ANSWERS Speaker Information
Legal Jeopardy Breakfast Session
Monday, July 17, 2023
Sawatch Hall
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Mountain Time
Jeopardy style format with categories on common objections, trial etiquette, witness preparation, hearsay, documentary evidence, and standing, with substantive questions surrounding those issues. We will have three ALFN Attorney contestants, along with participation from the audience, who will battle it out for the ANSWERS Jeopardy champion.
Moderator:
Speakers:
Kim Hammond, Esq.
Managing Attorney
Keith D. Weiner & Associates Co., LPA
75 Public Square, 4th floor
Cleveland, OH 44113
216-771-6500
khammond@weinerlaw.com
Kim obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1993, and received her B.A. in Legal Studies from SUNY Buffalo in 1990. She joined Keith D. Weiner & Associates Co., LPA (KWA) in October, 1999 as the Managing Attorney for the foreclosure practice. KWA is a mid-sized law firm AV rated by Martindale Hubbell. The Firm has offices in Ohio, Wisconsin and Kentucky and represents both local and national credit grantors, servicers and investors in a wide range of industries in both foreclosures and secured and unsecured debt collection. Kim manages the representation of mortgage lenders and servicers in all aspects of mortgage default including foreclosure, bankruptcy, eviction, mediation, loss mitigation, litigation, title claim defense and resolution and REO. She actively practices in State and Federal Courts throughout Ohio, Wisconsin and Kentucky and is also in-house counsel for our title company, Public Square Title Agency, LLC.
LeAnn Covey, Esq.
Senior Vice-President/Shareholder
Clunk, Hoose Co., LPA
495 Wolf Ledges Parkway
Akron, OH 44311
330-436-0300
lcovey@clunkhoose.com
LeAnn Covey is a Senior Vice-President and Shareholder at Clunk, Hoose Co., LPA. She currently heads the Bankruptcy and Collections departments and oversees policy and compliance at the firm. Ms. Covey started at Clunk, Hoose Co., LPA prior to law school and has been with the firm for over twenty years. She has focused solely on various aspects of Creditor’s rights. She is licensed to practice law in the state and federal courts of Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. She is a member of the ALFN, MBA, NACTT, NCBA, ACA, and state bar associations. Ms. Covey has spoken on various foreclosure and bankruptcy topics locally in Ohio and has written articles for the Legal League Quarterly, DS News, and ALFN Angle. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education from the Pennsylvania State University. After a brief period of time teaching high school history, she obtained her Juris Doctorate from The University of Akron. She strives to be an active member of her community by volunteering at local events. She currently serves on the board of trustees for the local theater company, Stow Players, as its President and volunteers as a coach and judge for the National Speech and Debate Association through Stow-Munroe Falls High School.
Vincent J. Averaimo, Esq.
Partner
Barton Gilman, LLP
250 Broad Street
Milford, CT 06460
203-874-6773
vaveraimo@bglaw.com
For over 15 years, Vincent Averaimo has engaged in judicial foreclosures, complex foreclosure litigation, general civil litigation, probate litigation, title litigation, title curative, REO transactions and eviction litigation on behalf of numerous banks, financial institutions, non-bank servicers and investors.
Vinny has built a reputation as an aggressive, compassionate attorney who prides himself on high ethical standards. He has written a number of white papers relating to changes in Connecticut foreclosure laws and has presented many seminars to clients pertaining to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the basics of Connecticut foreclosures. Vinny has been an adjunct professor at the University of New Haven in New Haven, Connecticut teaching graduate level courses in business law. He currently teaches classes in The Basics of Connecticut Foreclosures, Ethics and Real Estate transactions for the Dare’s Institute.
Vinny is especially proud of the New Haven Business Times “Forty Under 40” Award in
recognition of his professional achievement and community involvement and the “Helping Milford Grow” Award for professional and community contributions to the City of Milford. Vinny is also a contributor to many publications including realtor.com and Forbes magazine and has appeared on WTNH Channel 8 News where he spoke about protecting a consumer in a real estate transaction.
Vinny received his J.D. from Quinnipiac School of Law and his B.A. from Hofstra University.
In his spare time, Vinny is an avid tennis player competing in USTA sanctioned matches and
tournaments and cherishes his time with his wife and two daughters.
Rose Ramirez, Esq.
President
Rose Ramirez & Associates, P.C.
7430 Washington Street NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 833-3036
Rose@RRAfirm.com
Rose Ramirez is a 1988 Graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law. Upon graduating from law school in May of 1988, Rose began working for a law firm specializing in Bankruptcy and became a shareholder shortly thereafter. In July of 1999, Rose started her own firm which is now Rose Ramirez & Associates, P.C. (RRA) dedicated to representing creditors throughout the United States. RRA is recognized as both a woman owned business and a minority owned business.
Rose is admitted to practice in all Courts in the State of New Mexico, the United States Bankruptcy Court, the United States District Court and the United States Court of Appeals. Additionally, she is licensed to practice in Tribal Courts including, but not limited to, Acoma, Isleta, Laguna, Mescalero, San Felipe, San Juan, Zuni, Taos, Tohono O'Odham, and Ute.
Rose was born in El Paso, Texas; graduated from New Mexico State University with honors (Bachelors 1985); graduated from University of New Mexico Law School and admitted to the bar in 1988. She is a member of the following American Bar Associations Sections: (Banking and Business Law, Corporation, Class Action Defense,); State Bar of New Mexico (Members Section on: Real Property, Corporation and Bankruptcy); has taught seminars on Foreclosures, Creditor Collections, Fair Debt Collection Practice Act and Creditor Bankruptcy as well as sat on panels on Creditor Right’s and Business Practices conferences.
Rose's main concentrations are Creditors’ Representation, including Foreclosure, Bankruptcy, Collections, Replevin, Evictions, Truth in Lending laws, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Unfair Trade Practices, Fair Credit Reporting Act, RESPA, Class Action Defense, Commercial Litigation, Business Law, Contract Law, Construction Law, all Creditor related areas in New Mexico and all Tribal Courts, including Defense and Real Estate.
Rose has earned many awards including the Enterprising Women of the Year, Albuquerque Business First award for diverse business leaders and women of influence, NAWRV conference award for “The Producer” for advancing Gender Equality and creating a path to success for all women, and a Certificate of Honor from the New Mexico Bar Association for dedicated service to the legal profession, among other industry awards.
In addition to her dedication to the legal profession, Rose is very involved in and dedicated to child welfare issues and services including foster care and adoption. She is also a dedicated mother to 4 children and 4 grandchildren, so she is always on the go and ready for the next move. Rose holds herself to the standard of providing quality legal work whilst balancing life at its fullest.
Breakout Session 1 – Leadership
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
McCoy’s Peak
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM Mountain Time
Join us for a fireside chat showcasing Andy Cohen, PhD, as esteemed professor from the Daniels College of Business at University of Denver, where he will share with us some of the knowledge and insight he has accumulated over more than 20 years on various aspects of what it means to be an effective leader. Andy will be joined by two of our industry’s leaders, Nolan Turner and Natalie Womack, as they discuss topics ranging from the foundations of solid leadership, the impact of technology and AI on our ability to lead, the expanding DEI/ESG landscape, and helping our team members find a sense of purpose in their work. These exciting speakers will be joined by Blake Strautins, who will guide this discussion of some of the most important leadership trends facing our industry in what can seem (at times) like a constantly shifting business environment.
Moderator:
Speakers:
Blake A. Strautins, Esq.
Managing Partner
Kluever Law Group, LLC
200 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 1880
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 909-3929
bstrautins@klueverlawgroup.com
Blake A. Strautins is a co-owner and managing partner of Kluever Law Group, LLC, where he heads the firm’s litigation department. Blake attended Boston University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in political science in 2004, and he then earned his juris doctor from DePaul University College of Law in 2007. Blake was admitted to the bar in Illinois that same year.
Blake has been practicing in the field of complex litigation his entire legal career, with a focus on creditor’s rights litigation and mortgage foreclosure litigation and appeals in Illinois since 2014. His significant experience includes litigating cases concerning the FDCPA, TILA, and complex mortgage foreclosure litigation issues. Over the last few years, he personally handled and won several appeals in Illinois that created new law favorable to the mortgage foreclosure plaintiffs’ bar. Blake takes great pride in charting the firm’s path forward into continued growth and success in partnership with its diverse client base.
He is a volunteer member of the Chicago Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Committee, where he helps evaluate judicial candidates for the bench. He also consistently volunteers to judge CBA and ABA moot court and moot arbitration competitions each year, while working as a mentor to young attorneys. He was awarded the ALFN JPEG Picture the Future Award in 2021.
He most recently spoke on the topic of payoffs and reinstatements at ALFN Answers in 2022 in NM. He also spoke on a LL100 webinar on the topic of emerging litigation trends in the industry in August 2022. Each of these panels was well-attended and well-received by all, including servicers in the audience that thanked me for my insights and presentation.
Blake also previously obtained a key ruling from the Illinois appellate court stemming from mortgage foreclosure litigation in U.S. Bank Nat'l Ass'n as Tr. for Registered Holders of First Franklin Mortgage Loan Tr., Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-FF2 v. Gagua, 2020 IL App (1st) 190454, which is the leading case in Illinois on the requirements for judgment affidavits and compliance with Illinois law on same.
Blake is a regular contributor to the ALFN Angle, most recently with the edition that was released in November 2022 on the topic of new timelines for foreclosures being established in Illinois.
Andy Cohen, PhD
Faculty Director, Executive MBA Program
Professor of the Practice, Management Department
Daniels College of Business, University of Denver
2044 E. Evans Ave. #333
Denver, CO 80210
303.871.7692
Andy.Cohen@du.edu
Andy Cohen, PhD, is the faculty director of the Daniels Executive MBA and a professor of the practice in the Department of Management. His teaching and research are in the domains of organizational behavior, leadership and human resource management. He is also founding partner of August Third Leadership Partners, an executive coaching and consulting firm.
Prior to coming to Daniels, he spent 10 years in faculty and administrative roles at Georgetown, George Washington and American Universities. Prior to his academic career, he was a C-suite executive at Capital One and a partner at Oliver Wyman, the global strategy consulting firm.
He holds a PhD from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a BA from Brown University.
In his leisure time, Andy is an avid skier, runner, cyclist and football fan…and devoted dad to two super twenty-somethings!
Nolan Turner
Managing Director
Carrington
15 Park Ave, 10B
New York, NY 10016
646-709-7611
Nolan.Turner@Carringtonms.com
Nolan Turner is the Managing Director of Carrington Mortgage Holdings where he leads the firm's strategic initiatives, institutional business outreach, growth and revenue objectives, and industry / government partnerships across Carrington's continuum of companies.
Nolan has touched a plethora of business and finance operations throughout his career with a special emphasis on Mortgage Lending (Wholesale, Retail and Correspondent), Mortgage Servicing, and Default Management (REO disposition, Property Preservation, Title & Settlement Services). Nolan has hands on experience in Capital Markets, RMBS Securitization, and both the buy and sell side of whole loan trading, Non-Performing / Re-Performing Loans, and Mortgage Servicing Rights. Prior to joining Carrington in 2010, Nolan held executive leadership roles within the Investment Bank at Wachovia / Wells Fargo, Wholesale Mortgage Operations at World Savings, and Real Estate Development Operations for East-West Partners.
Nolan graduated with honors from the University of Nevada and holds undergraduate degrees in international business and psychology and was a PhD Candidate in behavioral science (cognitive psychology). Nolan has also completed extensive MBA coursework in International Business at IE Business School in Madrid, Spain and Quantitative Analytics at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Nolan has served on countless committees and boards within academia and the mortgage industry and is a graduate of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) Program, MBA Future Leaders Program, and is a Housing Wire Rising Star award winner. Nolan is a board member of the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association and the current Chairman of the Texas MBA Mortgage Servicing Committee. In his spare time, Nolan enjoys a host of outdoor activities (hiking, mountain climbing, fishing, snowboarding / skiing, golf) and has traveled widely, visiting more than 91 countries. Nolan was born and raised in the Reno / Lake Tahoe area and currently resides in Southlake, TX.
Natalie Womack
SVP, Director of Consumer Lending & Default Servicing
Simmons Bank
601 E. 3rd St. 7th Floor
Little Rock, AR 72201
501-377-7489
natalie.womack@simmonsbank.com
Natalie is the Vice President of Consumer Default for Simmons Bank in Little Rock, AR. She is in her 16th year of work in the mortgage banking industry, having held several positions in foreclosure and default management over her time. Natalie has extensive experience with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Conventional, and FHA loans in the default arena, and has established relationships with attorneys, servicers, and investors across the industry.
Breakout Session 2 – DEI Issues
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Heritage Hall
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM Mountain Time
This session is designed in a roundtable format as a DEI speed session. We will have separate topics that will be placed at individual tables, with a moderator/table leader being placed at each table. This format will help foster a smaller, more intimate discussion on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Awareness "IDEA" topics. Discussions will be approximately 10 minutes and then attendees will have the ability to choose another table. The topics to be discussed in this session will be preselected by the ALFN's IDEA committee and then the moderators/table leaders will "present" the discussion points to the audience as a whole. This session will be an interactive, informal discussion on a variety of IDEA issues.
Moderator:
Table Leaders:
Natalie A. Grigg, Esq.
Partner
Woods Oviatt Gilman, LLP
500 Bausch & Lomb Place
Rochester, New York 14604
585-445-2610
NGrigg@woodsdefaultServices.com
Natalie A. Grigg is the Supervising Partner in the firm’s Default Servicing Department, overseeing staff and attorneys, while ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. Ms. Grigg represents lenders, investors, and services in residential mortgage foreclosures, bankruptcy actions, evictions, and related litigation throughout New York State.
Prior to joining Woods Oviatt, Ms. Grigg represented creditors and servicers in contested matters in Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings throughout New York State. She has extensive experience with litigated matters within bankruptcy and foreclosure proceedings as well as commercial litigation.
Ms. Grigg received her Juris Doctorate from the University at Buffalo Law School in May 2002 with a concentration in Civil Litigation. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Legal Studies in February 1999 from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Nonny Sanchez
VP, Compliance, Issues Management
Fay Servicing, LLC
1601 LBJ Freeway, Suite 150
Farmers Branch, TX 75234
312-429-2737
NoSanchez@fayservicing.com
With 21 years of experience in the mortgage finance industry (including Foreclosure, Bankruptcy, REO, Closing and Title Insurance), Nonny Sanchez is an Agency and Regulatory Compliance professional who bridges regulatory guidance and business control implementation. Prior to joining Fay, Sanchez lead the Regulatory and Agency Compliance Program at BSI Financial and worked for the Default Compliance Program at PennyMac. Nonny lead thousands of complex compliance initiatives that included FCRA, CFPB, FDCPA, HAMP, GSE, FHA, TILA-RESPA, SOX, SOC-1, Native American Housing, ECOA, CARES act, and state rules. Additionally, her default operations, vendor management, nationwide originations, escrow and REO service background, enabled her to effectively identify compliance opportunities and solutions throughout the entire mortgage lifecycle to mitigate compliance risk.
Nonny is relied upon in her organization as a leader who provides proactive preparation and automation of processes and controls, which are key to complex challenge resolution. She does this all while demonstrating a hardworking and courteous relationship-based approach, culminating in long lasting partnerships.
Nonny was featured in Housingwire and is a two-time ALFN ANSWERS panelist. She graduated in Public Administration and Public Policy from Florida International University and was awarded the MBA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee Mortgage Bankers Association Path to Diversity Scholarship 2022, to obtain her CRMCP in 2023. This is in addition to her involvement with a diverse set of groups including The Society of Jesus, and Society of St. Teresa of Jesus, Colombia; Operation Kindness, Carrolton, TX; and Fay Constructive Foundation."
Tricia Osgood
New Development Product Manager
CaseMax
13160 Foster Street, Suite 100
Overland Park, KS 66213
816-721-7543
Tricia.osgood@casemax.com
Tricia joined the CaseMax team as Product Manager in February 2008. Her primary responsibility is to ensure that the application grows and continues to meet the needs of the law firms it supports. She works with the CaseMax staff in Business Analysis, Quality Assurance and Support to enable the teamwork that delivers continuous application development.
Tricia has over 35 years of experience in the definition and design of software applications with significant concentrations in business and system requirements, user interface design, and agile development.
Greg Campbell, Esq.
Partner
Aldridge | Pite, LLP
4375 Jutland Drive, Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92117
858.750.7620 (Internal: 1620)
gcampbell@aldridgepite.com
As a Partner at Aldridge Pite, LLP’s Bankruptcy Department, Mr. Campbell manages the firm’s loan portfolio in Chapter 11, 12, and Subchapter-V reorganizations. Mr. Campbell’s representation includes defending financial institutions, secured and unsecured creditors, and mortgage servicers with respect to residential, auto, commercial, and SBA loans in bankruptcy and adversary proceedings.
Mr. Campbell has served as a panelist at financial servicing seminars and his work has been published in numerous legal journals.
While attending school at the University of San Diego School of Law, Mr. Campbell participated in law review and graduated with honors. In addition, Mr. Campbell served as a judicial clerk for the Honorable Justice Terry O’Rourke at the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District in San Diego.
Mr. Campbell holds a Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Law & Society from the University of California – Santa Barbara. He is licensed to practice law in California and the U.S. District Courts for the Central, Eastern, Northern, and Southern Districts of California.
Michelle Garcia Gilbert, Esq.
Managing Partner
Gilbert Garcia Group, P.A.
2313 West Violet Street
Tampa, FL33603
813.638.8920
mgilbert@gilbertgrouplaw.com
Michelle Gilbert is admitted to the Florida Bar (1986), Washington, D.C. Bar (2020), Middle District of Florida (1988), Northern District of Florida (2005), Southern District of Florida (2006), U.S. Supreme Court (2000), and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit (2003). She matriculated at the University of South Florida (B.A., 1982, cum laude), and the University of Notre Dame Law School (J.D., 1985). She is a member of the following associations: Greater Tampa Association of Realtors; Bay Area Real Estate Council, Inc., Board of Directors; Hillsborough County Bar Association (Technology Committee; Real Property, Probate and Trust Law; Solo and Small Firm; Diversity; and Military and Veteran Sections); Florida Bar (Standing Committee on Technology; Real Property, Probate and Trust Law; Business; and Solo and Small Firm Sections- Executive Council); American Legal and Financial Network; Legal League 100 (Vice Chairperson, 2016-19; Advisory Council Member, 2014-19; Special Initiatives Working Group, 2017- present); REOMAC/National Association of Default Professionals, Educational Council; and The Fund, Westcor and Doma Title Agent.
She has managed the firm’s expansion into probate, estate planning, guardianship, commercial collections, and business law and litigation, and oversees Sapphire Title & Escrow Company, launched in 2015. Michelle places great value on serving her community. She volunteers with her parish, St. Lawrence Catholic Church and School, with St Peter Claver and St. Joseph elementary schools, and with various groups supporting children, animal, veterans and affordable legal services initiatives. She is chairman of Board of Directors of LifeChoices Family Medical, a women’s nonprofit holistic health care practice, and of St. Peter Claver Catholic School.
Andrew J. Brenner, Esq.
Partner | Director of Firm Operations
BWW Law Group, LLC
6003 Executive Boulevard, Suite 101
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 961-6555 ext 3738
Andrew.Brenner@bww-law.com
ANDREW J. BRENNER – University of Florida (B.A., Economics 2006) (B.A., Political Science 2006); The University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law (J.D. 2009).
