Minh Vu Extensively Quoted in BNA's Real Estate Law & Industry Report
"Businesses, Real Estate Industry Face March 2012 Deadline for New ADA Rules"

Seyfarth Shaw Labor & Employment Partner Minh Vu was extensively quoted in the Bureau of National Affairs (BNA) Real Estate Law & Industry Report on April 19. The report delved into recent revisions to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) going into effect in March 2012, including regulations that will apply to property types not covered under the original implementing rules. Minh's input was published on a variety of topics addressed in the report, including lessees and landlords, compliance under the 1991 regulations, barrier removal, new compliance obligations, the commercial real estate sector and early resistance to ADA.

The report also mentioned Minh's Department of Justice position as counselor to the assistant attorney general for civil rights in which she represented the agency on the U.S. Access Board, which develops accessibility guidelines for public accommodations and commercial facilities. 

Of the new regulations and the commercial real estate sector Minh said, "We know that there are members of those industries that have been very interested in this issue…," but added, " I think there will be a bit of a scramble to comply with some of these requirements."

She predicted, "The industries are taking steps to try to comply and they are taking it seriously. I don't think there is going to be a great deal of push-back." However, she also stated, "I think that there will be an uptick in lawsuits come March 15, 2012, because there has been a lot of attention paid to this particular deadline. And it will be very easy for plaintiffs to determine whether or not a public accommodation has brought those into compliance." Minh said that she advises businesses to work within the new standards whenever possible.