Firm Newsletter | June 2026

Jun 10, 2026
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Dear Clients and Friends:

We write to update you on recent activities at FRB.

First, we are thrilled to welcome Christopher Warren as New Jersey Managing Partner and Co-Chair of the firm’s Artificial Intelligence Practice Group alongside Co-Managing Partner Moish Peltz. In conjunction with Chris’ arrival, FRB launched its new Newark, New Jersey office at 3 Gateway Center. Learn more and read the full announcement here.

Also, we are excited to share that as part of the New Jersey office launch, we've created an AI-Native incubator focused on developing agentic AI tools and advancing responsible AI integration across legal workflows, as well as a new value-based litigation subscription model out of the Newark office, piloted by Christopher Warren and Moish Peltz. The program replaces traditional six-minute billing increments with predictable monthly pricing for recurring litigation work while giving clients access to a secure AI-native workspace designed to enhance collaboration and transparency while maintaining attorney-client privilege. The initiative reflects FRB’s continued commitment to rethinking how legal services are delivered in an AI-driven environment. Learn more here.

Additionally, we are proud to announce that FRB Founding Partner Jeffrey Berkman has joined the Board of the World Law Foundation, a Madrid-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the rule of law worldwide. Jeff’s appointment reflects his decades of experience advising businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs on complex domestic and cross-border matters. Learn more and read the full announcement here.

Lastly, FRB General Counsel and Corporate & Securities Partner James Black recently joined an eight-day VIP delegation trip to Ukraine organized by the Renew Democracy Initiative (RDI). Jim participated in meetings with senior Ukrainian officials, humanitarian organizations, business leaders, and members of the defense industry, gaining firsthand insight into the war’s political, humanitarian, and operational realities. His experience further reinforced FRB’s commitment to supporting organizations operating in complex, high-risk environments through the firm’s compliance and impact validation practice. Learn more about the trip and Jim’s observations here.

 

In Memory of J. William "Bill" Eshelman 1945 - 2026

 

 

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dear colleague, Bill Eshelman. 

Bill Eshelman came from a family of generational legal and military service (from the American Revolution to Vietnam), as well as an “Academic Family." He was the third generation actively involved in institutions of higher education. He concentrated his professional and academic efforts in the area of Business Ethics, generally consequent to his experience in advising and representing businesses (at all levels of the Supply Chain), on the full range of business relationships, including compliance programs, related trade regulation and licensing, controlled information, performance and cost accounting-related issues in government, construction and commercial contract contexts and related litigation.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill’s family and friends as they navigate this profound loss.

 

FRB Attorneys in the News

 

Falcon Rappaport & Berkman Recognized by Bloomberg Law as a 2026 Leading Law Firm

  • FRB is proud to be recognized by Bloomberg Law as a 2026 Leading Law Firm, highlighting our continued growth, commitment to innovation, and investment in technology-driven solutions that enhance client service. Thank you to our attorneys, professional staff, and clients who make achievements like this possible.
  • Learn more here.

 

Falcon Rappaport & Berkman’s AI Litigation Subscription Service Featured in Law360

  • FRB's launch of the firm's AI Business Litigation Subscription Model was featured in Law360, designed to give clients a more transparent, efficient, and practical alternative to the traditional billable hour.
  • Learn more here.

 

FRB Digital Assets Partner Kyle Lawrence Featured in PYMNTS

  • FRB Digital Assets Partner Kyle Lawrence was featured in PYMNTS discussing Delaware’s proposed stablecoin legislation and how it could reduce regulatory friction for digital asset businesses nationwide.
  • Learn more here.

 

FRB Partner and Elder Law Co-Chair Dana Walsh Sivak Featured in MarketWatch

  • FRB Partner and Elder Law Chair Dana Walsh Sivak was featured in MarketWatch discussing whether online estate planning tools are sufficient for individuals with straightforward estates + the importance of understanding how wills, beneficiary designations, joint accounts, and other estate planning documents work together to ensure an individual’s overall intentions are properly carried out.
  • Learn more here.

 

Register for Our Upcoming Webinars & Events

 

How to Startup a Real Estate Fund: Legal and Tax Strategies for Small Business Success (2.0 CLE Credits)

  • Join FRB’s Vice Managing Partner Matthew Rappaport on Friday, June 12, at 1:00 PM ET for a practical guide to forming and operating real estate investment funds, covering legal, tax, and operational considerations, investor alignment, compliance obligations, structuring strategies, and key issues arising throughout the fund lifecycle to help attorneys navigate complex transactions and fund management challenges.
  • Learn more and register here.

 

In-Person: The VC & CEO Mixer @ IgniteIt Chicago

  • FRB is proud to sponsor the VC & CEO Mixer on Sunday, June 14, at IgniteIt Chicago! Join Andrew Cooper, Chair of the Cannabis & Psychedelics Practice Group, and connect with cannabis founders, CEOs, MSO Executives, innovators, and investors from across the cannabis industry. We have a limited number of complimentary VIP and half-priced registrations available for qualified, state-licensed operators in retail, cultivation, and processing.
  • If you're interested in attending, submit for a chance here.