Maryland Bar, Member (December 2009)
United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Admitted (August 2010)
District of Columbia Bar, Member (November 2017)
Mr. Brenner has several years of experience primarily representing institutional banks, title insurance companies, and mortgage servicers. He has served as title resolution litigation counsel for the Fidelity National Title Group and has years of experience arguing cases in the Trial Courts and the Appellate Courts of Maryland. Mr. Brenner has conducted several on-site training presentations for clients relating to a variety of real estate related matters. He is a frequent panelist at real estate industry conferences and seminars.
Mr. Brenner is a Partner and the Director of Firm Operations of the BWW Law Group, LLC. The BWW Law Group, LLC was established in 1996 and represents the mortgage servicing community in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. BWW Law Group, LLC is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated law firm and is a member of the United States Foreclosure Network (USFN), The American Legal & Financial Network (ALFN), and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).
Nicole Fitzgerald, Esq.
Firm Principal & Managing Attorney
Bendett & McHugh, P.C.
270 Farmington Avenue, Suite 151
Farmington, CT 06032
(860) 255-5060
nfitzgerald@bmpc-law.com
Practice Areas
Foreclosure
Title
Education
Roger Williams University School of Law, J.D. 2006
Western New England College, B.A., English/Communications, magna cum laude. 2003
Nicole joined Bendett & McHugh, P.C. as an Associate in 2009. She is admitted to practice before the Connecticut Bar (2006) and the District Court for the District of Connecticut (2007). Nicole is currently Principal and the Attorney Manager for the Review Attorney, Sale/Post-Sale, and DIL Departments in the firm’s Connecticut Foreclosure Group and Attorney Manager for the All States Borrower Assistance Department. She represents secured creditors in mortgage foreclosure actions, with responsibility for vesting, sale, title and escalated non-contested matters. Nicole reviews title documentation, pleadings and other substantive documents and attends judicial and bankruptcy hearings.
Before joining Bendett & McHugh, Nicole worked as an Associate in private practice with a concentration on protection of creditor rights. She prepared foreclosure complaints, files for judgment, participated in court ordered mediation sessions, and researched and prepared memorandum involving property, mortgage and title claim litigation. She began her career as a Document Review Attorney for complex antitrust, patent and contract cases and reviewed and prepared witness files for depositions. While attending law school, Nicole worked as Summer Associate, Legal Assistant and Intern in private practice performing research and drafting memoranda of law, complaints and other pleadings.
Toniqua Green
VP, Corporate Social Responsibility
Mr. Cooper
8950 Cypress Waters Blvd.
Coppell, TX 75019
469.549.3303
toniqua.green@mrcooper.com
Toniqua Green started her career at Mr. Cooper over 16 years ago in the company’s call center and worked her way up, advocating for herself and mentoring others along the way. After only three years working in the call center, she earned the position of Foreclosures Manager, where she went from specialist to team lead to manager and, eventually, Vice President. Toniqua built her dream career through a mix of hard work and persistence, and today, Toniqua serves as Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, where she oversees state and community relations, the company’s Environmental Social Governance efforts and our Diversity Equity & Inclusion initiatives. In her role, she partners with housing advocates, state housing agencies and federal housing associations to provide mortgage assistance to homeowners in need, managing outreach efforts, government sponsored initiatives, strategic planning of foreclosure prevention and new homeowner efforts in low-to-moderate income markets and underserved communities.
Breakout Session 3 – Federal Law Updates
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Mt. Jackson
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM Mountain Time
With the ever-evolving legal and regulatory environment, it is crucial for mortgage servicing professionals to stay abreast of the latest changes and adapt their practices accordingly. Our esteemed panelists, comprised of legal experts, will shed light on the emerging trends and discuss the challenges and opportunities they present. Whether you are a mortgage servicing professional, legal counsel, compliance officer, or industry stakeholder, this panel session promises to provide valuable insights, practical guidance, and actionable strategies to address the most pressing statutory and regulatory challenges impacting the mortgage servicing industry today. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from industry experts and connect with peers facing similar issues.
Moderator:
Speakers:
Jacqueline F. McNally, Esq.
Deputy General Counsel - Compliance
Padgett Law Group
700 Darby Road, Suite 100
Havertown, PA 19083
(850) 422-2520 Ext. 7161
jackie.mcnally@padgettlawgroup.com
Jackie specializes in judicial foreclosure and title clearance in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She has been involved in the default servicing industry for more than a decade.
She graduated from Dickinson College in 2002 and Penn State Dickinson School of Law in 2005. She has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of GSE rules and guidelines as well as FDCPA and CFPB requirements. Her major areas of practice include Creditors’ Rights, Bankruptcy, Eviction and Litigation.
Jackie is an active participant in the default industry and its associated organizations. She is regularly featured in trade publications, industry conference panels, webinars, and often leads direct client training events on foreclosure trends and issues specific to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, where her practice is primarily centered.
LICENSED IN PENNSYLVANIA, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, GEORGIA
2002 EARNED B.A.
DICKINSON COLLEGE
2005 EARNED J.D.
PENN STATE DICKINSON SCHOOL OF LAW
Manuel H. Newburger, Esq.
Founding Shareholder and Vice President
Barron & Newburger, PC
7320 N. MoPac Expy., Suite 400
Austin, TX 78731
(512) 649-4022
mnewburger@bn-lawyers.com
A well-known author and speaker on the FDCPA and other consumer protection laws, Mr. Newburger is known nationally for his expertise in consumer and commercial law, consulting on FDCPA, FCRA, and TCPA compliance across the globe and both defending and consulting on the defense of individual and class consumer litigation across the United States. In addition to his practice with the firm Mr. Newburger has taught consumer protection law as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas school of law since 1999.
Mr. Newburger has defended individual and class actions across the country. His regulatory experience includes the defense of enforcement investigations and actions by federal and state regulators including the CFPB, the FTC, and numerous state attorneys general, debt collection regulators, and consumer regulators. He has also served as national counsel for multiple entities, managing the defense of litigation throughout the United States. Mr. Newburger has done operational and compliance consulting and compliance training for creditors, debt buyers, law firms, and collection agencies throughout the U.S. and in India, the Philippines, and Canada. He has also served as amicus curiae counsel at the Supreme Court and multiple U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals in a number of high-profile cases affecting the credit and collection industry.
Mr. Newburger is board-certified as a specialist in consumer and commercial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. A Fellow of the American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers who was recognized by Collections & Credit Risk magazine in 2009 as an “Industry Champion”, Mr. Newburger has been honored to receive the National Creditors Bar Association’s Don Kramer and Member of the Year Awards and the Commercial Law League of America’s President’s Cup. He has received numerous awards for his efforts on behalf of legal services to the poor.
Mr. Newburger is a member of the National Creditors’ Bar Association and the American Bar Association. He is a past Chair of the Commercial Law League of America’s Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Committee, a past Chair of the State Bar of Texas’ Consumer and Commercial Law Section, and a past Chair of the Texas Board of Legal Specialization’s Exam and Advisory Commissions on board certification in consumer and commercial law. The Texas Supreme Court has appointed him to multiple task forces charged with writing foreclosure rules in Texas, and he served on the editorial committee for the State Bar’s Texas Collection Manual – Third Edition.
Joann Needleman, Esq.
Member
Clark Hill
Two Commerce Sq., 2001 Market Street, Suite 2026
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-640-8536
jneedleman@clarkhill.com
Joann Needleman leads the firm’s financial services regulatory and compliance practice and advises banks, financial institutions, and financial services entities on regulatory compliance matters. Joann prepares and represents these same financial institutions during state and federal supervisory examinations and regulatory investigations before agencies such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Office of the Comptroller of Currency (OCC) as well as state financial services regulators and attorneys general. A former member of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) Consumer Advisory Board, Joann provides her clients with useful strategies and common-sense solutions in order to prepare for areas of regulatory scrutiny.
Education
J.D., Widener University School of Law, Wilmington, Delaware, 1994
B.A., Temple University, Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia, 1986
State Bar Licenses
Pennsylvania, New Jersey
Court Admissions
U.S. District Ct., District of New Jersey
U.S. District Ct., E.D. of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Ct., M.D. of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Ct., W.D. of Pennsylvania
U.S. Court of Appeals, 3rd Circuit
U.S. Supreme Court
Mark D. Cronenwett, Esq.
Director of Litigation
Mackie Wolf Zientz & Mann, PC
14160 North Dallas Pkwy, Suite 900
Dallas, Texas 75254-4319
214-635-2670
mcronenwett@mwzmlaw.com
Mark D. Cronenwett joined the firm in October 2012 and serves as the Managing Attorney of the firm’s Litigation Section. Mark has 15 years of experience in mortgage-lending litigation; general commercial litigation; general insurance defense and appellate law. Prior to joining the firm, Mark was a Shareholder at Cowels & Thompson, P.C. and Higier Allen & Lautin, P.C. Mark is admitted to the Texas State Bar, Fifth Circuit, and all Texas Federal District Courts.
EDUCATION
J.D., Catholic University of America (1993)
B.A. English, University of Dallas (1990)
AFFILIATIONS AND AWARDS
¨ Member, State Bar of Texas (Consumer Law and Civil Appellate Sections)
¨ Member Dallas Bar Association
¨ Member Federal Bar Association
¨ Immediate Past President, St. Thomas More Society
¨ Pro Bono Counsel to White Rose Women’s Center
¨ Recognized, Texas Rising Star, Law & Politics, 2006 and 2005
ARTICLES
"Loss Mitigation Measure Upheld by Texas Supreme Court"
- Mark Cronenwett, Director of Litigation - June 3, 2014
James V. Noonan, Esq.
Founding Partner
Noonan & Lieberman, LTD.
33 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 1150
Chicago, Illinois 60602
312-605-3443
jnoonan@noonanlieberman.com
James Noonan is a founding partner at Noonan & Lieberman, Ltd., a Chicago-based law firm concentrating in civil litigation on behalf of creditors, business and real estate owners. His practice areas include Creditors Rights; Foreclosure; Commercial Litigation; Bankruptcy Litigation; Lenders Liability; Real Estate Litigation; Foreclosures; Civil Appellate Practice.
Mr. Noonan received his undergraduate degree from Marquette University (B.A. 1985) and his law degree from the DePaul University College of Law (J.D.1988). Mr. Noonan is admitted to practice law in the State of Illinois (1989) and the State of Wisconsin (2015). Mr. Noonan is a member of the Chicago State Bar Association; the Illinois State Bar Association; the Mortgage Bankers Association; the Illinois Mortgage Bankers Association; and the American Legal and Financial Network (ALFN) and served on the ALFN Board from 2009 to 2015. He has chaired the ALFN’s sub-committee on Federal Consumer Lending Statutes and Commercial Foreclosures.
Mr. Noonan is the author of the Illinois Mortgage Foreclosure Practice, Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education (2016) and co-author of Foreclosure: Plaintiff-Lender’s Case, Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education (2016) and the co-author of Federal Practice: Foreclosing Mortgages in Federal Court; Foreclosing Foreign Mortgages, Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education (2016). Mr. Noonan has spoken on mortgage foreclosure litigation strategies, RESPA and TILA compliance. He was a Panel Member of the Law Ed series on Federal Court foreclosure practice. He was a member of the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Illinois’ drafting committee on federal foreclosure forms. He was a member of the court appointed Advisory Committee on Cook County Sheriff’s eviction procedures. Mr. Noonan has testified before the Illinois House of Representatives Consumer Protection sub-committee on foreclosure practice and procedure.
Breakout Session 4 – Collateral Attacks (e-notes, e-signatures)
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
McCoy’s Peak
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Mountain Time
The session will discuss enforcing e-notes and e-signatures, and we will review some of the issues that are trending across the nation.
Moderator:
Speakers:
Ashley Elmore Drew, Esq.
Managing Attorney, Florida
McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC
3275 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Ste. 312
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
561.275.5048
adrew@mtglaw.com
My practice involves litigation and portfolio management for mortgage lenders. Historically, I have focused on legal and regulatory compliance matters that affect lenders and lending-adjacent businesses. I draft customized--- or evaluate existing---policies, procedures, vendor contracts, document templates, advertising, disclosures, and business arrangements to ensure compliance with state and federal law. I provide assistance with regulatory audits, CID's, customer complaints, and vendor auditing and due diligence. I defend corporate clients against contract and consumer claims in state and federal court as well as handle escalated litigation of foreclosures and title matters.
Education:
Stetson University College of Law (JD)
University of Central Florida (MA)
University of Central Florida (BA)
Bar Admission(s):
Florida
Stephen Vargas, Esq.
Supervising Attorney – Downstate Office
Gross Polowy, LLC
900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 201
Westbury, NY 11590
716 362 8046
svargas@grosspolowy.com
Brooklyn Law School, J.D.; Columbia University in the City of New York, B.A.. Practices in real estate, mortgage default servicing, foreclosure trial and appellate court litigation, federal trial and appellate court litigation, loan resolution, home retention, eviction, and title claim resolution. He is admitted to practice Law in the: New York State Courts; United States District Courts for the Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of New York, and; United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He is also a commissioned Notary Public. He is the author of “The New Act: New York Legislature Seeks to Alter the Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Statute of Limitations (American Legal & Financial Network Journal, 2022), “Constitutional Challenges Affecting Loan Servicers and Note Holders” (Legal League 100 Quarterly Journal, 2020), “Deceleration of a New York Mortgage: Evolution of the Requirements to Revoke Acceleration and Best Practices to Avoid the Onerous Effect of the Expiration of the Statute of Limitations” (American League & Financial Network Journal, 2020), and “Danger of Dismissal in New York: Courts Resume Strict Enforcement of Deadlines” (American Legal & Financial Network Journal, 2022). He is a member of the New York City Bar Association Mortgage Foreclosure Task Force as well as the New York Mortgage Bankers Association for which he presented at webinars regarding case law and legislation that impact mortgage loan servicing. He has been a licensed attorney since 2009. In 2022, he was awarded the ALFN Junior Professionals & Executives Group “Picture of the Future” Award.
Adam Diaz, Esq.
Partner
Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A.
499 NW 70th Ave., Suite 309
Plantation, FL 33317
954-564-0071, ext. 213
adiaz@dallegal.com
Adam Diaz is the Litigation Partner at Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A. in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He is AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell which is the highest peer rating for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability.
Adam has concentrated his practice in the areas of mortgage foreclosure and real estate, bankruptcy, consumer protection actions and commercial litigation. He is admitted in all Federal Courts in Florida as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
Adam has been instrumental in advancing the law in the Bankruptcy Courts for Creditors, and obtained one of the first opinions providing that a debtor is barred from defending property after surrender, as well providing that a Debtor cannot cramdown multiuse residential property.
Education
Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, 2012, Juris Doctorate
Florida State University, 2009, B.A. in Multination Business Operations
Bar Admission
Florida Bar
United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida
United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida
United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
United States Court of Appeal for the Eleventh Circuit
State Bar of Wisconsin
Ohio State Bar Association
Illinois State Bar
Jennifer Rogers, Esq.
Managing Attorney
IDEA Law Group
4100 E. Mississippi Ave. Ste 420
Denver, CO 80246
877-353-2146 ext.1004
jrogers@idealawgroupllc.com
Ms. Rogers has seventeen years of experience primarily focused on representing mortgage lenders and services in real estate law, title curative matters, routine and complex civil litigation, bankruptcy, creditor’s rights, residential and commercial foreclosures and evictions. Additionally, Ms. Rogers has managed attorneys and staff in a law firm providing comprehensive default services to the mortgage default industry. Ms. Rogers has been a frequent speaker at mortgage default conferences addressing issues related to litigation, foreclosure, evictions, and creditor’s rights. Ms. Rogers is a founding member of the Colorado Creditor’s Bar Association. She is licensed to practice law in Colorado.
Breakout Session 5 – State-by-State Round Up – Legal Updates in Several States
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Heritage Hall
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Mountain Time
The legal landscape is constantly changing. Keep up to date on the key developments shaping the environment we work in. We will have Attorneys from several states provide brief legal updates on important default mortgage servicing issues in their jurisdictions.
Moderator:
Speakers:
David Rodstein, Esq.
Litigation Partner
Miller, George & Suggs
2200 W. Commercial Blvd., Suite 103
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
954-526-1318
drodstein@rodsteinlaw.com
David Rodstein is the Litigation Partner at Miller, George & Suggs in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and manages the firm’s Commercial Litigation practice. David handles a broad spectrum of real estate and business matters, including high-risk mortgage foreclosures, fraud and civil appeals. David has represented clients at every trial and appellate level in Florida’s state and federal courts. David litigates, lectures, and publishes on high-impact mortgage foreclosure issues, including statute of limitations, statute of repose and standing to foreclose.
David has over 20 years of litigation experience and has earned Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating, AV Preeminent, for legal ability and ethical standards every year since 2018. He has also been a Florida Trend Legal Elite honoree every year since 2020.
David is an active ALFN member, serving as Vice Chair of the Amicus Briefs Committee and as a contributing member of the Complex Litigation, Legislative & Regulatory Policy Group. He is also an active member of the Florida Bar Real Property and Probate Law Section, in which he chairs the subcommittee on Legislation and Government Regulation of Lending, serves on the Foreclosure and Debtor/Creditor Rights Subcommittee and has served on special subcommittees such as Best Practices for Remote Proceedings, Partition Actions, and Stale Mortgages. David is also an active member of the Florida Bar’s Appellate Practice Section.
David is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with honors and the Washington & Lee University School of Law with distinction in trial advocacy. He served as law clerk to Supreme Court of Virginia Justice Lawrence L. Koontz, Jr.
David is as proud of the disputes that he successfully shut down before they became lawsuits as he is of the many favorable settlements and victories he has won.
Cathe Cole-Sherburn
Sr. Vice President of Operations
Trustee Corps
17100 Gillette Ave.
Irvine, CA 92614
949-252-8300 ext. 4317
CCole@TrusteeCorps.com
Cathe Cole-Sherburn serves as Senior Vice President of Operations for Trustee Corps. She is responsible for managing all areas of operations, including ancillary companies, which include audit, compliance and strategic planning and development of all offices. Cathe brings over 35 years of all aspects of real estate mortgage default experience, including Servicing. Before joining Trustee Corps, Cathe was with the First American Trustee Servicing Solutions, where she was Senior Vice President. While there, her duties included the oversight and management of the Trustee Division. Prior to that, she was with the firm of Routh Crabtree Olsen/Northwest Trustee Services, where she was the Director of Operations and instrumental in setting up the AZ, CA, and HI offices and obtaining the Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae Counsel Designations. Prior to that, she was the Director of Operations for the Law Offices of Steven J. Melmet, Inc., for 14 years, and instrumental in obtaining in the Freddie Mac Designation and HUD Foreclosure Commissioner for state of CA. Cathe currently is a member of the Women in Legal Leadership for American Legal & Financial Network. She is also a member of Arizona Trustee Association, Mortgage Bankers Association, California Mortgage Bankers Association, National Association of Professional Women and Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics. Cathe can be seen as a Moderator and/or Panelist at various industry conferences and provides seminars/training to our existing clients.
David Doughty
Managing Attorney
Janeway Law Firm, PC
9540 Maroon Circle, Ste 320
Englewood, CO 80112
(720) 590-4107
david@janewaylaw.com
David joined Janeway Law Firm, P.C. in Colorado in 2008 and has played a pivotal role in helping the firm grow its practice since then. David has more than 13 years of experience providing end-to-end default legal services to our clients, and 20 years of mortgage and title industry experience. Mr. Doughty graduated from The University of Iowa in 2003, with a B.A. in Political Science. While in college, he gained valuable real estate experience performing title searches for a regional title insurance company. After college, Mr. Doughty spent two years working in the mortgage industry, first for a small mortgage company near Chicago, and then for a national lender here in Colorado. Mr. Doughty graduated cum laude from Western State University College of Law in 2008. There, he was a member of the school’s law review and received two awards for academic excellence, including one in Real Property. He was also a recipient of both the Merit and Scott McCune Memorial Scholarships. While in school, Mr. Doughty clerked for a well-respected California civil defense firm. He joined Janeway Law Firm, P.C. in 2008.
