Financial Services Regulation: Consumer Finance (Enforcement & Investigations)
USA Guide 2024 : USA - Nationwide
Band 3
About
Provided by Goodwin
The financial industry has endured a sea of change in regulations, technological advancements and market forces. Consolidation, rising costs, revenue constraints, compliance hurdles, cyber threats, regulatory scrutiny and class actions present our clients with frequent challenges. Goodwin’s Financial Industry practice delivers an unprecedented combination of innovation, diverse perspectives and deeply rooted knowledge of the broad, global financial services industry, all in one cohesive platform. This holistic approach enables us to provide our clients with strategic and tactical advice, a range of pragmatic options and bottom-line results.
Across every financial industry segment, our goal is to minimize disruption to your business and negative impact to your bottom line. From transactional law to compliance to enforcement to litigation, more than 100 Financial Industry lawyers working from Boston, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., London, and Frankfurt, offer a single point of counsel and experience across transactional, advisory, and litigation matters.
Chambers Review
Goodwin has particular strength in the consumer finance space, advising in relation to regulatory compliance and enforcement, and handling class action litigation concerning such topics as mortgages, credit cards and auto finance. Also advises FinTech companies in connection with a raft of regulatory matters, including payment systems issues and privacy matters. Highly experienced at representing clients in complex litigation filed by the CFPB, SEC and DOJ.
Work Highlights
- Goodwin represented Brookline Bancorp in its $313 million acquisition of PCSB Financial Corporation.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Goodwin really takes the time to get to know our business; they've immersed themselves in the culture."
"Goodwin attorneys have excellent knowledge of the law and subject matter that is required for a complex case."
"The team is strong, insightful and works well together."
"Goodwin really takes the time to get to know our business; they've immersed themselves in the culture."
"Goodwin attorneys have excellent knowledge of the law and subject matter that is required for a complex case."
"The team is strong, insightful and works well together."
Notable Practitioners
Thomas Hefferon's civil litigation practice encompasses the defense of industry-leading clients in consumer class actions and government enforcement actions.
"The depth of his knowledge is so tremendous and expansive."
"He provides practical advice and is a go-to attorney for high risk matters."
Cochair of Goodwin's banking and consumer financial services practice Allison Schoenthal is recognized for her experience defending clients in cases involving a broad range of consumer lending legislation. Her expertise encompasses the Truth in Lending Act, Telephone Consumer Protection Act and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, among others.
"She is not only a subject-matter expert, but she prides herself on providing the absolute best client service."
Sabrina Rose-Smith routinely defends consumer lenders against major government enforcement actions. She also often advises clients on complex examinations and investigations brought by a range of state and federal regulators.
"Sabrina has a great head for long term strategy, which is tremendously valuable."
"She is extremely client friendly and incredibly effective in court."
Brooks Brown regularly defends large clients in putative class action lawsuits and MDLs in consumer finance matters, often concerning mortgage loans and the Fair Housing Act.
"Brooks commands a room and provides deep analysis."
The Washington-based Matthew Sheldon has significant experience of advising large financial institutions on a range of matters, including contentious False Claims Act issues related to mortgage lending. He has experience in both the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.
"He is a really smart attorney with great command in this space, he is particularly effective at composing strategies to interact with regulators."
"He's a creative and diligent litigator."
Nicholas Losurdo is highly sought after by financial services clients for his counsel in regulatory exams by FINRA and the SEC. He is particularly experienced in the regulatory issues faced by broker-dealers.
"Nicholas is a great business partner. He puts information in layman's terms and is very responsive."
"When I seek insightful, thoughtful and incredibly well-informed counsel on securities law and regulatory issues, Nick is my go-to."
"Nick is extremely knowledgeable and passionate. He is relentless in his pursuit of favorable outcomes for his clients."
Samantha Kirby is recognized for her prowess as a transactional attorney, offering clients the benefit of extensive experience in M&A matters. Her expertise encompasses routine dealings with the FDIC and OCC and a wide range of state and federal regulators.
"She is smart and provides creative solutions to issues that arise."
"She is extremely knowledgeable and her technical expertise is exceptionally strong. She is an outstanding attorney."
William Stern is respected for his expertise in bank regulatory matters, offering broad capabilities in issues ranging from AML compliance to capital requirements. He has additional experience counseling financial institutions on privacy and data security concerns.
"Bill is a really solid and complete regulatory lawyer, who gives very smart, practical solutions."
"He understands our issues and always seeks to find commercially viable solutions."
Ranked Lawyers at
Goodwin
USA - Nationwide