court, Andreas’ client representation also involves asset protection strategies, corporate clean-up and restructuring, as well as Chapter 11 reorganization plans. His clients count on him to provide reliable preventive general counseling, which includes federal, state and local laws, internal audits and investigations, and handbook/employee policy and compliance with development and implementation.

His civil rights and employment law defense experience includes the representation of individuals and businesses subject to government audits or investigations by the U.S. Dept. of Labor Wage & Hour Division, the New York State Department of Labor, the New York State Division of Human Rights, the New York City Commission on Human Rights, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Andreas provides quality guidance to these clients, helping them navigate the investigation process from start to conclusion, and defending against such investigations with creative out-of-the-box solutions.

Andreas has also represented individuals and businesses sued for alleged violations of federal and state civil rights and employment laws, including the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Americans with Disabilities in Employment Act (ADEA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the NYS Human Rights Law and the NYC Human Rights Law.

He is a skilled litigator, representing individual and business clients in commercial, employment, and civil rights matters in both federal and state courts. Prior to starting hi private practice, Andreas was an Associate Attorney in the Litigation Division of Cullen and Dykman LLP, where he represented local and national banks in commercial and residential mortgage foreclosure actions, as well as employment and commercial litigation matters.

Andreas has been named to the Super Lawyers New York Metr  Rising Stars list for Employment Litigation Defense for the years of 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 – an honor awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys in New York. Last year, Andreas, along with KI Legal co-founder Michael Iakovou, were inaugurated into the Greek America Foundation’s 40 under 40 class of 2022 due to his concurrent professional and philanthropic excellence. Furthermore, Andreas is a member of the Hellenic Lawyers Association where he shares his passion for law and the pride of this Hellenic heritage with like-minded legal professionals.

As a restaurant owner himself, Andreas serves his restaurant clients with a unique perspective, appreciation and understanding of the intricacies of their businesses. From top-tier establishments and quick service restaurants to national and regional chains, as well as single-location businesses, Andreas provides high-quality representation for the full spectrum of restaurant types. With an eye towards efficient and effective representation, his clients trust him with all legal matters they encounter on a day- to-day basis.

Michael Iakovou | KI Legal

Michael Iakovou is the co-founder of KI Legal. With a valuable
combination of legal and business experience, he understands the specific needs and challenges of the New York business owner. This allows him to provide clients with the quality advice and guidance they need to make effective decisions for growing and supporting their business investments. Michael has the knowledge and expertise to effectively represent companies in every aspect of their business lives, from real estate and labor-related issues to business formation and asset protection.

With vast commercial real estate and business transaction experience, Michael has represented sellers, purchasers, and landlords in numerous transactions, including those related to development sites, multi-family properties, commercial parcels, commercial leases, ground leases, cooperatives, condominiums and private residences through New York City and Long Island. His experience also includes substantial commercial lending representation, providing counsel to numerous national and local lenders.

Michael’s extensive business and legal skills were refined throughout his experience as a business owner in various unrelated business ventures. First-hand experience as both an investor and in-house counsel has allowed Michael to acquire a keen sense of any business owners’ concerns regarding asset protection, day-to-day operations, partnership issues, and all matters related to company expansion. Michael has handled such business-related matters as negotiation of commercial leases, investor terms, incorporation, by-laws and vendor negotiations, as well as the routine review of all marketing and day-to-day procedures of the company. This experience gave him the skills and knowledge to provide effective general counsel to a variety of businesses.

Recently, Michael has been selected by Thomson Reuters® as a New York Super Lawyer Rising Star, an honor reserved for those lawyers who exhibit excellence in practice and only 2.5% of attorneys in New York Metro receive this distinction. Additionally, and along with KI Legal co-founder Andreas Koutsoudakis, Michael was inaugurated into the Greek America Foundation’s 40 under 40 class of 2022, due to his concurrent professional and philanthropic excellence. Furthermore, he is a member of the Hellenic Lawyers Association where he shares his passion for law and the pride of this Hellenic heritage with like-minded legal professionals.

I. Rent Commencement Date | 2:00pm – 2:30pm

II. Termination Option | 2:30pm -3:00pm

Break | 3:00pm – 3:10pm

III. Outdoor Seating | 3:10pm – 3:40pm