Mr. Doughty is licensed to practice law in Colorado and in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. He is also a member of the Colorado Bar Association.
Julie A. Ranieri
Managing Partner
Korde & Associates, P.C.
900 Chelmsford Street, Suite 3102
Lowell, MA 01851
978-256-1500 - Ext. 26210
jranieri@kordeassociates.com
Julie A. Ranieri is the Managing Partner of Korde & Associates, P.C. in Lowell, MA, which also has offices in New London, CT and South Portland, ME. The Firm provides end-to-end mortgage default legal services to its clients in all six New England states. Julie has 20 years of experience representing institutional mortgage lenders and servicers in bankruptcy proceedings, foreclosures, evictions, and general civil and title curative litigation matters. She is a member of the Massachusetts Real Estate Bar Association, and has been a contributing lecturer and author for the American Bankruptcy Institute, American Legal & Financial Network, Boston Bar Association, and Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.
Julie served on the Massachusetts Local Bankruptcy Rules Committee and the Massachusetts Bankruptcy Court’s Pro Bono Legal Services Advisory Committee for several years. She has also been a volunteer for the M. Ellen Carpenter Financial Literacy Program through the Boston Bar Association, which provides education to high school students regarding personal finances and financial management.
She is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and before the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire.
Julie is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and Suffolk University Law School.
Christianna J. Kersey, Esq.
Attorney
Cohn, Goldberg & Deutsch, LLC
600 Baltimore Ave., Ste. 208
Towson, MD 21204
(410) 296-2550 x3155
ckersey@cgd-law.com
Christianna holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Delaware (B.S. 2006) and a Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law in Wilmington, Delaware (J.D. 2010). She is admitted to practice before the Court of Appeals of Maryland, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland and the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. She concentrates her practice in the area of creditor’s rights, real estate, litigation, foreclosure, eviction and unsecured collections. Christianna also handles compliance related issues for Cohn, Goldberg & Deutsch, LLC. Ms. Kersey has written numerous articles for industry related publications and is a frequent speaker at industry events.
Laura H.G. O'Sullivan
President
McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC
312 Marshall Ave., Suite 800
Laurel, MD 20707
(301) 490-3361
losullivan@mwc-law.com
LAURA H.G. O'SULLIVAN (President) is a shareholder. Ms. O’Sullivan has practiced in the area of creditors’ rights for over twenty years. Ms. O’Sullivan received her Juris Doctorate from Howard University School of Law (cum laude 1995). She is admitted to the Court of Appeals, MD (1996), Court of Appeals, DC (1999), United States District Court for the District of Maryland (1997), United States District Court for the District of Columbia (2000).
Mindy Clarke, Esq.
Partner, VP of Legal Operations
Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC
6409 Congress Avenue, Suite 100
Boca Raton, FL 33487
(561) 241-6901
mac@raslg.com
Mindy Clarke is a Partner at Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, where she manages client relations and legal operations for the RAS Network of firms. She has extensive knowledge and experience in reverse mortgage foreclosure and bankruptcy. Ms. Clarke graduated cum laude from St. Thomas University School of Law, where she was a Senior Editor, Law Review. Additionally, she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Mindy has been practicing law for over ten years and is licensed to practice in Florida, New York, Ohio, and Texas.
Andrew Houha, Esq.
Managing Partner
Johnson, Blumberg & Associates, LLC
230 W. Monroe, Suite 1125
Chicago, IL 60606
312-541-9710, ext. 104
andrew@johnsonblumberg.com
Andrew manages the strategic operations of the firm. Since joining Johnson, Blumberg & Associates, LLC in 2008, he has served as the firm’s bankruptcy managing attorney and its Wisconsin lead trial attorney, having handled hundreds of contested bankruptcy and foreclosure matters in his career. He has over twenty five years of bankruptcy and foreclosure experience, beginning his career as a debtor’s attorney with a small consumer bankruptcy firm where he became fully versed in all aspects of real estate closing and eviction matters, both tenant and landlord side. From 1999 until 2007 he operated as a senior-level attorney for Fisher and Fisher, Attorneys at Law P.C. In that position, he was instrumental in building that majority of the processes, procedures and operations of the firm’s bankruptcy practice. Andrew also acted as a lead facilitator and panelist at many industry conferences over the years, speaking on a wide range of bankruptcy and foreclosure topics. Andrew graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and received his Juris Doctorate from Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1993. Andrew is licensed to practice law in Illinois and Wisconsin. Andrew is also licensed to practice in all of the Federal Courts in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
James V. Noonan, Esq.
Founding Partner
Noonan & Lieberman, LTD.
33 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 1150
Chicago, Illinois 60602
312-605-3443
jnoonan@noonanlieberman.com
James Noonan is a founding partner at Noonan & Lieberman, Ltd., a Chicago-based law firm concentrating in civil litigation on behalf of creditors, business and real estate owners. His practice areas include Creditors Rights; Foreclosure; Commercial Litigation; Bankruptcy Litigation; Lenders Liability; Real Estate Litigation; Foreclosures; Civil Appellate Practice.
Mr. Noonan received his undergraduate degree from Marquette University (B.A. 1985) and his law degree from the DePaul University College of Law (J.D.1988). Mr. Noonan is admitted to practice law in the State of Illinois (1989) and the State of Wisconsin (2015). Mr. Noonan is a member of the Chicago State Bar Association; the Illinois State Bar Association; the Mortgage Bankers Association; the Illinois Mortgage Bankers Association; and the American Legal and Financial Network (ALFN) and served on the ALFN Board from 2009 to 2015. He has chaired the ALFN’s sub-committee on Federal Consumer Lending Statutes and Commercial Foreclosures.
Mr. Noonan is the author of the Illinois Mortgage Foreclosure Practice, Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education (2016) and co-author of Foreclosure: Plaintiff-Lender’s Case, Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education (2016) and the co-author of Federal Practice: Foreclosing Mortgages in Federal Court; Foreclosing Foreign Mortgages, Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education (2016). Mr. Noonan has spoken on mortgage foreclosure litigation strategies, RESPA and TILA compliance. He was a Panel Member of the Law Ed series on Federal Court foreclosure practice. He was a member of the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Illinois’ drafting committee on federal foreclosure forms. He was a member of the court appointed Advisory Committee on Cook County Sheriff’s eviction procedures. Mr. Noonan has testified before the Illinois House of Representatives Consumer Protection sub-committee on foreclosure practice and procedure.
L. Graham Arceneaux
Managing Attorney
Graham, Arceneaux & Allen, LLC
3850 North Causeway Blvd, Suite, 1695
Metairie, LA 70002
504-522-8256
lga@gra-arc.com
L. Graham Arceneaux, Owner, Managing Partner – Graham is the owner of Graham, Arceneaux and Allen, LLC, serves as President of Standard Title Agency, Inc. and is a retired U.S. Army Officer who served on Active duty as well as in the Louisiana Army National Guard. While in the Louisiana Army National Guard Mr. Arceneaux mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). Graham’s practice areas include foreclosure, bankruptcy law and real estate transactions. Graham is a graduate of Millsaps College, Jackson Mississippi (1993) and has a J.D. from Tulane University School of Law, New Orleans, Louisiana (Honors Graduate, 1997). He was appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve as a Member on the Committee for Bar Admissions and authored the Bar Examination questions for Business Entities and Negotiable Instruments. Graham was appointed to serve as a Judge-Ad-Hoc in First Parish Court for the Parish of Jefferson. He is currently a Committee Member serving on the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board. He is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, The New Orleans Bar Association, The Mortgage Bankers Association, Legal League 100, ALFN, USFN and Louisiana Banker’s Association. He is licensed to practice in all Federal Courts in Louisiana as well as the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Graham is a licensed fixed wing and rotor wing pilot and is a competitive distance runner.
Randall S. Miller, Esq.
President/CEO
Randall S. Miller & Associates
43252 Woodward Avenue, Suite 180
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
(248) 335-9200 x101
rmiller@rsmalaw.com
Randall S. Miller, Randy as he is called by his friends, graduated from Michigan State University in 1987 with a B.S. in Political Science/Pre-Law. He earned his J.D. at the Detroit College of Law in 1992. After spending over a decade as a trial attorney, Randy started his law firm, Randall S. Miller & Associates in 2002. The firm is now in the States of Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Randy is also the CEO of U.S. Default Management, a back office solutions provider, helping save servicers millions of dollars per year. His current focus is on their new Universal Attorney Audit Platform, which benefits servicers and attorneys alike. Schweitzer Title Agency, LTD is another of Randy’s companies, providing national title solutions, as well as handling closing/escrow matters. He formerly sat on both the Executive Board and Executive Committee of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and headed its PAC Task Force. He also served on the Executive Board of the Michigan Association for Justice. As a member of the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly, an elected position that he held until being term limited out, he chaired its Drafting Committee where he had the ability to redraft Michigan’s’ attorney ethics standards.
Heidi B. Carey, Esq.
Partner/Owner
Riley Pope & Laney, LLC
2838 Devine Street
Columbia, SC 29205
803.799.9993
hcarey@rplfirm.com
Heidi B. Carey of Riley Pope & Laney is an attorney in Columbia, SC. She represents mortgage banking creditors and manages the day-to-day operations of the firm’s default servicing practice. Ms. Carey joined Riley Pope and Laney in 2008 and became a member of the firm in 2010.
Ms. Carey graduated magna cum laude from the Honors College of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, a minor in Business, and a Performance Certificate from the School of Music in Cello. Upon graduation, she attended the University of South Carolina School of Law where she was Articles Editor of the South Carolina Environmental Law Journal. She began her law practice representing clients in business litigation and commercial real estate matters.
In 1998 she became in-house counsel to Fleet Mortgage Group, Inc. and Washington Mutual Bank managing mortgage banking litigation nationwide, and advising corporate clients on a wide range of mortgage servicing issues relating to customer service, tax payments, hazard insurance, foreclosures, collections, loss mitigation, mortgage insurance, and bankruptcy. While at Fleet Mortgage, she was also a member of the Fleet Mortgage Corp. Privacy Task Force for implementation of practices and procedures to comply with the newly enacted Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Privacy Act.
Since 2001, Ms. Carey has practiced residential foreclosure and bankruptcy law and supervised and managed both paralegals and attorneys. She is a frequent speaker at default servicing and on-site lender training events. Ms. Carey is a member of the South Carolina Bar and the Richland County Bar Associations and admitted to practice before all South Carolina state courts and the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. She is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell, is listed in the Best Lawyers in America for Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law, and has been recognized several times as part of the Legal Elite of the Midlands for foreclosure by the Greater Columbia Business Monthly magazine.
Ms. Carey continues her musical career as a tenured cello section member of the South Carolina Philharmonic, and also serves at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Ms. Carey, her husband Ken, and their two children reside in Columbia, South Carolina.
John Hearn, Esq.
Member
Rogers Townsend, LLC
100 Executive Center Dr. Suite 210
Columbia, SC 29210
803.744.1305
john.hearn@rogerstownsend.com
John leads Rogers Townsend’s Default Services Department. A seasoned litigator, his legal work has focused on resolution of contested foreclosure and related matters in the default services realm. Over his career, John has managed a wide variety of business litigation matters, and has traveled the state defending claims against lenders. In that capacity, he managed a team of lawyers concentrating on those claims for a decade prior to becoming department head of the Default Services Department. In 2015 he was elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the American Legal & Financial Network for a two-year term.
John is an active member of the Bar who served on the Executive Committee of the Richland County Bar Association for five years, where he is a past president. John also serves the SC Bar as a volunteer Attorney to Assist for the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, as a mentor for the Lawyers Helping Lawyers program, and as a leader of the Bar’s Consumer Law Council, the governing body of the Consumer Law Section. John serves on the firm’s Technology Steering Committee.
John clerked for the Honorable J. Ernest Kinard, Jr. of the Fifth Judicial Circuit after law school.
Education
Admissions
Stephen Hladik, Esq.
Partner
Hladik, Onorato & Federman, LLP
298 Wissahickon Avenue
North Wales, PA 19454
267-662-9022
shladik@hoflawgroup.com
Stephen M. Hladik, Esquire, is a principal in Hladik, Onorato & Federman, LLP. Formerly a Deputy Attorney General in charge of the Harrisburg office of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Consumer Protection, Steve brings a broad range of experience to his mortgage foreclosure, bankruptcy, tax sale and UDAAP legal practice. A graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, Steve’s interest in history and politics grew into a desire to study law while taking a constitutional law class, among others, as an undergraduate. Steve pursued and obtained his law degree from Widener University, with honors, where he was named Internal Managing Editor of the Law Review.
An Eagle Scout and New Jersey native, Steve gained significant expertise in lending law enforcement in the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, handling UDAP, FDCPA, RESPA and TILA cases. Prior to joining Hladik, Onorato & Federman, LLP, Steve was the Pennsylvania managing attorney for one of the nation’s largest creditor’s rights firms, practicing mortgage foreclosure and bankruptcy law.
Steve routinely teaches Continuing Legal Education courses on mortgage law, bankruptcy law, title law, real estate tax sale law, FDCPA and CFPB regulations, and related lending law compliance issues. Steve also serves the mortgage servicing industry as the Vice Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Legal League 100 and having previously chaired the Government Affairs Committee of the Legal League 100. Steve also actively participates on various committees of the ALFN.
In addition to his legal practice, Steve was elected to three terms as a School Director on the North Penn School Board, and served as Chairman of the Finance Committee, where he oversaw implementation of a $225 million budget. Prior to service on the School Board, Steve was a member of the Towamencin Township Planning Commission for six years. Steve also served as the Vice President of the AKL Education Foundation and is currently the Vice President of the National Executive Council of Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity.
Steve is admitted to practice before the Supreme Courts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New Mexico, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Puerto Rico. He is a member of the Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Federal and American Bar Associations. Steve also served two terms as the Co-Chair of the Business, Banking and Corporate Counsel Committee of the Montgomery County Bar Association.
Jonathan Cohen, Esq.
Senior Managing Attorney
Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC
900 Merchants Concourse
Westbury, NY 11590
(516) 280-7675
jdcohen@raslg.com
Jonathan D. Cohen, Esq. is the Senior Managing Attorney at Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, where he manages the Foreclosure, Mediation, Code Violation and Quiet Title Litigation Department(s). He has extensive knowledge and experience in the ever evolving landscape of New York Creditor’s Rights. Mr. Cohen graduated from Touro College, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, where he was a member of the International Law Review. Additionally, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the New York, University at Albany. Jonathan has been practicing law for over eight years and is licensed to practice law in the State of New York.
Nicole Fitzgerald, Esq.
Firm Principal & Managing Attorney
Bendett & McHugh, P.C.
270 Farmington Avenue, Suite 151
Farmington, CT 06032
(860) 255-5060
nfitzgerald@bmpc-law.com
Practice Areas
Foreclosure
Title
Education
Roger Williams University School of Law, J.D. 2006
Western New England College, B.A., English/Communications, magna cum laude. 2003
Nicole joined Bendett & McHugh, P.C. as an Associate in 2009. She is admitted to practice before the Connecticut Bar (2006) and the District Court for the District of Connecticut (2007). Nicole is currently Principal and the Attorney Manager for the Review Attorney, Sale/Post-Sale, and DIL Departments in the firm’s Connecticut Foreclosure Group and Attorney Manager for the All States Borrower Assistance Department. She represents secured creditors in mortgage foreclosure actions, with responsibility for vesting, sale, title and escalated non-contested matters. Nicole reviews title documentation, pleadings and other substantive documents and attends judicial and bankruptcy hearings.
Before joining Bendett & McHugh, Nicole worked as an Associate in private practice with a concentration on protection of creditor rights. She prepared foreclosure complaints, files for judgment, participated in court ordered mediation sessions, and researched and prepared memorandum involving property, mortgage and title claim litigation. She began her career as a Document Review Attorney for complex antitrust, patent and contract cases and reviewed and prepared witness files for depositions. While attending law school, Nicole worked as Summer Associate, Legal Assistant and Intern in private practice performing research and drafting memoranda of law, complaints and other pleadings.
Robert Forster, II
Managing Partner
BDF Law Group
4004 Belt Line Road, Suite 100
Addison, TX 75001
(972) 340-7948
robertfo@bdfgroup.com
Robert Forster is a Partner overseeing the Foreclosure, Litigation and Title Departments in the Addison location.
He attended Arizona State University earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1999. He received his Juris Doctor degree from SMU Dedman School of Law in 2004.
Robert is licensed with the State Bars of Arizona, Georgia and Texas and before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, and the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas. He is a member of Texas Bar Association, the Dallas Trial Lawyers Association, the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers and the American Bar Association.
Andrew J. Brenner, Esq.
Partner | Director of Firm Operations
BWW Law Group, LLC
6003 Executive Boulevard, Suite 101
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 961-6555 ext 3738
Andrew.Brenner@bww-law.com
ANDREW J. BRENNER – University of Florida (B.A., Economics 2006) (B.A., Political Science 2006); The University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law (J.D. 2009).
Maryland Bar, Member (December 2009)
United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Admitted (August 2010)
District of Columbia Bar, Member (November 2017)
Mr. Brenner has several years of experience primarily representing institutional banks, title insurance companies, and mortgage servicers. He has served as title resolution litigation counsel for the Fidelity National Title Group and has years of experience arguing cases in the Trial Courts and the Appellate Courts of Maryland. Mr. Brenner has conducted several on-site training presentations for clients relating to a variety of real estate related matters. He is a frequent panelist at real estate industry conferences and seminars.
Mr. Brenner is a Partner and the Director of Firm Operations of the BWW Law Group, LLC. The BWW Law Group, LLC was established in 1996 and represents the mortgage servicing community in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. BWW Law Group, LLC is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated law firm and is a member of the United States Foreclosure Network (USFN), The American Legal & Financial Network (ALFN), and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).
Breakout Session 6 – Bankruptcy Updates
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Mt. Jackson
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Mountain Time
This session will discuss requirements and issue debtors in bankruptcy are facing when trying to complete a post-COVID loss mit solution to take care of forbearance arrears (e.g., deferment, loan mod, HUD partial claim). In addition, debtors and servicers need to be aware of restrictions on plan modifications after the sunset of CARES (e.g., if a debtor extended to 84 months, the court may limit the debtor to 60 months on a future plan mod).
Moderator:
Speakers:
Michael McCormick, Esq.
Senior Partner, Bankruptcy
McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC
1544 Old Alabama Rd
Roswell, GA 30076
(678) 281-3918 / Ext. 13918
Michael.McCormick@mccalla.com
MICHAEL J. McCORMICK: Michael is a senior partner in the bankruptcy department at McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC in Atlanta, Georgia, where he assists in the bankruptcy representation for dozens of mortgage lenders and servicers nationwide. He has been with the firm since 2004.
Michael is a native of Toronto, Canada and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Western Ontario. He graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1994 and is admitted to practice in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee.
Michael is a frequent speaker and author on various topics related to bankruptcy, including the handling of escrow accounts during a bankruptcy proceeding, and form changes impacting mortgage servicers. He has also appeared as an expert witness in several bankruptcy cases on behalf of mortgage servicers. Michael is a member of numerous local and national bankruptcy organizations, including the American Bankruptcy Institute, and the National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees (associate member). He is co-chair of the Escrow Subcommittee of the NACTT Mortgage Committee and Vice Chair of the ALFN Bankruptcy Committee, and served on the Committee on Case Administration and the Estate of the ABI Commission on Consumer Bankruptcy Law. He is also recognized by the American Board of Certification as a Consumer Bankruptcy Specialist.
