That way, their threats hold no merit. 

Examples of permissible activities include the preparation professional scholarly articles for publication and participation in seminars, lectures, and civic programs.A Member who writes or speaks for the purpose of educating members of the public shall never imply that he or she is speaking on behalf of any other entity, including RMAI, unless specifically authorized to do so.A Member should report unethical behavior of others to the appropriate governing body.CANON 6 – RESPECT FOR THE JUDICIAL SYSTEMAn RMAI Member shall always demonstrate respect for the judicial system which shall be revealed through the absence of litigation (or threat of litigation) that is intended to harass or maliciously injure another or knowingly violates local, state, or federal laws or court rules adopted for the bringing of an action before the judiciary.Commentary:A Member may, where permissible under the bounds of the law, exercise its reasonable judgment in pursuing with ardor legally owed obligations.A Member may test the bounds of law when faced with issues that are new, uncertain, or have contradictory treatment by the courts, regulators, or in statute but shall not assert a position that is frivolous or for the purpose of harassing another.A Member may, in good faith and within the bounds of the law, take steps to test the correctness of a ruling of a tribunal or the validity of a statute or regulation, provided they proceed with caution, demonstrate respect for the judicial, executive, or legislative entity being challenged, and strive to comply with the existing ruling, regulation, or statute until such time that it is overturned or otherwise changed.A Member should treat proceedings that may occur in quasi-judicial or administrative systems with the same respect as they would with proceedings before the judicial system.A Member shall not give or lend anything of value to a judge, official, or employee of a tribunal before which it has business.CANON 7 – RESPECT FOR THE ASSOCIATIONAn RMAI Member shall always demonstrate respect for RMAI which shall be revealed through their cooperation in adhering to the RMAI Bylaws, RMAI Code of Ethics, and as applicable the RMAI Certification Program and through prompt responses to correspondence from RMAI staff, RMAI agents, the RMAI Ethics Committee, RMAI Certification Audit Committee, or RMAI Certification Remediation Committee concerning alleged, perceived, or actual violations of the Bylaws, Code of Ethics, or Certification Program.Commentary:Membership in RMAI is a privilege and not a right.

The threat of a lawsuit can be minimized thru your commercial property insurance.

Most threats of lawsuits are just that, threats.

In a 1031 exchange I had to hammer both with  threats due to the agreement to cooperate and the constant surprises of new partners and unfilled liens with an approaching lapse of the 180 day limit. 

Any excuse you give (you SHOULDN'T) will be met with challenge, bargaining, threats and sob stories.These people are wasting your time and driving away other customers in your business, and making trouble for you with the municipality, to boot.You're also being too soft and they can smell it on you. 

@Chris Seveney - my guess is either a cease and desist letter or threat of lawsuit for slander. 

A few idle threats but nothing more.

I've never had any lawsuit threats over 20 years.

Lenders and economists alike are speculating about the threats of "phantom debt."