 

Webinar: Real Estate 199A Aggregation and 469 Grouping Rules: Notice 2019-38, Real Estate and Safe Harbor Election (2.0 CPE Credits)

  • Join FRB Taxation Co-Chair Matthew Foreman on Wednesday, June 24, at 1:00 PM ET and explore 199A and the final regulations, depreciation, grouping under Section 469, aggregating properties under 199A, deductible expenses, and planning techniques for real estate owners.
  • Learn more and register here.

 

Webinar: AI Prompting Deep Dive for Lawyers (Up to 4.0 CLE Credits)

  • Join FRB Co-Managing Partner Moish Peltz on Monday, June 29, from 1:00 PM - 4:15 PM ET and explore how to design and refine AI prompts that enhance legal research, drafting, and more, from essential guidelines for calibrating prompt specificity to ingenious tips for preventing meaning drift during revisions, gain the tools you need to sharpen your expertise.
  • Learn more and register here.

 

Check Out Our Latest Podcasts

 

 

How Tax Works - Ep. 52: 
QSBS Part VI: Why You Probably Shouldn’t Try to Qualify for the Exclusion Under Section 1202 of the IRC

  • In episode 52 of How Tax Works, Matthew Foreman discusses why too many people are becoming too focused on the exclusion for QSBS, why many businesses shouldn’t bother restructuring to get QSBS, and the proper way to evaluate and balance the various considerations.
  • Listen to the episode here.

 

 

Block & Order #56:
Autonomous AI, Crypto Infrastructure & the Future of the Internet with Adam Sternbach

  • Adam Sternbach, VP of Legal at Yuma AI, joins hosts Kyle Lawrence and Moish Peltz to explore the rapidly evolving intersection of AI, blockchain infrastructure, and decentralized systems.
  • Watch the episode here.

 

FRB Welcomes Christopher D. Warren

 

 

Christopher Warren is a business litigator with more than a decade of experience representing business owners, investors, and executives in complex disputes across New York and New Jersey courts and arbitration forums. As FRB’s New Jersey Managing Partner and Co-Chair of the Artificial Intelligence Practice Group, he is leading the firm’s new AI-native Newark office while helping shape conversations around AI governance, legal ethics, and the future of law practice.

 

Check Out Our Past Webinars

 

Webinar: Mitigating Net Investment Income Tax: NIIT Income, NIIT Deductions, Form 8960

  • Matthew Rappaport reviews the current rules for applying the net investment income tax (NIIT) under IRC Section 1411, define net investment income, and offer strategies for taxpayers and real estate investors to mitigate, and in some cases, eliminate NIIT.
  • Watch here.

 

Webinar: New York Real Property Transfer Tax Regimes

  • Matthew Rappaport and Louis Kesselbrenner cover key tax rates, filing requirements, exemptions, and reporting considerations, as well as practical examples involving controlling interest transfers, entity restructurings, and other complex real estate transactions.
  • Watch here.

 

Webinar: The Intersection of Arbitration and the Courts: From Drafting to Judicial Review and Enforcement

  • Bart Eagle examines the drafting of arbitration clauses, motions to compel arbitration, motions to stay litigation, waiver issues arising from court participation, and more.
  • Watch here.

 

Webinar: Protect Your Legacy

  • Rachael Harding explores key strategies for wills, trusts, and elder care planning, along with practical guidance on personal financial management and building intergenerational wealth.
  • Watch here.

 

Check Out Our Latest Insights & News

 

The Duty That Shall Not Be Named: The Inversion of Confidentiality

What happens when opposing counsel uploads your client’s confidential documents into a public AI tool? Christopher Warren examines how generative AI is reshaping confidentiality obligations, why traditional ethical frameworks may no longer be enough, and what lawyers should be doing now to protect sensitive information. Read more.

 

Webinar Recap: New York Real Property Transfer Tax Regimes

FRB recently hosted an in-depth webinar examining the complexities of New York State and New York City real property transfer taxes, led by Matthew Rappaport and Louis Kesselbrenner. The presentation explored transfer tax planning, audit defense, controlling interest transfers, trust and estate structures, and common reporting pitfalls that arise in sophisticated real estate and entity transactions. Read more.

 

Executive Order Accelerates Reclassification for Medical Marijuana, Keeps Reclassification Timeline Started Under Biden Administration

Matthew Foreman and Tonya Hurd examine the DOJ and DEA’s new executive order reclassifying state-legal medical marijuana to Schedule III, and what the change could mean for cannabis businesses, federal taxation, and Section 280E relief. Read more.

 

Deep Bench Briefings Recap: “Identifying AI & Privacy Blind Spots Before They Become Liabilities”

Moish Peltz, James Black, and Daniel Gershman recap FRB’s latest Deep Bench Briefings session with Mastercard’s Steven Blickensderfer, exploring the growing AI and privacy blind spots businesses must address before they become operational and regulatory liabilities. Read more. 

 

How Non-Crypto Businesses Can Use Bitcoin to Their Advantage

Moish Peltz and Kyle Lawrence explore how non-crypto businesses can use Bitcoin as a practical tool for treasury management, payment processing, and mitigating traditional banking risks. Read more.

 

SEC Issues New Crypto Guidance as Market Structure Debate Intensifies

Moish Peltz and Kyle Lawrence analyze the SEC’s new guidance on digital assets and tokenized instruments, highlighting its impact on crypto market structure and the ongoing push for clearer federal regulation. Read more. 

 

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