Keri P. Ebeck, Esq.
Partner
Bernstein-Burkley
707 Grant Street, Suite 2200 Gulf Tower
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412.456.8112
kebeck@bernsteinlaw.com
Keri is a partner and co-manager in the Bankruptcy & Restructuring practice group of Bernstein-Burkley, P.C. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a Partner, she handles commercial, consumer, and real estate bankruptcy matters, as well as she is the co-manager of the bankruptcy group. Keri is certified by the American Board of Certification in consumer bankruptcy and is a member of the standards committee for the ABC. Keri is the past Chair of the Allegheny County Bar Association Bankruptcy and Commercial Law Section, which is responsible for studying bankruptcy and commercial law and informing its members of proposed changes to related legislation. Keri is current Treasurer of the Allegheny County Bar Association and is also currently servicing as the Chair of the Finance and Investment Committees for the Allegheny County Bar Association. Keri is also serving as the Vice-President of Membership for the Pennsylvania Creditors’ Bar Association.
A member of the American Legal & Financial Network (ALFN), Keri was awarded the 2022 American Legal Financial Network’s Industry Achievement Award and is a past ALFN 2017 JPEG: Picture the Future Award, which recognizes stand-out young professionals for their achievements and commitment to the mortgage servicing industry. She is the chair of the ALFN’s Bankruptcy and a member of its Women in Legal Leadership Committees and is a member of Legal League 100.
Keri is also a member and the finance committee chair of the Judith K. Fitzgerald Western Pennsylvania Bankruptcy American Inn of Court and a member of the Turnaround Management Association. She is licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Pennsylvania; the U.S. District Court of New Jersey; the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio; the U.S. District Courts of Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana; the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas; the Third Circuit Court of Appeals; and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Keri has spoken on bankruptcy and collection topics nationally at the ALFN Answers annual conference as well as ALFN’s Bankruptcy conference since 2013. Keri also speaks, plans sessions and moderates regularly for the Allegheny County Bar Association, NBI and Pennsylvania Bar Institute on bankruptcy, collections and repossessions. Keri has also presented several on site client seminars as well as hosted webinars for clients, prospective clients and industry representatives on bankruptcy and collections. Keri was recently recognized in the 2021, 2022 and 2023 edition of Pennsylvania Best Lawyers for Bankruptcy.
Keri is a certified mediator and registered to handle mediations for the Western District of Pennsylvania District and Bankruptcy Courts.
Keri is an active volunteer with Make-A-Wish Foundation, Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia Chapter. Keri is also a board member of the Trojan Education Foundation.
Nicole Mariani Noel, Esq.
Shareholder
Kass Shuler, PA
1505 N. Florida Avenue
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: 813-229-0900 ext. 1343
nmnoel@kasslaw.com
Nicole Mariani Noel is a Shareholder at Kass Shuler, PA., where she has been practicing in the fields of Bankruptcy, Creditors’ Rights and Insolvency, Real Estate, Consumer and Business Litigation since 2009. Ms. Noel heads the Bankruptcy practice group for the firm and handles cases throughout the State of Florida, including the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts.
Her membership includes the American Bankruptcy Institute, The Florida State Alumni Real Estate Network, Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association (TBBBA), The Florida Bar, and the American Legal and Financial Network. Ms. Noel is the Chair Emeritus for the Bankruptcy Practice Group for the American Legal and Financial Network (ALFN) and formerly Co-Chaired the Case Law Update Subcommittee for the Real Property Finance and Lending Committee of the RPPTL Section of the Florida Bar. Most recently, Ms. Noel joined the Board of Directors for the Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association and Chaired the Pro Bono and Community Service Committee and later served as the Editor for The Cramdown, the quarterly publication of the TBBBA.
Her published work includes Was Brown a Rash Decision? (The Cramdown, Summer 2014); Incompatible Personalities: Investigating the Mutually Exclusive Nature of § 1322(b)(2), (5) (ABI Journal, November 2012) and Stripping Down Your Spouse: Tenancy by the Entirety Property Ownership under § 506 (ABI YLC Newsletter, September 2012).
Ms. Noel is active in the community and frequently volunteers her time to speak at local Universities on topics which include ethical concerns facing young attorneys, time management, and first year law practice pointers. Ms. Noel is an adjunct professor at St. Petersburg College and Hillsborough Community College teaching Bankruptcy and Civil Litigation. She participated in the 2016 NextGeneration program held by the Bankruptcy Judges during the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges (NCBJ). Ms. Noel was honored to become a Fellow for the Florida Bar Leadership Academy. She has also been named one of ALFN’s Junior Professionals and Executives Group (JPEG)’s stand-out young professional to watch in 2016.
She received her undergraduate degree from The Florida State University and her Juris Doctor and Masters of Business Administration degrees from Stetson University College of Law and Stetson University School of Business Administration.
Adam M. Goodman, Esq.
Chapter 13 Trustee
Districts of Colorado and Wyoming
1888 N. Sherman St., Suite 750
Denver, CO 80203
agoodman@ch13colorado.com
Adam M. Goodman is a Standing Chapter 13 Trustee for the Districts of Colorado and Wyoming. He was appointed trustee in Colorado on October 1, 2017 and in Wyoming on October 1, 2018. From January 1, 2003 to September 30, 2017, he was a Standing Chapter 13 Trustee for the Northern District of Georgia. He is a co-author of the treatise Chapter 13 Practice and Procedure with the late Honorable W. Homer Drake, Jr. and the Honorable Paul W. Bonapfel. Adam is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and The Florida Bar. He began his legal career representing consumer and business debtors in Tampa, Florida. He then migrated to representing lending institutions and mortgage holders in foreclosure and bankruptcy matters throughout the State of Florida. He continued his creditors’ rights practice in bankruptcy and problem loan workouts on a nationwide basis with a law firm in Atlanta, Georgia. Prior to his appointment he served as a staff attorney for a Chapter 13 trustee. Adam is a graduate of Florida State University and South Texas College of Law.
Jim Timberlake, Esq.
President
Baer & Timberlake, P.C.
5901 N. Western Avenue, Suite 300
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
405-842-7722
jim@baer-timberlake.com
CEO, cycling aficionado, and lifelong learner, Jim believes the best way to improve is to surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. Born in Fort Hood, Texas, and raised in Oklahoma, Jim earned his BBA in Finance at SMU in Dallas, then returned home to Oklahoma for law school. He can usually be found on a bike or researching some obscure topic. Traveling is a passion (usually with a bike in tow), with Colombia being his most recent adventure.
Lunch Session – AI: Like It or Not, It’s Here. Are You Ready? Ethical and Business Challenges to the Utilization of Technology in a Default World
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Sawatch Hall
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM Mountain Time
Join us for an engaging panel session as we delve into the fascinating realm of AI and its current and future uses with industry law firms, service providers and others. In this dynamic discussion, industry experts and thought leaders will explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on your business operations. Gain insights into the evolving role of AI, from contract analysis and legal research to predictive analytics and streamlined document management. Learn from real-world uses, explore ethical considerations, and uncover the potential challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between AI and its potential uses in our industry.
Moderator:
Speakers:
Randall S. Miller, Esq.
President/CEO
Randall S. Miller & Associates
43252 Woodward Avenue, Suite 180
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
(248) 335-9200 x101
rmiller@rsmalaw.com
Randall S. Miller, Randy as he is called by his friends, graduated from Michigan State University in 1987 with a B.S. in Political Science/Pre-Law. He earned his J.D. at the Detroit College of Law in 1992. After spending over a decade as a trial attorney, Randy started his law firm, Randall S. Miller & Associates in 2002. The firm is now in the States of Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Randy is also the CEO of U.S. Default Management, a back office solutions provider, helping save servicers millions of dollars per year. His current focus is on their new Universal Attorney Audit Platform, which benefits servicers and attorneys alike. Schweitzer Title Agency, LTD is another of Randy’s companies, providing national title solutions, as well as handling closing/escrow matters. He formerly sat on both the Executive Board and Executive Committee of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and headed its PAC Task Force. He also served on the Executive Board of the Michigan Association for Justice. As a member of the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly, an elected position that he held until being term limited out, he chaired its Drafting Committee where he had the ability to redraft Michigan’s’ attorney ethics standards.
Andrea Tromberg, Esq.
Managing Member
Tromberg Morris & Poulin, PLLC
1515 South Federal Hwy, Ste. 100
Boca Raton, FL 33432
561-338-4101
atromberg@tmppllc.com
Mrs. Tromberg has been practicing law since 1996. She has extensive experience in foreclosure law, creditor litigation, commercial litigation, appeals, trial, and management. She offers clients her comprehensive knowledge of the law and ability to maneuver difficult and complex legal matters. Andrea Tromberg has served for seven years on the Board of Directors for the American Legal and Financial Network (ALFN), and was the first elected Chairwoman. She has served on numerous committees and is a current member of the leadership committee for Women in Legal Leadership (WILL). Tromberg has been engaged as a speaker at various events including: ALFN, NCBA, Five Star and other groups to discuss hot topics in the industry such as statute of limitation, proposed bills in Congress, ethics, FDCPA claims and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). She has also been involved with multiple amicus briefs filed on critical issues that have been heard by the Florida Supreme Court.
Dana Federspiel
STPI, Product Manager Senior
Black Knight
601 Riverside Ave.
Jacksonville, FL 32204
904-527-4408
dana.federspiel@bkfs.com
Dana Federspiel is currently the Managing Director within the Black Knight Enterprise Product Strategy group responsible for identification, development and delivery of enterprise opportunities with new and existing products.
Dana possesses 11+ years with Black Knight and its predecessor companies, including conducting client business reviews to provide recommendations, potential cost savings and risk analysis based on the usage of current technology, compliance and best practices for mortgage servicing to assist in the sales and assessment process. Additionally, Dana has conducted numerous training courses, assisted with requirements gathering and project plans for implementation of Black Knight products and process change execution strategies specializing in default products and processing.
Dana has over 21+ years of mortgage servicing experience in various roles related to processing, default management and reverse mortgages.
Erica Fujimoto
Director of Default Services & Management Consultant
Affinity Consulting Group
13700 Stevens Point Dr.
Frisco, TX 75033
727-202-3185
efujimoto@affinityconsulting.com
Erica is the primary project and client relations manager for all of Affinity’s default services projects. She handles process mapping with our clients and assists in program buildouts. She’s also involved in business development, strategic planning, and audits and compliance. Erica started in the mortgage banking industry in the late 90s working at a major mortgage servicer in foreclosure and bankruptcy, and then moved on to work at various law firms, first as a paralegal, and later as a managing paralegal. In 2007, Erica’s firm purchased the CaseAware® case management system, and she became the implementation project manager, program administrator, and trainer. She came to Affinity in 2010, where she has built a team of consultants catering to firms in the default industry.
Erica’s superpower is organization. She keeps a lot of balls in the air at one time, and rarely lets one drop. Erica is happiest when she’s helping people, and her favorite part of her job is being able to help her clients and her team every day.
Erica lives outside of Dallas, Texas, with her husband, Yoshi, of 20+ years and their two sons, Genki and Kazuki. She can usually be found watching soccer, baseball, tennis, and helping at her sons’ schools with PTA and other events. She enjoys reading, playing tennis, taking dance lessons, and shopping. She speaks fluent Japanese, and if she could spend the rest of her life doing anything, it would be traveling around the US and the world, meeting new people, and enjoying the culture of other countries.
Jan Duke
Chief Operating Officer
a360inc
102 9th Street, Suite 200
San Antonio, TX 78215
813.257.9084
jan.duke@a360inc.com
Jan Duke is the COO and lead consultant at a360inc. In this capacity, she provides strategic leadership for the company and utilizes her extensive industry experience to create customized solutions to resolve operational challenges for clients. Her primary focus is consulting in the areas of technology solutions, organizational structure, and business-process improvement.
She also oversees business development efforts, product management, and solutions delivery. Jan began her career in the consumer-packaged goods industry and later moved to the legal field where she has held senior leadership positions in human resources, information technology, support services, operations management, and compliance. With 20 years of experience in the industry, she can leverage her knowledge to assist client firms in meeting their performance and fiscal objectives.
Michael Weaver
President & CEO
360 Legal
201 Fletcher Ave., Suite 100
Sarasota, Florida 34237
(888) 360-5345 ext. 101
Mike@360legal.net
Mike is the President of 360 Legal, Inc., A leading National provider of Service of Process and associated legal services for the default industry. Prior to founding 360 Legal, Inc, Mike was a partner, and COO at A Better Process, Inc., a legal service firm based in Boca Raton Florida. Mike gained his Information Security expertise at Electronic Systems (ESR), a regional computer-consulting firm based in Richmond, Virginia. At ESR, Mike was the Director of Federal Sales and guided his team to launch two successful business units: a regional ISP, I2020.net, and an Information Security Consulting Practice that provided InfoSec services and products to the Department of Defense.
Mike currently resides in Sarasota, Florida where he is active in many outdoor activities. He holds a private pilot license. He attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and graduated with two Bachelor of Science Degrees and a minor in computer science.
Breakout Session 7 – Loss Mitigation
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
McCoy’s Peak
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Mountain Time
In this session, we’ll cover what you need to know to successfully understand, and more importantly, navigate loss mitigation in 2023. This session will discuss best practices, alternatives to foreclosure given recent market values, traditional sales, loan modifications, deeds-in-lieu, short sales, repayment/forbearance plans, payment deferrals and more for expedited resolutions.
Moderator:
Speakers:
Joseph A. Camillo, Jr., Esq.
Managing Partner
Brock & Scott, PLLC
1080 Main Street, Ste 200
Pawtucket, RI 02860
401-217-8701 x2403
Joseph.Camillo@brockandscott.com
With over 28 years of experience in the areas of Banking, Creditors’ Rights, Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, Real Estate, Litigation, Regulatory Compliance and Condominium Law, Mr. Camillo brings his management and business experience to the firm. He is Managing Partner of Brock & Scott's Northeast Default Servicing operation. He is admitted to practice law in all state and federal courts in MA and NH, US District Court in VT as well as the US Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit. Mr. Camillo earned his J.D. from Massachusetts School of Law in 1994, and B.A. from St. Bonaventure University in 1989. He lectures extensively throughout the US on topics such as default servicing and litigation. Mr. Camillo serves as USFN's chair of REO/Eviction committee and member of Education Committee, general counsel to New England Adjustment Managers Association in addition to being a Conference Faculty member of Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) and Real Estate Bar Association (REBA).
Memberships:
American Bankruptcy Institute, Real Estate Bar Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Bar Associations, American Liver Foundation/Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for which he has raised funds and awareness by participating and completing several IRONMAN and Marathon endurance races.
Practice Area:
Litigation & Defense, Real Estate Default, Special Assets Resolution, Title Curative
Admitted to Practice:
Education:
Matthew Murtland, Esq.
Regional Partner
LOGS Legal Group, LLP
4805 Montgomery Road, Suite 320
Cincinnati, OH 45212
513-396-8201
mmurtland@logs.com
Matthew Murtland, Regional Partner with the firm LOGS Legal Group, LLP, specializes in handling Creditor’s Rights cases with a focus in bankruptcy and foreclosure. He practices in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky representing national creditors in consumer bankruptcy cases in Chapter 7, 12, 13 and some Chapter 11 cases and currently serves as the Bankruptcy Practice Chair for LOGS.
Mr. Murtland is currently a member of National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees (NACTT), American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI), Kentucky Bar Association, and Louisville Bar Association.
Mr. Murtland is admitted to practice law in the Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina and the Federal District Courts and Bankruptcy Courts in the following jurisdictions: Southern District of Ohio, Northern District of Ohio, Eastern District of Kentucky, Western District of Kentucky, Southern District of Indiana, Northern District of Indiana. Mr. Murtland currently resides in Louisville, Kentucky.
Beth Northrop-Day, Esq.
Vice President and Assistant General Counsel
U.S. Bank
500 W Cypress Creek Rd., Suite 460
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
612.248.0447
beth.northropday@usbank.com
Beth Northrop-Day is a Vice President and Assistant General Counsel with U.S. Bank having joined the Bank in August 2014. Beth is lead attorney in the areas of Default Management Servicing Control and Default (Servicing) Operations, which includes but is not limited to Audit and Issues Management, SPOC & MAP, Loss Mitigation, Contested Foreclosure, Title issues, Probate, REO, Eviction, Property Preservation, Third Party Risk Management/Oversight, and Business Line Controls Management. In addition, she has experience in the management of highly contested litigation in the mortgage space and has worked closely with various entities regarding compliance with state and federal based laws, rules and regulations.
Beth has eliminated or reduced significant legal risks and exposure through getting in front of problem files, issues, etc. She understands the risks and is often able to resolve a dispute with outside the box thinking that leads to settlements. Beth focuses a significant amount of time on ensuring the Bank complies with all regulations, rules, federal agencies, etc. She develops and implements strategic positions to help her law firms and the Bank process defaulted loans properly and with the goal of helping the Bank's customers.
Beth participates in a variety of conferences and does not hesitate nor shy away from speaking at an event on default related issues or items. She has spoken at Legal League, ALFN conferences and WILLPOWER. Most recently, she spoke at a Bradley Arant industry summit where she shared her experiences and expertise in handling highly contested litigation and views on creatively handling and managing those matters.
Beth received the COSE award 6 months after joining the Bank in 2014. The COSE Award is the Circle of Service Excellence award given to those who not only exceeded expectations within a certain role or function, but went above and beyond their standard role to challenge the status quo, create new and innovative results and lead a project to its successful conclusion.
Beth participates in activities for St Jude's Childrens hospital, Feed my Starving Children and several Battered Women’s Clinics. She has also participated in clothing drives for battered women's shelters. She's spoken to and helped encourage and listen to women trapped in abusive relationships and shared her story to help encourage other to stand for themselves or to ask other to help them stand until they can stand on their own.
Damian Searles
AVP Loss Mitigation, Agency
BSI Financial Services (Servis One, Inc.)
1425 Greenway Drive, Suite 400
Irving, TX 75038
972.347.4350
dsearles@bsifinancial.com
Damian Searles, native of Greenwood, SC currently resides in Greenville, SC. Damian has a background in both the finance and business industries where he is paving the way for emerging leaders, ideas, and business strategies. Damian received his Associate's Degree in 2010 with a focus on Business Management and Administration. He recently graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in Project Management. In his current career, he is the manager of a team of foreclosure specialists. Understanding that this wasn’t a “fun” position, he decided to take on the task anyway, because leaders don’t always do what is fun, they do what is necessary. Damian’s leadership style is one of poise, compassion, integrity, critical thinking, process improvement, and growth. No matter what the circumstance, he lives by the motto, “Excellence is the only way”. With his foundation in banking, business, management, finance, and leadership, his disciplines give him the knowledge and experience required to make the necessary changes for growth and development for himself and other leaders around him. To continue expanding himself as well as his love for reaching, teaching, and impacting people, Damian is also a member of Toastmasters Intl. In his spare time, he likes traveling, cycling, flying his drone, and spending time with the people he loves the most. His future goals include becoming an Author. Damian will be releasing a devotional in 2022 for Leaders entitled No Vision, No Victory, Inspirational Journal for Leaders. With this devotional, Damian's mission is to make sure that every leader knows at least this one principle; Where there is no vision; the people will perish.
Breakout Session 8 – Uncommon Ground (Mobile Homes, Timeshares, Off the Beaten Path Foreclosures, Farm Loans & Cross Collateralization)
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Heritage Hall
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Mountain Time
This session will address the latest issues with Mobile Homes, Timeshares, Off the Beaten Path Foreclosures, Farm Loans & Cross Collateralization, Contracts for Deed - Installment Land Contracts, and Reverse Mortgages.
Moderator:
Speakers:
Deanne Stodden, Esq.
Partner
Messner Reeves LLP
1430 Wynkoop Street, Suite 300
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 623.1800
dstodden@messner.com
Deanne's practice encompasses all areas of real estate law, business law, banking law and creditor's rights. The majority of her legal career has focused on the representation of large and small financial institutions and other creditors in residential and commercial foreclosures, loan workouts, deficiency actions and real estate-related litigation. Deanne has significant experience negotiating and documenting loan transactions involving real estate. She drafts and negotiates leases, license agreements, cell tower leases and enjoys working with small businesses and entrepreneurs on entity formation, organization documents and contracts. In addition to her work, Deanne is active in the legal community and is a frequent author and speaker on a variety of real estate law and creditor's rights topics. Deanne is currently a member of the Colorado Bar Association Ethics Committee and is a liaison to the Colorado Bar Association Real Estate Section Council. In addition, Deanne is the Managing Editor of the Colorado Bar Association/CLE Colorado Real Estate Practice books and collaborates with the other authors to teach the 13-week course in real estate law to new lawyers, paralegals and other attendees.
Michael Rak, Esq.
Partner
Lender Legal PLLC
1800 Pembrook Drive, Suite 250
Orlando, FL 32810
407.730.4644
mrak@lenderlegal.com
Michael Rak, Esq., is a Partner at Lender Legal PLLC who specializes in foreclosure litigation and various other real estate law matters.
Originally from DeLand, Florida, Michael attended the University of Florida, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Michael then attended Florida State University College of Law, obtaining his Juris Doctor in August of 2008.
Michael began his legal career as a litigator with a firm in Maitland, Florida, specializing in foreclosure defense, consumer/debtor bankruptcy, debt negotiation, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act cases, and Social Security disability claims. During his time with his prior firm, Michael appeared in matters on the state, federal, and administrative level, and was an active member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, Central Florida Bankruptcy Law Association, and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives.
Michael joined Lender Legal in August of 2013. Michael approaches each borrower he speaks to with the compassion and respect they deserve, and works diligently to efficiently and effectively resolve cases in a beneficial way for the lenders he represents.
ADMISSIONS
Florida
EDUCATION
J.D., Florida State University, 2008
B.A., University of Florida, 2005
Heidi B. Carey, Esq.
Partner/Owner
Riley Pope & Laney, LLC
2838 Devine Street
Columbia, SC 29205
803.799.9993
hcarey@rplfirm.com
Heidi B. Carey of Riley Pope & Laney is an attorney in Columbia, SC. She represents mortgage banking creditors and manages the day-to-day operations of the firm’s default servicing practice. Ms. Carey joined Riley Pope and Laney in 2008 and became a member of the firm in 2010.
Ms. Carey graduated magna cum laude from the Honors College of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, a minor in Business, and a Performance Certificate from the School of Music in Cello. Upon graduation, she attended the University of South Carolina School of Law where she was Articles Editor of the South Carolina Environmental Law Journal. She began her law practice representing clients in business litigation and commercial real estate matters.
In 1998 she became in-house counsel to Fleet Mortgage Group, Inc. and Washington Mutual Bank managing mortgage banking litigation nationwide, and advising corporate clients on a wide range of mortgage servicing issues relating to customer service, tax payments, hazard insurance, foreclosures, collections, loss mitigation, mortgage insurance, and bankruptcy. While at Fleet Mortgage, she was also a member of the Fleet Mortgage Corp. Privacy Task Force for implementation of practices and procedures to comply with the newly enacted Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Privacy Act.
Since 2001, Ms. Carey has practiced residential foreclosure and bankruptcy law and supervised and managed both paralegals and attorneys. She is a frequent speaker at default servicing and on-site lender training events. Ms. Carey is a member of the South Carolina Bar and the Richland County Bar Associations and admitted to practice before all South Carolina state courts and the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. She is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell, is listed in the Best Lawyers in America for Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law, and has been recognized several times as part of the Legal Elite of the Midlands for foreclosure by the Greater Columbia Business Monthly magazine.
Ms. Carey continues her musical career as a tenured cello section member of the South Carolina Philharmonic, and also serves at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Ms. Carey, her husband Ken, and their two children reside in Columbia, South Carolina.
Benjamin Hoen, Esq.
Managing Partner- Real Estate Default Group
Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A.
965 Keynote Circle
Cleveland, OH 44131
216-739-5629
bhoen@weltman.com
Initially joining the firm over 20 years ago, Ben has been an integral part of its Real Estate Default Group and its success. With consideration of his commitment to both the firm and its clients, Ben was promoted to shareholder in 2017, where he continued to excel as an attorney. In early 2020, Ben was named as the firm’s new Real Estate Default Group leader, overseeing the department’s overall performance and client satisfaction.
Ben provides real estate default services for a wide range of financial institutions, from large national banks to community banks, credit unions, and private lenders. His clients trust him to help maximize loss mitigation initiatives, ensure compliance with investor guidelines as well as federal and state regulations, and optimize the recovery of assets. Ben’s attentiveness to his client’s needs, his ability to find solutions to complex legal issues, and his clear and timely communication ensure a smooth and timely foreclosure process. His longstanding client relationships are a testament to his solid work ethic and strong results.
Ben received his First Rabbinical Degree from Central Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim Lubavaitz, before graduating cum laude with his J.D. from Cleveland State University Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. He is well respected in the legal and local community, with multiple affiliations, including the Ohio Bar Association, the Michigan Bar Association, and the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Additionally, Ben sits on the Cleveland Heights Board of Zoning Appeals, the Cleveland Heights Housing Council, and the Board of Trustees at Congregation Zemach Zedek of Cleveland Heights - amongst other organizations. He has been named in six consecutive editions of the Ohio Rising Stars List (2011-16), an honor awarded annually to no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in the state.
Ben was born in Cleveland, and although briefly living in California, New York, London, and Israel, he found his way back to the 216, where he currently resides. Like any true diehard Clevelander, he loves the pain and suffering of Cleveland sports – and yes, he will always refer to Progressive Field as “The Jake.” One of his favorite memories is when the Cleveland Cavaliers won their first championship in franchise history in 2016. Ben is the oldest of six and is now a father of five children and one pet turtle. In his free time, he enjoys hiking in the Cleveland Metroparks with his family, grilling, and watching Star Wars.
Breakout Session 9 – Mock Trial
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Mt. Jackson
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Mountain Time
Step into the captivating world of the courtroom as we present a mock trial scenario focused on default mortgage servicing issues. Witness the legal battle unfold as we reenact a real-life courtroom scenario, exploring the intricacies and challenges of default mortgage servicing litigation.
Moderator:
Speakers (Mock Judge, Servicer Witness, Servicer Counsel, Borrower Counsel):
Christopher J. Picard, Esq.
Principal
Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C.
195 Church Street, 13th Floor
New Haven, CT 06510
203.821.2000
cpicard@npmlaw.com
Christopher J. Picard’s practice for the last 20 years has centered on handling creditor’s rights issues and real estate litigation in state, federal and bankruptcy courts inclusive of handling appellate matters. Chris will continue practicing in these areas and is expanding his practice to include commercial litigation. His clients have included national banks and servicers along with local lenders. Recently, Chris obtained two appellate decisions in favor of lenders; one involving the impact of divorce proceedings on a residential mortgage foreclosure and the other concerning to challenge the legal sufficiency of a special defense by way of summary judgment.
Chris began practicing law in 2000 after serving in the United States Navy as a Diver from 1987 to 1993. During his time on active duty, Chris participated in various salvage and recovery operations. After completion of his active duty, Chris attended Boston College where he served as President of the Boston College Men’s Rugby Team. While studying at the University of Dayton School of Law, Chris was a member of the Moot Court team winning the National Environmental Moot Court competition at Salmon P. Chase School of Law earning team honors for best brief and individual honors as Best Oralist.
Outside of practicing law, Chris is an active rugby referee and a Qualified Judicial Officer with World Rugby. Additionally, Chris enjoys spending time with his family inclusive of attending his children’s ice hockey games.
John C. Steele, Esq.
Managing Partner
Steele LLP
17272 Red Hill Avenue
Irvine, California 92614
(949) 222-1161
jsteele@steelellp.com
John Steele is the Managing Partner of Steele LLP and is a trial attorney with nearly 30 years’ experience litigating in state and federal courts. Mr. Steele also has substantial experience arbitrating cases before FINRA, the American Arbitration Association, ADR Services, and JAMS. His expertise includes commercial litigation, mortgage, banking and securities litigation, employment and trade secret matters, and real property disputes.
Mr. Steele represents mortgage servicers and banks, institutional investors, Fortune 500 companies, and corporate officers and directors through trial in a wide variety of business disputes involving:
Wrongful Foreclosure
California Homeowners’ Bill of Rights (HBOR)
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FRCA)
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)
Truth in Lending Act (TILA)
Fraud
Breach of Contract
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Negligence
Wrongful Termination
Sexual Harassment and Discrimination
Misappropriation of Trade Secrets
Unfair Competition
John was formerly a partner at law firms in Los Angeles and Orange County and was previously associated with Latham & Watkins LLP. He is licensed to practice in California.
Michael J. Catalfimo, Esq.
Partner
Rowlands, LeBrou & Griesmer, PLLC
480 Broadway, Suite 250
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
(518) 587-8112
mcatalfimo@rlglawny.com
MICHAEL J. CATALFIMO is a Partner in the New York law firm of Rowlands, LeBrou & Griesmer, PLLC, where he concentrates his practice in the fields of creditors’ rights, business and property law and litigation, and general civil litigation. Mr. Catalfimo earned his J.D. degree, magna cum laude, from Boston College Law School in 1985, and his B.A. degree, with all college honors, from Skidmore College in 1982. Mr. Catalfimo is active in numerous professional organizations and is a past-chair of the Board of Directors of the American Legal and Financial Network. He is a frequent speaker on topics related to creditors rights, legal ethics and real property law and litigation.
Regina M. Slowey, Esq.
Managing Litigation Attorney
Orlans PC
1650 W. Big Beaver Rd.
Troy, MI 48084
248 502 3070
rslowey@orlans.com
Regina Slowey has over 20 years of litigation experience, specifically devoted to business and real estate litigation involving the mortgage lending and servicing industries. Yet her not so secret passion is title – having also been involved in the title industry for over 15 years, working with realtors, agents, and underwriters, and being one of the few who enjoys both the transactional and litigation side of title. She began as a title attorney in the litigation practice at Orlans PC in 2013, and discovered she had found a firm that shares her core values of respect, collaboration, and innovation. Regina is licensed in Michigan and California, and manages the REO, title, collection, eviction and litigation areas of practice throughout the ten jurisdictions of Orlans PC. She loves to share her expertise at training seminars, conferences, and continuing legal education courses on real property law and related topics. She is also a proud graduate of the University of Michigan, (where she earned an undergraduate degree in Classical Civilization that her father still questions) and her JD (which her father also questioned but accepted a tad more gracefully).
Carolyn A. Taylor, Esq.
Partner
Hughes Watters Askanase L.L.P.
1201 Louisiana St., 28th Fl.
Houston, TX 77002
713-328-2804
ctaylor@hwa.com
Ms. Taylor is a partner whose practice is concentrated primarily in the areas of credit union law, creditors’ rights and mortgage banking. She has extensive expertise in default servicing (bankruptcy, collection, foreclosure, eviction, loss mitigation and debt restructuring), regulatory compliance and contract negotiation and drafting. Since 1979, Ms. Taylor has vigorously served as a legal advocate and strategic advisor for her clients. She learns and understands her clients’ business operations and objectives, thereby enabling her to provide timely, pragmatic and cost effective legal solutions.
Ms. Taylor is the Managing Partner of the firm’s award winning credit union, creditors’ rights and default services practice groups, including collection, foreclosure, bankruptcy, eviction, probate, title resolution , contested and litigated matters, consumer and commercial banking issues, regulatory compliance, and negotiation, drafting and review of contracts and leases. Instrumental in implementing and enhancing the internal policies, procedures and state of the art technology compliant solutions that enable her teams to deliver timely, superior services to clients. Prominent role in the firm’s selection as Designated Counsel for FHLMC (TX) and Retained Counsel for FNMA (TX) in 2008, legal representation until the termination of the programs and continued legal representation under “no objection “ letters. Routinely trains, speaks and publishes on credit union, mortgage servicing and consumer finance legal issues on a local, regional and national levels.
EDUCATION
Emory University 1979
– Doctor of Jurisprudence
– Order of the Barristers
University of Denver 1976
– Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude
LICENSURE
Licensed, State Bar of Texas 1979-Present
United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas (admitted 1979)
United States District Courts for the Eastern, Northern and Western Districts of Texas (Admitted 1980)
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
Closing General Session – The Housing Economy: Trends to Watch
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Sawatch Hall
3:15 PM – 4:30 PM Mountain Time
A panel of high-profile economists and industry analysts will offer insights on the state of the U.S. economy and trends to watch in the housing market. The panel will especially focus on the default servicing market, with information on mortgage delinquencies; how housing market dynamics (supply/demand imbalance, record homeowner equity, etc.) will impact the distressed housing market; what to expect in terms of defaults and foreclosures; and disposition strategies for properties in the foreclosure process.
Moderator:
Speakers:
Rick Sharga
Founder & CEO
CJ Patrick Company
54 Gingham St
Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679
949.322.4583
rick.sharga@cjpatrick.com
Rick is the Founder & CEO of CJ Patrick Company, a market intelligence and advisory firm for companies in the real estate and mortgage industries.
One of the country’s most frequently-quoted sources on real estate, mortgage and foreclosure trends, Rick has appeared on CNBC, CBS News, NBC News, CNN, ABC News, FOX, Bloomberg and NPR. Rick is a founding member of the Five Star National Mortgage Servicing Association, on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Default Professionals, and was twice named to the Inman News Inman 100, an annual list of the most influential real estate leaders.
Rick has over 20 years of experience in the real estate and mortgage industries, including roles as the EVP/Market Intelligence at ATTOM Data, EVP for Carrington Mortgage Holdings, EVP at RealtyTrac, and as the Chief Marketing Officer of Ten-X and Auction.com, the leading online real estate marketplace.
Hamilton Fout, PhD
Vice President – Economic & Strategic Research
Fannie Mae
1100 15th Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
919-260-0106
hamilton_fout@fanniemae.com
Hamilton Fout is Fannie Mae’s Vice President of Economic & Strategic Research, reporting to the Senior Vice President and Chief Economist. Fout is responsible for providing the forecasts of loan volumes and profiles to various business units of Fannie Mae. Fout is an important source of information regarding regional housing risks, the transmission of macro developments through the mortgage market, stress testing, interest rate dynamics, and issues related to mortgage risks and cash flows.
Prior to joining the Economic & Strategic Research group, Fout worked in the Underwriting and Pricing division of Fannie Mae focusing on issues related to credit risk. In this role, he had primary responsibility for tracking and reporting on regional risks within Fannie Mae’s credit portfolio, developing property-level and loan-level risk models, and monitoring and evaluating portfolio-level risks and opportunities for the company’s Single-Family book of business.
Prior to joining Fannie Mae, Fout worked as an assistant professor at Kansas State University, where he taught econometrics and undergraduate and graduate-level macro courses. Fout’s recently published research focused on mortgage performance, severity, and collateral valuation. Fout received a Ph.D. in economics from the University of North Carolina and a B.S. in economics and business from Florida State University.
Marina B. Walsh, CMB
Vice President, Industry Analysis | Research and Economics
Mortgage Bankers Association
1919 M Street NW, 5th Floor
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 557-2817
MWalsh@mba.org
Marina Walsh is Vice President of Industry analysis in MBA's Research and Economics Department, specializing in industry performance benchmarking for residential lenders and servicers. Currently, she leads the management and direction for the Mortgage Bankers Performance Reports, the Servicing Operations Study and Forum, the Peer Group Survey and Roundtable Program, the Mortgage Banking Compensation Survey Program, the Home Equity Lending Survey, the Loan Monitoring Survey and other ad hoc surveys and policy analyses. She is also MBA's spokesperson for the National Delinquency Survey.
In addition, Walsh conducts specialty workshops and roundtables on a variety of current topics critical to the mortgage industry and provides program advisory support for conferences, particularly MBA's Accounting and Financial Management Conference and its National Servicing Conference. She is an instructor for several MBA Education webinars and courses, including the Schools of Mortgage Servicing and the Future Leaders Program. Results of her work have been published in all of the major trade publications as well as national and local newspapers. She is a frequent speaker on mortgage finance and economics at MBA and other industry events and conferences.
In 2020, Walsh received the Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) designation, awarded to seasoned professionals seeking the ultimate recognition for professionalism and experience in residential mortgage banking. In 2016, she was named to HousingWire's "Women of Influence" list. The list, which is based on nominations from the industry, highlights women who are making significant contributions to mortgage banking and real estate.
Prior to joining MBA, Walsh was a manager in Ernst and Young's Real Estate Advisory Services Group where her focus was Federal credit program design, implementation and performance measurement. She started her career in the Management Training Program, then subsequently the financial planning division, of the Port Authority of NY & NJ. She holds a bachelor's degree from Cornell University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Columbia University.
Daren Blomquist
Vice President of Market Economics
Auction.com
1 Venture, Suite 300
Irvine, CA 92618
949-502-8310
DBlomquist@auction.com
Daren Blomquist is vice president of market economics at Auction.com. In this role, Blomquist analyzes and forecasts complex macro and microeconomic data trends within the marketplace and industry to provide value to both buyers and sellers using the Auction.com platform.
Daren’s reports and analysis have been cited by thousands of media outlets — including all the major news networks and leading publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and USA TODAY. Daren has been quoted in hundreds of publications and has appeared on many national network broadcasts, including CBS, ABC, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business and Bloomberg.
Monday, July 17, 2023
Sawatch Hall
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Mountain Time
Jeopardy style format with categories on common objections, trial etiquette, witness preparation, hearsay, documentary evidence, and standing, with substantive questions surrounding those issues. We will have three ALFN Attorney contestants, along with participation from the audience, who will battle it out for the ANSWERS Jeopardy champion.
Moderator:
- Kim Hammond, Esq., Managing Attorney – Foreclosure, Keith D. Weiner & Associates Co., LPA - khammond@weinerlaw.com
Speakers:
- LeAnn Covey, Shareholder/Senior Vice President, Clunk Hoose - lcovey@clunkhoose.com
- Vincent Averaimo, Partner, Barton Gilman - vaveraimo@bglaw.com
- Rose Brand Ramirez, President, Rose Ramirez & Associates - Rose@rrafirm.com
Kim Hammond, Esq.
Managing Attorney
Keith D. Weiner & Associates Co., LPA
75 Public Square, 4th floor
Cleveland, OH 44113
216-771-6500
khammond@weinerlaw.com
Kim obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1993, and received her B.A. in Legal Studies from SUNY Buffalo in 1990. She joined Keith D. Weiner & Associates Co., LPA (KWA) in October, 1999 as the Managing Attorney for the foreclosure practice. KWA is a mid-sized law firm AV rated by Martindale Hubbell. The Firm has offices in Ohio, Wisconsin and Kentucky and represents both local and national credit grantors, servicers and investors in a wide range of industries in both foreclosures and secured and unsecured debt collection. Kim manages the representation of mortgage lenders and servicers in all aspects of mortgage default including foreclosure, bankruptcy, eviction, mediation, loss mitigation, litigation, title claim defense and resolution and REO. She actively practices in State and Federal Courts throughout Ohio, Wisconsin and Kentucky and is also in-house counsel for our title company, Public Square Title Agency, LLC.
LeAnn Covey, Esq.
Senior Vice-President/Shareholder
Clunk, Hoose Co., LPA
495 Wolf Ledges Parkway
Akron, OH 44311
330-436-0300
lcovey@clunkhoose.com
LeAnn Covey is a Senior Vice-President and Shareholder at Clunk, Hoose Co., LPA. She currently heads the Bankruptcy and Collections departments and oversees policy and compliance at the firm. Ms. Covey started at Clunk, Hoose Co., LPA prior to law school and has been with the firm for over twenty years. She has focused solely on various aspects of Creditor’s rights. She is licensed to practice law in the state and federal courts of Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. She is a member of the ALFN, MBA, NACTT, NCBA, ACA, and state bar associations. Ms. Covey has spoken on various foreclosure and bankruptcy topics locally in Ohio and has written articles for the Legal League Quarterly, DS News, and ALFN Angle. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education from the Pennsylvania State University. After a brief period of time teaching high school history, she obtained her Juris Doctorate from The University of Akron. She strives to be an active member of her community by volunteering at local events. She currently serves on the board of trustees for the local theater company, Stow Players, as its President and volunteers as a coach and judge for the National Speech and Debate Association through Stow-Munroe Falls High School.
Vincent J. Averaimo, Esq.
Partner
Barton Gilman, LLP
250 Broad Street
Milford, CT 06460
203-874-6773
vaveraimo@bglaw.com
For over 15 years, Vincent Averaimo has engaged in judicial foreclosures, complex foreclosure litigation, general civil litigation, probate litigation, title litigation, title curative, REO transactions and eviction litigation on behalf of numerous banks, financial institutions, non-bank servicers and investors.
Vinny has built a reputation as an aggressive, compassionate attorney who prides himself on high ethical standards. He has written a number of white papers relating to changes in Connecticut foreclosure laws and has presented many seminars to clients pertaining to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the basics of Connecticut foreclosures. Vinny has been an adjunct professor at the University of New Haven in New Haven, Connecticut teaching graduate level courses in business law. He currently teaches classes in The Basics of Connecticut Foreclosures, Ethics and Real Estate transactions for the Dare’s Institute.
Vinny is especially proud of the New Haven Business Times “Forty Under 40” Award in
recognition of his professional achievement and community involvement and the “Helping Milford Grow” Award for professional and community contributions to the City of Milford. Vinny is also a contributor to many publications including realtor.com and Forbes magazine and has appeared on WTNH Channel 8 News where he spoke about protecting a consumer in a real estate transaction.
Vinny received his J.D. from Quinnipiac School of Law and his B.A. from Hofstra University.
In his spare time, Vinny is an avid tennis player competing in USTA sanctioned matches and
tournaments and cherishes his time with his wife and two daughters.
Rose Ramirez, Esq.
President
Rose Ramirez & Associates, P.C.
7430 Washington Street NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 833-3036
Rose@RRAfirm.com
Rose Ramirez is a 1988 Graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law. Upon graduating from law school in May of 1988, Rose began working for a law firm specializing in Bankruptcy and became a shareholder shortly thereafter. In July of 1999, Rose started her own firm which is now Rose Ramirez & Associates, P.C. (RRA) dedicated to representing creditors throughout the United States. RRA is recognized as both a woman owned business and a minority owned business.
Rose is admitted to practice in all Courts in the State of New Mexico, the United States Bankruptcy Court, the United States District Court and the United States Court of Appeals. Additionally, she is licensed to practice in Tribal Courts including, but not limited to, Acoma, Isleta, Laguna, Mescalero, San Felipe, San Juan, Zuni, Taos, Tohono O'Odham, and Ute.
Rose was born in El Paso, Texas; graduated from New Mexico State University with honors (Bachelors 1985); graduated from University of New Mexico Law School and admitted to the bar in 1988. She is a member of the following American Bar Associations Sections: (Banking and Business Law, Corporation, Class Action Defense,); State Bar of New Mexico (Members Section on: Real Property, Corporation and Bankruptcy); has taught seminars on Foreclosures, Creditor Collections, Fair Debt Collection Practice Act and Creditor Bankruptcy as well as sat on panels on Creditor Right’s and Business Practices conferences.
Rose's main concentrations are Creditors’ Representation, including Foreclosure, Bankruptcy, Collections, Replevin, Evictions, Truth in Lending laws, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Unfair Trade Practices, Fair Credit Reporting Act, RESPA, Class Action Defense, Commercial Litigation, Business Law, Contract Law, Construction Law, all Creditor related areas in New Mexico and all Tribal Courts, including Defense and Real Estate.
Rose has earned many awards including the Enterprising Women of the Year, Albuquerque Business First award for diverse business leaders and women of influence, NAWRV conference award for “The Producer” for advancing Gender Equality and creating a path to success for all women, and a Certificate of Honor from the New Mexico Bar Association for dedicated service to the legal profession, among other industry awards.
In addition to her dedication to the legal profession, Rose is very involved in and dedicated to child welfare issues and services including foster care and adoption. She is also a dedicated mother to 4 children and 4 grandchildren, so she is always on the go and ready for the next move. Rose holds herself to the standard of providing quality legal work whilst balancing life at its fullest.
Breakout Session 1 – Leadership
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
McCoy’s Peak
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM Mountain Time
Join us for a fireside chat showcasing Andy Cohen, PhD, as esteemed professor from the Daniels College of Business at University of Denver, where he will share with us some of the knowledge and insight he has accumulated over more than 20 years on various aspects of what it means to be an effective leader. Andy will be joined by two of our industry’s leaders, Nolan Turner and Natalie Womack, as they discuss topics ranging from the foundations of solid leadership, the impact of technology and AI on our ability to lead, the expanding DEI/ESG landscape, and helping our team members find a sense of purpose in their work. These exciting speakers will be joined by Blake Strautins, who will guide this discussion of some of the most important leadership trends facing our industry in what can seem (at times) like a constantly shifting business environment.
Moderator:
- Blake Strautins, Managing Partner, Kluever Law Group - bstrautins@klueverlawgroup.com
Speakers:
- Andy Cohen, PhD, Faculty Director, Executive MBA Program, Professor of the Practice, Management Department, Daniels College of Business, University of Denver - Andy.Cohen@du.edu
- Nolan Turner, Managing Director, Carrington - Nolan.Turner@carringtonms.com
- Natalie Womack, SVP, Director of Consumer Lending & Default Servicing, Simmons Bank - Natalie.Womack@simmonsbank.com
Blake A. Strautins, Esq.
Managing Partner
Kluever Law Group, LLC
200 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 1880
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 909-3929
bstrautins@klueverlawgroup.com
Blake A. Strautins is a co-owner and managing partner of Kluever Law Group, LLC, where he heads the firm’s litigation department. Blake attended Boston University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in political science in 2004, and he then earned his juris doctor from DePaul University College of Law in 2007. Blake was admitted to the bar in Illinois that same year.
Blake has been practicing in the field of complex litigation his entire legal career, with a focus on creditor’s rights litigation and mortgage foreclosure litigation and appeals in Illinois since 2014. His significant experience includes litigating cases concerning the FDCPA, TILA, and complex mortgage foreclosure litigation issues. Over the last few years, he personally handled and won several appeals in Illinois that created new law favorable to the mortgage foreclosure plaintiffs’ bar. Blake takes great pride in charting the firm’s path forward into continued growth and success in partnership with its diverse client base.
He is a volunteer member of the Chicago Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Committee, where he helps evaluate judicial candidates for the bench. He also consistently volunteers to judge CBA and ABA moot court and moot arbitration competitions each year, while working as a mentor to young attorneys. He was awarded the ALFN JPEG Picture the Future Award in 2021.
He most recently spoke on the topic of payoffs and reinstatements at ALFN Answers in 2022 in NM. He also spoke on a LL100 webinar on the topic of emerging litigation trends in the industry in August 2022. Each of these panels was well-attended and well-received by all, including servicers in the audience that thanked me for my insights and presentation.
Blake also previously obtained a key ruling from the Illinois appellate court stemming from mortgage foreclosure litigation in U.S. Bank Nat'l Ass'n as Tr. for Registered Holders of First Franklin Mortgage Loan Tr., Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-FF2 v. Gagua, 2020 IL App (1st) 190454, which is the leading case in Illinois on the requirements for judgment affidavits and compliance with Illinois law on same.
Blake is a regular contributor to the ALFN Angle, most recently with the edition that was released in November 2022 on the topic of new timelines for foreclosures being established in Illinois.
Andy Cohen, PhD
Faculty Director, Executive MBA Program
Professor of the Practice, Management Department
Daniels College of Business, University of Denver
2044 E. Evans Ave. #333
Denver, CO 80210
303.871.7692
Andy.Cohen@du.edu
Andy Cohen, PhD, is the faculty director of the Daniels Executive MBA and a professor of the practice in the Department of Management. His teaching and research are in the domains of organizational behavior, leadership and human resource management. He is also founding partner of August Third Leadership Partners, an executive coaching and consulting firm.
Prior to coming to Daniels, he spent 10 years in faculty and administrative roles at Georgetown, George Washington and American Universities. Prior to his academic career, he was a C-suite executive at Capital One and a partner at Oliver Wyman, the global strategy consulting firm.
He holds a PhD from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a BA from Brown University.
In his leisure time, Andy is an avid skier, runner, cyclist and football fan…and devoted dad to two super twenty-somethings!
Nolan Turner
Managing Director
Carrington
15 Park Ave, 10B
New York, NY 10016
646-709-7611
Nolan.Turner@Carringtonms.com
Nolan Turner is the Managing Director of Carrington Mortgage Holdings where he leads the firm's strategic initiatives, institutional business outreach, growth and revenue objectives, and industry / government partnerships across Carrington's continuum of companies.
Nolan has touched a plethora of business and finance operations throughout his career with a special emphasis on Mortgage Lending (Wholesale, Retail and Correspondent), Mortgage Servicing, and Default Management (REO disposition, Property Preservation, Title & Settlement Services). Nolan has hands on experience in Capital Markets, RMBS Securitization, and both the buy and sell side of whole loan trading, Non-Performing / Re-Performing Loans, and Mortgage Servicing Rights. Prior to joining Carrington in 2010, Nolan held executive leadership roles within the Investment Bank at Wachovia / Wells Fargo, Wholesale Mortgage Operations at World Savings, and Real Estate Development Operations for East-West Partners.
Nolan graduated with honors from the University of Nevada and holds undergraduate degrees in international business and psychology and was a PhD Candidate in behavioral science (cognitive psychology). Nolan has also completed extensive MBA coursework in International Business at IE Business School in Madrid, Spain and Quantitative Analytics at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Nolan has served on countless committees and boards within academia and the mortgage industry and is a graduate of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) Program, MBA Future Leaders Program, and is a Housing Wire Rising Star award winner. Nolan is a board member of the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association and the current Chairman of the Texas MBA Mortgage Servicing Committee. In his spare time, Nolan enjoys a host of outdoor activities (hiking, mountain climbing, fishing, snowboarding / skiing, golf) and has traveled widely, visiting more than 91 countries. Nolan was born and raised in the Reno / Lake Tahoe area and currently resides in Southlake, TX.
Natalie Womack
SVP, Director of Consumer Lending & Default Servicing
Simmons Bank
601 E. 3rd St. 7th Floor
Little Rock, AR 72201
501-377-7489
natalie.womack@simmonsbank.com
Natalie is the Vice President of Consumer Default for Simmons Bank in Little Rock, AR. She is in her 16th year of work in the mortgage banking industry, having held several positions in foreclosure and default management over her time. Natalie has extensive experience with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Conventional, and FHA loans in the default arena, and has established relationships with attorneys, servicers, and investors across the industry.
Breakout Session 2 – DEI Issues
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Heritage Hall
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM Mountain Time
This session is designed in a roundtable format as a DEI speed session. We will have separate topics that will be placed at individual tables, with a moderator/table leader being placed at each table. This format will help foster a smaller, more intimate discussion on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Awareness "IDEA" topics. Discussions will be approximately 10 minutes and then attendees will have the ability to choose another table. The topics to be discussed in this session will be preselected by the ALFN's IDEA committee and then the moderators/table leaders will "present" the discussion points to the audience as a whole. This session will be an interactive, informal discussion on a variety of IDEA issues.
Moderator:
- Natalie Grigg, Partner, Woods Oviatt Gilman, LLP - ngrigg@woodsdefaultservices.com
Table Leaders:
- Nonny Sanchez, Vice President, Fay Servicing - NoSanchez@fayservicing.com
- Tricia Osgood, New Development Manager, CaseMax - tricia.osgood@casemax.com
- Greg Campbell, Partner, Aldridge Pite, LLP - GCampbell@aldridgepite.com
- Michelle Gilbert, Managing Partner, Gilbert Garcia Group - mgilbert@gilbertgrouplaw.com
- Andrew Brenner, Member, BWW Law Group - Andrew.Brenner@bww-law.com
- Nicole Fitzgerald, Firm Principal & Managing Attorney, Bendett & McHugh - nfitzgerald@bmpc-law.com
- Toniqua Green, VP, Corporate Social Responsibility, Mr. Cooper - toniqua.green@mrcooper.com
Natalie A. Grigg, Esq.
Partner
Woods Oviatt Gilman, LLP
500 Bausch & Lomb Place
Rochester, New York 14604
585-445-2610
NGrigg@woodsdefaultServices.com
Natalie A. Grigg is the Supervising Partner in the firm’s Default Servicing Department, overseeing staff and attorneys, while ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. Ms. Grigg represents lenders, investors, and services in residential mortgage foreclosures, bankruptcy actions, evictions, and related litigation throughout New York State.
Prior to joining Woods Oviatt, Ms. Grigg represented creditors and servicers in contested matters in Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings throughout New York State. She has extensive experience with litigated matters within bankruptcy and foreclosure proceedings as well as commercial litigation.
Ms. Grigg received her Juris Doctorate from the University at Buffalo Law School in May 2002 with a concentration in Civil Litigation. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Legal Studies in February 1999 from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Nonny Sanchez
VP, Compliance, Issues Management
Fay Servicing, LLC
1601 LBJ Freeway, Suite 150
Farmers Branch, TX 75234
312-429-2737
NoSanchez@fayservicing.com
With 21 years of experience in the mortgage finance industry (including Foreclosure, Bankruptcy, REO, Closing and Title Insurance), Nonny Sanchez is an Agency and Regulatory Compliance professional who bridges regulatory guidance and business control implementation. Prior to joining Fay, Sanchez lead the Regulatory and Agency Compliance Program at BSI Financial and worked for the Default Compliance Program at PennyMac. Nonny lead thousands of complex compliance initiatives that included FCRA, CFPB, FDCPA, HAMP, GSE, FHA, TILA-RESPA, SOX, SOC-1, Native American Housing, ECOA, CARES act, and state rules. Additionally, her default operations, vendor management, nationwide originations, escrow and REO service background, enabled her to effectively identify compliance opportunities and solutions throughout the entire mortgage lifecycle to mitigate compliance risk.
Nonny is relied upon in her organization as a leader who provides proactive preparation and automation of processes and controls, which are key to complex challenge resolution. She does this all while demonstrating a hardworking and courteous relationship-based approach, culminating in long lasting partnerships.
Nonny was featured in Housingwire and is a two-time ALFN ANSWERS panelist. She graduated in Public Administration and Public Policy from Florida International University and was awarded the MBA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee Mortgage Bankers Association Path to Diversity Scholarship 2022, to obtain her CRMCP in 2023. This is in addition to her involvement with a diverse set of groups including The Society of Jesus, and Society of St. Teresa of Jesus, Colombia; Operation Kindness, Carrolton, TX; and Fay Constructive Foundation."
Tricia Osgood
New Development Product Manager
CaseMax
13160 Foster Street, Suite 100
Overland Park, KS 66213
816-721-7543
Tricia.osgood@casemax.com
Tricia joined the CaseMax team as Product Manager in February 2008. Her primary responsibility is to ensure that the application grows and continues to meet the needs of the law firms it supports. She works with the CaseMax staff in Business Analysis, Quality Assurance and Support to enable the teamwork that delivers continuous application development.
Tricia has over 35 years of experience in the definition and design of software applications with significant concentrations in business and system requirements, user interface design, and agile development.
Greg Campbell, Esq.
Partner
Aldridge | Pite, LLP
4375 Jutland Drive, Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92117
858.750.7620 (Internal: 1620)
gcampbell@aldridgepite.com
As a Partner at Aldridge Pite, LLP’s Bankruptcy Department, Mr. Campbell manages the firm’s loan portfolio in Chapter 11, 12, and Subchapter-V reorganizations. Mr. Campbell’s representation includes defending financial institutions, secured and unsecured creditors, and mortgage servicers with respect to residential, auto, commercial, and SBA loans in bankruptcy and adversary proceedings.
Mr. Campbell has served as a panelist at financial servicing seminars and his work has been published in numerous legal journals.
While attending school at the University of San Diego School of Law, Mr. Campbell participated in law review and graduated with honors. In addition, Mr. Campbell served as a judicial clerk for the Honorable Justice Terry O’Rourke at the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District in San Diego.
Mr. Campbell holds a Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Law & Society from the University of California – Santa Barbara. He is licensed to practice law in California and the U.S. District Courts for the Central, Eastern, Northern, and Southern Districts of California.
Michelle Garcia Gilbert, Esq.
Managing Partner
Gilbert Garcia Group, P.A.
2313 West Violet Street
Tampa, FL33603
813.638.8920
mgilbert@gilbertgrouplaw.com
Michelle Gilbert is admitted to the Florida Bar (1986), Washington, D.C. Bar (2020), Middle District of Florida (1988), Northern District of Florida (2005), Southern District of Florida (2006), U.S. Supreme Court (2000), and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit (2003). She matriculated at the University of South Florida (B.A., 1982, cum laude), and the University of Notre Dame Law School (J.D., 1985). She is a member of the following associations: Greater Tampa Association of Realtors; Bay Area Real Estate Council, Inc., Board of Directors; Hillsborough County Bar Association (Technology Committee; Real Property, Probate and Trust Law; Solo and Small Firm; Diversity; and Military and Veteran Sections); Florida Bar (Standing Committee on Technology; Real Property, Probate and Trust Law; Business; and Solo and Small Firm Sections- Executive Council); American Legal and Financial Network; Legal League 100 (Vice Chairperson, 2016-19; Advisory Council Member, 2014-19; Special Initiatives Working Group, 2017- present); REOMAC/National Association of Default Professionals, Educational Council; and The Fund, Westcor and Doma Title Agent.
She has managed the firm’s expansion into probate, estate planning, guardianship, commercial collections, and business law and litigation, and oversees Sapphire Title & Escrow Company, launched in 2015. Michelle places great value on serving her community. She volunteers with her parish, St. Lawrence Catholic Church and School, with St Peter Claver and St. Joseph elementary schools, and with various groups supporting children, animal, veterans and affordable legal services initiatives. She is chairman of Board of Directors of LifeChoices Family Medical, a women’s nonprofit holistic health care practice, and of St. Peter Claver Catholic School.
Andrew J. Brenner, Esq.
Partner | Director of Firm Operations
BWW Law Group, LLC
6003 Executive Boulevard, Suite 101
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 961-6555 ext 3738
Andrew.Brenner@bww-law.com
ANDREW J. BRENNER – University of Florida (B.A., Economics 2006) (B.A., Political Science 2006); The University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law (J.D. 2009).
Maryland Bar, Member (December 2009)
United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Admitted (August 2010)
District of Columbia Bar, Member (November 2017)
Mr. Brenner has several years of experience primarily representing institutional banks, title insurance companies, and mortgage servicers. He has served as title resolution litigation counsel for the Fidelity National Title Group and has years of experience arguing cases in the Trial Courts and the Appellate Courts of Maryland. Mr. Brenner has conducted several on-site training presentations for clients relating to a variety of real estate related matters. He is a frequent panelist at real estate industry conferences and seminars.
Mr. Brenner is a Partner and the Director of Firm Operations of the BWW Law Group, LLC. The BWW Law Group, LLC was established in 1996 and represents the mortgage servicing community in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. BWW Law Group, LLC is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated law firm and is a member of the United States Foreclosure Network (USFN), The American Legal & Financial Network (ALFN), and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).
Nicole Fitzgerald, Esq.
Firm Principal & Managing Attorney
Bendett & McHugh, P.C.
270 Farmington Avenue, Suite 151
Farmington, CT 06032
(860) 255-5060
nfitzgerald@bmpc-law.com
Practice Areas
Foreclosure
Title
Education
Roger Williams University School of Law, J.D. 2006
Western New England College, B.A., English/Communications, magna cum laude. 2003
Nicole joined Bendett & McHugh, P.C. as an Associate in 2009. She is admitted to practice before the Connecticut Bar (2006) and the District Court for the District of Connecticut (2007). Nicole is currently Principal and the Attorney Manager for the Review Attorney, Sale/Post-Sale, and DIL Departments in the firm’s Connecticut Foreclosure Group and Attorney Manager for the All States Borrower Assistance Department. She represents secured creditors in mortgage foreclosure actions, with responsibility for vesting, sale, title and escalated non-contested matters. Nicole reviews title documentation, pleadings and other substantive documents and attends judicial and bankruptcy hearings.
Before joining Bendett & McHugh, Nicole worked as an Associate in private practice with a concentration on protection of creditor rights. She prepared foreclosure complaints, files for judgment, participated in court ordered mediation sessions, and researched and prepared memorandum involving property, mortgage and title claim litigation. She began her career as a Document Review Attorney for complex antitrust, patent and contract cases and reviewed and prepared witness files for depositions. While attending law school, Nicole worked as Summer Associate, Legal Assistant and Intern in private practice performing research and drafting memoranda of law, complaints and other pleadings.
Toniqua Green
VP, Corporate Social Responsibility
Mr. Cooper
8950 Cypress Waters Blvd.
Coppell, TX 75019
469.549.3303
toniqua.green@mrcooper.com
Toniqua Green started her career at Mr. Cooper over 16 years ago in the company’s call center and worked her way up, advocating for herself and mentoring others along the way. After only three years working in the call center, she earned the position of Foreclosures Manager, where she went from specialist to team lead to manager and, eventually, Vice President. Toniqua built her dream career through a mix of hard work and persistence, and today, Toniqua serves as Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, where she oversees state and community relations, the company’s Environmental Social Governance efforts and our Diversity Equity & Inclusion initiatives. In her role, she partners with housing advocates, state housing agencies and federal housing associations to provide mortgage assistance to homeowners in need, managing outreach efforts, government sponsored initiatives, strategic planning of foreclosure prevention and new homeowner efforts in low-to-moderate income markets and underserved communities.
Breakout Session 3 – Federal Law Updates
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Mt. Jackson
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM Mountain Time
With the ever-evolving legal and regulatory environment, it is crucial for mortgage servicing professionals to stay abreast of the latest changes and adapt their practices accordingly. Our esteemed panelists, comprised of legal experts, will shed light on the emerging trends and discuss the challenges and opportunities they present. Whether you are a mortgage servicing professional, legal counsel, compliance officer, or industry stakeholder, this panel session promises to provide valuable insights, practical guidance, and actionable strategies to address the most pressing statutory and regulatory challenges impacting the mortgage servicing industry today. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from industry experts and connect with peers facing similar issues.
Moderator:
- Jackie McNally, Deputy General Counsel – Compliance, Padgett Law Group - jackie.mcnally@padgettlawgroup.com
Speakers:
- Manual (Manny) Newburger, Esq., Attorney/VP/Shareholder, Barron & Newburger, PC - mnewburger@bn-lawyers.com
- Joann Needleman, Esq., Member, Clark Hill – jneedleman@clarkhill.com
- Mark Cronenwett, Director of Litigation, Mackie Wolf Zientz & Mann - mcronenwett@mwzmlaw.com
- Jim Noonan, Partner, Noonan & Lieberman - jnoonan@noonanandlieberman.com
Jacqueline F. McNally, Esq.
Deputy General Counsel - Compliance
Padgett Law Group
700 Darby Road, Suite 100
Havertown, PA 19083
(850) 422-2520 Ext. 7161
jackie.mcnally@padgettlawgroup.com
Jackie specializes in judicial foreclosure and title clearance in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She has been involved in the default servicing industry for more than a decade.
She graduated from Dickinson College in 2002 and Penn State Dickinson School of Law in 2005. She has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of GSE rules and guidelines as well as FDCPA and CFPB requirements. Her major areas of practice include Creditors’ Rights, Bankruptcy, Eviction and Litigation.
Jackie is an active participant in the default industry and its associated organizations. She is regularly featured in trade publications, industry conference panels, webinars, and often leads direct client training events on foreclosure trends and issues specific to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, where her practice is primarily centered.
LICENSED IN PENNSYLVANIA, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, GEORGIA
2002 EARNED B.A.
DICKINSON COLLEGE
2005 EARNED J.D.
PENN STATE DICKINSON SCHOOL OF LAW
Manuel H. Newburger, Esq.
Founding Shareholder and Vice President
Barron & Newburger, PC
7320 N. MoPac Expy., Suite 400
Austin, TX 78731
(512) 649-4022
mnewburger@bn-lawyers.com
A well-known author and speaker on the FDCPA and other consumer protection laws, Mr. Newburger is known nationally for his expertise in consumer and commercial law, consulting on FDCPA, FCRA, and TCPA compliance across the globe and both defending and consulting on the defense of individual and class consumer litigation across the United States. In addition to his practice with the firm Mr. Newburger has taught consumer protection law as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas school of law since 1999.
Mr. Newburger has defended individual and class actions across the country. His regulatory experience includes the defense of enforcement investigations and actions by federal and state regulators including the CFPB, the FTC, and numerous state attorneys general, debt collection regulators, and consumer regulators. He has also served as national counsel for multiple entities, managing the defense of litigation throughout the United States. Mr. Newburger has done operational and compliance consulting and compliance training for creditors, debt buyers, law firms, and collection agencies throughout the U.S. and in India, the Philippines, and Canada. He has also served as amicus curiae counsel at the Supreme Court and multiple U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals in a number of high-profile cases affecting the credit and collection industry.
Mr. Newburger is board-certified as a specialist in consumer and commercial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. A Fellow of the American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers who was recognized by Collections & Credit Risk magazine in 2009 as an “Industry Champion”, Mr. Newburger has been honored to receive the National Creditors Bar Association’s Don Kramer and Member of the Year Awards and the Commercial Law League of America’s President’s Cup. He has received numerous awards for his efforts on behalf of legal services to the poor.
Mr. Newburger is a member of the National Creditors’ Bar Association and the American Bar Association. He is a past Chair of the Commercial Law League of America’s Fair Debt Collection Practices Act Committee, a past Chair of the State Bar of Texas’ Consumer and Commercial Law Section, and a past Chair of the Texas Board of Legal Specialization’s Exam and Advisory Commissions on board certification in consumer and commercial law. The Texas Supreme Court has appointed him to multiple task forces charged with writing foreclosure rules in Texas, and he served on the editorial committee for the State Bar’s Texas Collection Manual – Third Edition.
Joann Needleman, Esq.
Member
Clark Hill
Two Commerce Sq., 2001 Market Street, Suite 2026
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-640-8536
jneedleman@clarkhill.com
Joann Needleman leads the firm’s financial services regulatory and compliance practice and advises banks, financial institutions, and financial services entities on regulatory compliance matters. Joann prepares and represents these same financial institutions during state and federal supervisory examinations and regulatory investigations before agencies such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Office of the Comptroller of Currency (OCC) as well as state financial services regulators and attorneys general. A former member of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) Consumer Advisory Board, Joann provides her clients with useful strategies and common-sense solutions in order to prepare for areas of regulatory scrutiny.
Education
J.D., Widener University School of Law, Wilmington, Delaware, 1994
B.A., Temple University, Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia, 1986
State Bar Licenses
Pennsylvania, New Jersey
Court Admissions
U.S. District Ct., District of New Jersey
U.S. District Ct., E.D. of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Ct., M.D. of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Ct., W.D. of Pennsylvania
U.S. Court of Appeals, 3rd Circuit
U.S. Supreme Court
Mark D. Cronenwett, Esq.
Director of Litigation
Mackie Wolf Zientz & Mann, PC
14160 North Dallas Pkwy, Suite 900
Dallas, Texas 75254-4319
214-635-2670
mcronenwett@mwzmlaw.com
Mark D. Cronenwett joined the firm in October 2012 and serves as the Managing Attorney of the firm’s Litigation Section. Mark has 15 years of experience in mortgage-lending litigation; general commercial litigation; general insurance defense and appellate law. Prior to joining the firm, Mark was a Shareholder at Cowels & Thompson, P.C. and Higier Allen & Lautin, P.C. Mark is admitted to the Texas State Bar, Fifth Circuit, and all Texas Federal District Courts.
EDUCATION
J.D., Catholic University of America (1993)
B.A. English, University of Dallas (1990)
AFFILIATIONS AND AWARDS
¨ Member, State Bar of Texas (Consumer Law and Civil Appellate Sections)
¨ Member Dallas Bar Association
¨ Member Federal Bar Association
¨ Immediate Past President, St. Thomas More Society
¨ Pro Bono Counsel to White Rose Women’s Center
¨ Recognized, Texas Rising Star, Law & Politics, 2006 and 2005
ARTICLES
"Loss Mitigation Measure Upheld by Texas Supreme Court"
- Mark Cronenwett, Director of Litigation - June 3, 2014
James V. Noonan, Esq.
Founding Partner
Noonan & Lieberman, LTD.
33 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 1150
Chicago, Illinois 60602
312-605-3443
jnoonan@noonanlieberman.com
James Noonan is a founding partner at Noonan & Lieberman, Ltd., a Chicago-based law firm concentrating in civil litigation on behalf of creditors, business and real estate owners. His practice areas include Creditors Rights; Foreclosure; Commercial Litigation; Bankruptcy Litigation; Lenders Liability; Real Estate Litigation; Foreclosures; Civil Appellate Practice.
Mr. Noonan received his undergraduate degree from Marquette University (B.A. 1985) and his law degree from the DePaul University College of Law (J.D.1988). Mr. Noonan is admitted to practice law in the State of Illinois (1989) and the State of Wisconsin (2015). Mr. Noonan is a member of the Chicago State Bar Association; the Illinois State Bar Association; the Mortgage Bankers Association; the Illinois Mortgage Bankers Association; and the American Legal and Financial Network (ALFN) and served on the ALFN Board from 2009 to 2015. He has chaired the ALFN’s sub-committee on Federal Consumer Lending Statutes and Commercial Foreclosures.
Mr. Noonan is the author of the Illinois Mortgage Foreclosure Practice, Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education (2016) and co-author of Foreclosure: Plaintiff-Lender’s Case, Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education (2016) and the co-author of Federal Practice: Foreclosing Mortgages in Federal Court; Foreclosing Foreign Mortgages, Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education (2016). Mr. Noonan has spoken on mortgage foreclosure litigation strategies, RESPA and TILA compliance. He was a Panel Member of the Law Ed series on Federal Court foreclosure practice. He was a member of the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Illinois’ drafting committee on federal foreclosure forms. He was a member of the court appointed Advisory Committee on Cook County Sheriff’s eviction procedures. Mr. Noonan has testified before the Illinois House of Representatives Consumer Protection sub-committee on foreclosure practice and procedure.
Breakout Session 4 – Collateral Attacks (e-notes, e-signatures)
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
McCoy’s Peak
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Mountain Time
The session will discuss enforcing e-notes and e-signatures, and we will review some of the issues that are trending across the nation.
Moderator:
- Ashley Elmore Drew, Managing Attorney, McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC - adrew@mtglaw.com
Speakers:
- Stephen Vargas, Supervising Attorney, Gross Polowy - svargas@grosspolowy.com
- Adam Diaz, Partner, Diaz Anselmo & Associates - ADiaz@dallegal.com
- Jennifer Rogers, Managing Attorney, IDEA Law Group - jrogers@idealawgroupllc.com
Ashley Elmore Drew, Esq.
Managing Attorney, Florida
McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC
3275 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Ste. 312
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
561.275.5048
adrew@mtglaw.com
My practice involves litigation and portfolio management for mortgage lenders. Historically, I have focused on legal and regulatory compliance matters that affect lenders and lending-adjacent businesses. I draft customized--- or evaluate existing---policies, procedures, vendor contracts, document templates, advertising, disclosures, and business arrangements to ensure compliance with state and federal law. I provide assistance with regulatory audits, CID's, customer complaints, and vendor auditing and due diligence. I defend corporate clients against contract and consumer claims in state and federal court as well as handle escalated litigation of foreclosures and title matters.
Education:
Stetson University College of Law (JD)
University of Central Florida (MA)
University of Central Florida (BA)
Bar Admission(s):
Florida
Stephen Vargas, Esq.
Supervising Attorney – Downstate Office
Gross Polowy, LLC
900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 201
Westbury, NY 11590
716 362 8046
svargas@grosspolowy.com
Brooklyn Law School, J.D.; Columbia University in the City of New York, B.A.. Practices in real estate, mortgage default servicing, foreclosure trial and appellate court litigation, federal trial and appellate court litigation, loan resolution, home retention, eviction, and title claim resolution. He is admitted to practice Law in the: New York State Courts; United States District Courts for the Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of New York, and; United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He is also a commissioned Notary Public. He is the author of “The New Act: New York Legislature Seeks to Alter the Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Statute of Limitations (American Legal & Financial Network Journal, 2022), “Constitutional Challenges Affecting Loan Servicers and Note Holders” (Legal League 100 Quarterly Journal, 2020), “Deceleration of a New York Mortgage: Evolution of the Requirements to Revoke Acceleration and Best Practices to Avoid the Onerous Effect of the Expiration of the Statute of Limitations” (American League & Financial Network Journal, 2020), and “Danger of Dismissal in New York: Courts Resume Strict Enforcement of Deadlines” (American Legal & Financial Network Journal, 2022). He is a member of the New York City Bar Association Mortgage Foreclosure Task Force as well as the New York Mortgage Bankers Association for which he presented at webinars regarding case law and legislation that impact mortgage loan servicing. He has been a licensed attorney since 2009. In 2022, he was awarded the ALFN Junior Professionals & Executives Group “Picture of the Future” Award.
Adam Diaz, Esq.
Partner
Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A.
499 NW 70th Ave., Suite 309
Plantation, FL 33317
954-564-0071, ext. 213
adiaz@dallegal.com
Adam Diaz is the Litigation Partner at Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A. in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He is AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell which is the highest peer rating for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability.
Adam has concentrated his practice in the areas of mortgage foreclosure and real estate, bankruptcy, consumer protection actions and commercial litigation. He is admitted in all Federal Courts in Florida as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
Adam has been instrumental in advancing the law in the Bankruptcy Courts for Creditors, and obtained one of the first opinions providing that a debtor is barred from defending property after surrender, as well providing that a Debtor cannot cramdown multiuse residential property.
Education
Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, 2012, Juris Doctorate
Florida State University, 2009, B.A. in Multination Business Operations
Bar Admission
Florida Bar
United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida
United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida
United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
United States Court of Appeal for the Eleventh Circuit
State Bar of Wisconsin
Ohio State Bar Association
Illinois State Bar
Jennifer Rogers, Esq.
Managing Attorney
IDEA Law Group
4100 E. Mississippi Ave. Ste 420
Denver, CO 80246
877-353-2146 ext.1004
jrogers@idealawgroupllc.com
Ms. Rogers has seventeen years of experience primarily focused on representing mortgage lenders and services in real estate law, title curative matters, routine and complex civil litigation, bankruptcy, creditor’s rights, residential and commercial foreclosures and evictions. Additionally, Ms. Rogers has managed attorneys and staff in a law firm providing comprehensive default services to the mortgage default industry. Ms. Rogers has been a frequent speaker at mortgage default conferences addressing issues related to litigation, foreclosure, evictions, and creditor’s rights. Ms. Rogers is a founding member of the Colorado Creditor’s Bar Association. She is licensed to practice law in Colorado.
Breakout Session 5 – State-by-State Round Up – Legal Updates in Several States
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Heritage Hall
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Mountain Time
The legal landscape is constantly changing. Keep up to date on the key developments shaping the environment we work in. We will have Attorneys from several states provide brief legal updates on important default mortgage servicing issues in their jurisdictions.
Moderator:
- David Rodstein, Litigation Partner, Miller, George & Suggs - drodstein@mgs-legal.com
Speakers:
- CA - Cathe Cole-Sherburn, SVP of Operations, Trustee Corps, ccole@trusteecorps.com
- CO - David Doughty, Managing Attorney, Janeway Law Firm, PC, david@janewaylaw.com
- CT - Julie Ranieri, Managing Partner, Korde & Associates, jranieri@kordeassociates.com
- DC - Christianna J. Kersey, Attorney, Cohn Goldberg & Deutsch, LLC, ckersey@cgd-law.com
- DE - Laura O'Sullivan, President, McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC, losullivan@mwc-law.com
- FL - Mindy Clarke, Partner/Managing Attorney, Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, mac@raslg.com
- GA - David Rodstein, Litigation Partner, Miller, George & Suggs, drodstein@mgs-legal.com
- IL - Andrew Houha, Managing Partner , Johnson Blumberg & Associate, LLC, andrew@johnsonblumberg.com
- IN - James Noonan, Partner, Noonan & Lieberman, Ltd. , jnoonan@noonanandlieberman.com
- LA - Graham Arceneaux, Managing Attorney, Graham, Arceneaux & Allen, LLC, lga@gra-arc.com
- MA - Julie Ranieri, Managing Partner, Korde & Associates, jranieri@kordeassociates.com
- MD - Christianna J. Kersey, Attorney, Cohn Goldberg & Deutsch, LLC, ckersey@cgd-law.com
- ME - Julie Ranieri, Managing Partner, Korde & Associates, jranieri@kordeassociates.com
- MI - Randy Miller, President, Randall S. Miller & Associates, rmiller@rsmalaw.com
- MN - Randy Miller, President, Randall S. Miller & Associates, rmiller@rsmalaw.com
- NC - Heidi Brown Carey, Attorney/Member, Riley Pope & Laney, LLC, hcarey@rplfirm.com
- ND - John Hearn, Member, Head of Default Services, Rogers Townsend, LLC, john.hearn@rogerstownsend.com
- NJ - Laura O'Sullivan, President, McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC, losullivan@mwc-law.com
- NM - Stephen Hladik, Partner, Hladik, Onorato & Federman, LLP, shladik@hoflawgroup.com
- NY - Jonathan Cohen, Senior Managing Attorney, Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, jdcohen@raslg.com
- PA - Stephen Hladik, Partner, Hladik, Onorato & Federman, LLP, shladik@hoflawgroup.com
- RI - Nicole FitzGerald, Firm Principal and Attorney Manager, Bendett & McHugh, P.C., nfitzgerald@bmpc-law.com
- SC - John Hearn, Member, Head of Default Services, Rogers Townsend, LLC, john.hearn@rogerstownsend.com
- TX - Robert Forster, Managing Partner, BDF Law Group, robertfo@bdfgroup.com
- VA - Andrew Brenner, Member, BWW Law Group, LLC, Andrew.Brenner@bww-law.com
- VT - Nicole FitzGerald, Firm Principal and Attorney Manager, Bendett & McHugh, P.C., nfitzgerald@bmpc-law.com
- WA - Cathe Cole-Sherburn, SVP of Operations, Trustee Corps, ccole@trusteecorps.com
- WI - Andrew Houha, Managing Partner , Johnson Blumberg & Associate, LLC, andrew@johnsonblumberg.com
- WY - Randy Miller, President, Randall S. Miller & Associates, rmiller@rsmalaw.com
David Rodstein, Esq.
Litigation Partner
Miller, George & Suggs
2200 W. Commercial Blvd., Suite 103
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
954-526-1318
drodstein@rodsteinlaw.com
David Rodstein is the Litigation Partner at Miller, George & Suggs in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and manages the firm’s Commercial Litigation practice. David handles a broad spectrum of real estate and business matters, including high-risk mortgage foreclosures, fraud and civil appeals. David has represented clients at every trial and appellate level in Florida’s state and federal courts. David litigates, lectures, and publishes on high-impact mortgage foreclosure issues, including statute of limitations, statute of repose and standing to foreclose.
David has over 20 years of litigation experience and has earned Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating, AV Preeminent, for legal ability and ethical standards every year since 2018. He has also been a Florida Trend Legal Elite honoree every year since 2020.
David is an active ALFN member, serving as Vice Chair of the Amicus Briefs Committee and as a contributing member of the Complex Litigation, Legislative & Regulatory Policy Group. He is also an active member of the Florida Bar Real Property and Probate Law Section, in which he chairs the subcommittee on Legislation and Government Regulation of Lending, serves on the Foreclosure and Debtor/Creditor Rights Subcommittee and has served on special subcommittees such as Best Practices for Remote Proceedings, Partition Actions, and Stale Mortgages. David is also an active member of the Florida Bar’s Appellate Practice Section.
David is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with honors and the Washington & Lee University School of Law with distinction in trial advocacy. He served as law clerk to Supreme Court of Virginia Justice Lawrence L. Koontz, Jr.
David is as proud of the disputes that he successfully shut down before they became lawsuits as he is of the many favorable settlements and victories he has won.
Cathe Cole-Sherburn
Sr. Vice President of Operations
Trustee Corps
17100 Gillette Ave.
Irvine, CA 92614
949-252-8300 ext. 4317
CCole@TrusteeCorps.com
Cathe Cole-Sherburn serves as Senior Vice President of Operations for Trustee Corps. She is responsible for managing all areas of operations, including ancillary companies, which include audit, compliance and strategic planning and development of all offices. Cathe brings over 35 years of all aspects of real estate mortgage default experience, including Servicing. Before joining Trustee Corps, Cathe was with the First American Trustee Servicing Solutions, where she was Senior Vice President. While there, her duties included the oversight and management of the Trustee Division. Prior to that, she was with the firm of Routh Crabtree Olsen/Northwest Trustee Services, where she was the Director of Operations and instrumental in setting up the AZ, CA, and HI offices and obtaining the Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae Counsel Designations. Prior to that, she was the Director of Operations for the Law Offices of Steven J. Melmet, Inc., for 14 years, and instrumental in obtaining in the Freddie Mac Designation and HUD Foreclosure Commissioner for state of CA. Cathe currently is a member of the Women in Legal Leadership for American Legal & Financial Network. She is also a member of Arizona Trustee Association, Mortgage Bankers Association, California Mortgage Bankers Association, National Association of Professional Women and Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics. Cathe can be seen as a Moderator and/or Panelist at various industry conferences and provides seminars/training to our existing clients.
David Doughty
Managing Attorney
Janeway Law Firm, PC
9540 Maroon Circle, Ste 320
Englewood, CO 80112
(720) 590-4107
david@janewaylaw.com
David joined Janeway Law Firm, P.C. in Colorado in 2008 and has played a pivotal role in helping the firm grow its practice since then. David has more than 13 years of experience providing end-to-end default legal services to our clients, and 20 years of mortgage and title industry experience. Mr. Doughty graduated from The University of Iowa in 2003, with a B.A. in Political Science. While in college, he gained valuable real estate experience performing title searches for a regional title insurance company. After college, Mr. Doughty spent two years working in the mortgage industry, first for a small mortgage company near Chicago, and then for a national lender here in Colorado. Mr. Doughty graduated cum laude from Western State University College of Law in 2008. There, he was a member of the school’s law review and received two awards for academic excellence, including one in Real Property. He was also a recipient of both the Merit and Scott McCune Memorial Scholarships. While in school, Mr. Doughty clerked for a well-respected California civil defense firm. He joined Janeway Law Firm, P.C. in 2008.
Mr. Doughty is licensed to practice law in Colorado and in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. He is also a member of the Colorado Bar Association.
Julie A. Ranieri
Managing Partner
Korde & Associates, P.C.
900 Chelmsford Street, Suite 3102
Lowell, MA 01851
978-256-1500 - Ext. 26210
jranieri@kordeassociates.com
Julie A. Ranieri is the Managing Partner of Korde & Associates, P.C. in Lowell, MA, which also has offices in New London, CT and South Portland, ME. The Firm provides end-to-end mortgage default legal services to its clients in all six New England states. Julie has 20 years of experience representing institutional mortgage lenders and servicers in bankruptcy proceedings, foreclosures, evictions, and general civil and title curative litigation matters. She is a member of the Massachusetts Real Estate Bar Association, and has been a contributing lecturer and author for the American Bankruptcy Institute, American Legal & Financial Network, Boston Bar Association, and Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.
Julie served on the Massachusetts Local Bankruptcy Rules Committee and the Massachusetts Bankruptcy Court’s Pro Bono Legal Services Advisory Committee for several years. She has also been a volunteer for the M. Ellen Carpenter Financial Literacy Program through the Boston Bar Association, which provides education to high school students regarding personal finances and financial management.
She is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and before the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire.
Julie is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and Suffolk University Law School.
Christianna J. Kersey, Esq.
Attorney
Cohn, Goldberg & Deutsch, LLC
600 Baltimore Ave., Ste. 208
Towson, MD 21204
(410) 296-2550 x3155
ckersey@cgd-law.com
Christianna holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Delaware (B.S. 2006) and a Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law in Wilmington, Delaware (J.D. 2010). She is admitted to practice before the Court of Appeals of Maryland, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland and the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. She concentrates her practice in the area of creditor’s rights, real estate, litigation, foreclosure, eviction and unsecured collections. Christianna also handles compliance related issues for Cohn, Goldberg & Deutsch, LLC. Ms. Kersey has written numerous articles for industry related publications and is a frequent speaker at industry events.
Laura H.G. O'Sullivan
President
McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC
312 Marshall Ave., Suite 800
Laurel, MD 20707
(301) 490-3361
losullivan@mwc-law.com
LAURA H.G. O'SULLIVAN (President) is a shareholder. Ms. O’Sullivan has practiced in the area of creditors’ rights for over twenty years. Ms. O’Sullivan received her Juris Doctorate from Howard University School of Law (cum laude 1995). She is admitted to the Court of Appeals, MD (1996), Court of Appeals, DC (1999), United States District Court for the District of Maryland (1997), United States District Court for the District of Columbia (2000).
Mindy Clarke, Esq.
Partner, VP of Legal Operations
Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC
6409 Congress Avenue, Suite 100
Boca Raton, FL 33487
(561) 241-6901
mac@raslg.com
Mindy Clarke is a Partner at Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, where she manages client relations and legal operations for the RAS Network of firms. She has extensive knowledge and experience in reverse mortgage foreclosure and bankruptcy. Ms. Clarke graduated cum laude from St. Thomas University School of Law, where she was a Senior Editor, Law Review. Additionally, she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Mindy has been practicing law for over ten years and is licensed to practice in Florida, New York, Ohio, and Texas.
Andrew Houha, Esq.
Managing Partner
Johnson, Blumberg & Associates, LLC
230 W. Monroe, Suite 1125
Chicago, IL 60606
312-541-9710, ext. 104
andrew@johnsonblumberg.com
Andrew manages the strategic operations of the firm. Since joining Johnson, Blumberg & Associates, LLC in 2008, he has served as the firm’s bankruptcy managing attorney and its Wisconsin lead trial attorney, having handled hundreds of contested bankruptcy and foreclosure matters in his career. He has over twenty five years of bankruptcy and foreclosure experience, beginning his career as a debtor’s attorney with a small consumer bankruptcy firm where he became fully versed in all aspects of real estate closing and eviction matters, both tenant and landlord side. From 1999 until 2007 he operated as a senior-level attorney for Fisher and Fisher, Attorneys at Law P.C. In that position, he was instrumental in building that majority of the processes, procedures and operations of the firm’s bankruptcy practice. Andrew also acted as a lead facilitator and panelist at many industry conferences over the years, speaking on a wide range of bankruptcy and foreclosure topics. Andrew graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and received his Juris Doctorate from Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1993. Andrew is licensed to practice law in Illinois and Wisconsin. Andrew is also licensed to practice in all of the Federal Courts in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
James V. Noonan, Esq.
Founding Partner
Noonan & Lieberman, LTD.
33 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 1150
Chicago, Illinois 60602
312-605-3443
jnoonan@noonanlieberman.com
James Noonan is a founding partner at Noonan & Lieberman, Ltd., a Chicago-based law firm concentrating in civil litigation on behalf of creditors, business and real estate owners. His practice areas include Creditors Rights; Foreclosure; Commercial Litigation; Bankruptcy Litigation; Lenders Liability; Real Estate Litigation; Foreclosures; Civil Appellate Practice.
Mr. Noonan received his undergraduate degree from Marquette University (B.A. 1985) and his law degree from the DePaul University College of Law (J.D.1988). Mr. Noonan is admitted to practice law in the State of Illinois (1989) and the State of Wisconsin (2015). Mr. Noonan is a member of the Chicago State Bar Association; the Illinois State Bar Association; the Mortgage Bankers Association; the Illinois Mortgage Bankers Association; and the American Legal and Financial Network (ALFN) and served on the ALFN Board from 2009 to 2015. He has chaired the ALFN’s sub-committee on Federal Consumer Lending Statutes and Commercial Foreclosures.
Mr. Noonan is the author of the Illinois Mortgage Foreclosure Practice, Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education (2016) and co-author of Foreclosure: Plaintiff-Lender’s Case, Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education (2016) and the co-author of Federal Practice: Foreclosing Mortgages in Federal Court; Foreclosing Foreign Mortgages, Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education (2016). Mr. Noonan has spoken on mortgage foreclosure litigation strategies, RESPA and TILA compliance. He was a Panel Member of the Law Ed series on Federal Court foreclosure practice. He was a member of the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Illinois’ drafting committee on federal foreclosure forms. He was a member of the court appointed Advisory Committee on Cook County Sheriff’s eviction procedures. Mr. Noonan has testified before the Illinois House of Representatives Consumer Protection sub-committee on foreclosure practice and procedure.
L. Graham Arceneaux
Managing Attorney
Graham, Arceneaux & Allen, LLC
3850 North Causeway Blvd, Suite, 1695
Metairie, LA 70002
504-522-8256
lga@gra-arc.com
L. Graham Arceneaux, Owner, Managing Partner – Graham is the owner of Graham, Arceneaux and Allen, LLC, serves as President of Standard Title Agency, Inc. and is a retired U.S. Army Officer who served on Active duty as well as in the Louisiana Army National Guard. While in the Louisiana Army National Guard Mr. Arceneaux mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). Graham’s practice areas include foreclosure, bankruptcy law and real estate transactions. Graham is a graduate of Millsaps College, Jackson Mississippi (1993) and has a J.D. from Tulane University School of Law, New Orleans, Louisiana (Honors Graduate, 1997). He was appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve as a Member on the Committee for Bar Admissions and authored the Bar Examination questions for Business Entities and Negotiable Instruments. Graham was appointed to serve as a Judge-Ad-Hoc in First Parish Court for the Parish of Jefferson. He is currently a Committee Member serving on the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board. He is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, The New Orleans Bar Association, The Mortgage Bankers Association, Legal League 100, ALFN, USFN and Louisiana Banker’s Association. He is licensed to practice in all Federal Courts in Louisiana as well as the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Graham is a licensed fixed wing and rotor wing pilot and is a competitive distance runner.
Randall S. Miller, Esq.
President/CEO
Randall S. Miller & Associates
43252 Woodward Avenue, Suite 180
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
(248) 335-9200 x101
rmiller@rsmalaw.com
Randall S. Miller, Randy as he is called by his friends, graduated from Michigan State University in 1987 with a B.S. in Political Science/Pre-Law. He earned his J.D. at the Detroit College of Law in 1992. After spending over a decade as a trial attorney, Randy started his law firm, Randall S. Miller & Associates in 2002. The firm is now in the States of Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Randy is also the CEO of U.S. Default Management, a back office solutions provider, helping save servicers millions of dollars per year. His current focus is on their new Universal Attorney Audit Platform, which benefits servicers and attorneys alike. Schweitzer Title Agency, LTD is another of Randy’s companies, providing national title solutions, as well as handling closing/escrow matters. He formerly sat on both the Executive Board and Executive Committee of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and headed its PAC Task Force. He also served on the Executive Board of the Michigan Association for Justice. As a member of the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly, an elected position that he held until being term limited out, he chaired its Drafting Committee where he had the ability to redraft Michigan’s’ attorney ethics standards.
Heidi B. Carey, Esq.
Partner/Owner
Riley Pope & Laney, LLC
2838 Devine Street
Columbia, SC 29205
803.799.9993
hcarey@rplfirm.com
Heidi B. Carey of Riley Pope & Laney is an attorney in Columbia, SC. She represents mortgage banking creditors and manages the day-to-day operations of the firm’s default servicing practice. Ms. Carey joined Riley Pope and Laney in 2008 and became a member of the firm in 2010.
Ms. Carey graduated magna cum laude from the Honors College of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, a minor in Business, and a Performance Certificate from the School of Music in Cello. Upon graduation, she attended the University of South Carolina School of Law where she was Articles Editor of the South Carolina Environmental Law Journal. She began her law practice representing clients in business litigation and commercial real estate matters.
In 1998 she became in-house counsel to Fleet Mortgage Group, Inc. and Washington Mutual Bank managing mortgage banking litigation nationwide, and advising corporate clients on a wide range of mortgage servicing issues relating to customer service, tax payments, hazard insurance, foreclosures, collections, loss mitigation, mortgage insurance, and bankruptcy. While at Fleet Mortgage, she was also a member of the Fleet Mortgage Corp. Privacy Task Force for implementation of practices and procedures to comply with the newly enacted Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Privacy Act.
Since 2001, Ms. Carey has practiced residential foreclosure and bankruptcy law and supervised and managed both paralegals and attorneys. She is a frequent speaker at default servicing and on-site lender training events. Ms. Carey is a member of the South Carolina Bar and the Richland County Bar Associations and admitted to practice before all South Carolina state courts and the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. She is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell, is listed in the Best Lawyers in America for Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law, and has been recognized several times as part of the Legal Elite of the Midlands for foreclosure by the Greater Columbia Business Monthly magazine.
Ms. Carey continues her musical career as a tenured cello section member of the South Carolina Philharmonic, and also serves at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Ms. Carey, her husband Ken, and their two children reside in Columbia, South Carolina.
John Hearn, Esq.
Member
Rogers Townsend, LLC
100 Executive Center Dr. Suite 210
Columbia, SC 29210
803.744.1305
john.hearn@rogerstownsend.com
John leads Rogers Townsend’s Default Services Department. A seasoned litigator, his legal work has focused on resolution of contested foreclosure and related matters in the default services realm. Over his career, John has managed a wide variety of business litigation matters, and has traveled the state defending claims against lenders. In that capacity, he managed a team of lawyers concentrating on those claims for a decade prior to becoming department head of the Default Services Department. In 2015 he was elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the American Legal & Financial Network for a two-year term.
John is an active member of the Bar who served on the Executive Committee of the Richland County Bar Association for five years, where he is a past president. John also serves the SC Bar as a volunteer Attorney to Assist for the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, as a mentor for the Lawyers Helping Lawyers program, and as a leader of the Bar’s Consumer Law Council, the governing body of the Consumer Law Section. John serves on the firm’s Technology Steering Committee.
John clerked for the Honorable J. Ernest Kinard, Jr. of the Fifth Judicial Circuit after law school.
Education
- University of South Carolina, J.D., 1994
- University of South Carolina, B.A., cum laude, South Carolina Honors College, 1984
Admissions
- South Carolina Bar, 1994
- United States District Court, District of South Carolina, 1995
Stephen Hladik, Esq.
Partner
Hladik, Onorato & Federman, LLP
298 Wissahickon Avenue
North Wales, PA 19454
267-662-9022
shladik@hoflawgroup.com
Stephen M. Hladik, Esquire, is a principal in Hladik, Onorato & Federman, LLP. Formerly a Deputy Attorney General in charge of the Harrisburg office of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Consumer Protection, Steve brings a broad range of experience to his mortgage foreclosure, bankruptcy, tax sale and UDAAP legal practice. A graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, Steve’s interest in history and politics grew into a desire to study law while taking a constitutional law class, among others, as an undergraduate. Steve pursued and obtained his law degree from Widener University, with honors, where he was named Internal Managing Editor of the Law Review.
An Eagle Scout and New Jersey native, Steve gained significant expertise in lending law enforcement in the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, handling UDAP, FDCPA, RESPA and TILA cases. Prior to joining Hladik, Onorato & Federman, LLP, Steve was the Pennsylvania managing attorney for one of the nation’s largest creditor’s rights firms, practicing mortgage foreclosure and bankruptcy law.
Steve routinely teaches Continuing Legal Education courses on mortgage law, bankruptcy law, title law, real estate tax sale law, FDCPA and CFPB regulations, and related lending law compliance issues. Steve also serves the mortgage servicing industry as the Vice Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Legal League 100 and having previously chaired the Government Affairs Committee of the Legal League 100. Steve also actively participates on various committees of the ALFN.
In addition to his legal practice, Steve was elected to three terms as a School Director on the North Penn School Board, and served as Chairman of the Finance Committee, where he oversaw implementation of a $225 million budget. Prior to service on the School Board, Steve was a member of the Towamencin Township Planning Commission for six years. Steve also served as the Vice President of the AKL Education Foundation and is currently the Vice President of the National Executive Council of Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity.
Steve is admitted to practice before the Supreme Courts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New Mexico, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Puerto Rico. He is a member of the Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Federal and American Bar Associations. Steve also served two terms as the Co-Chair of the Business, Banking and Corporate Counsel Committee of the Montgomery County Bar Association.
Jonathan Cohen, Esq.
Senior Managing Attorney
Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC
900 Merchants Concourse
Westbury, NY 11590
(516) 280-7675
jdcohen@raslg.com
Jonathan D. Cohen, Esq. is the Senior Managing Attorney at Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, where he manages the Foreclosure, Mediation, Code Violation and Quiet Title Litigation Department(s). He has extensive knowledge and experience in the ever evolving landscape of New York Creditor’s Rights. Mr. Cohen graduated from Touro College, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, where he was a member of the International Law Review. Additionally, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the New York, University at Albany. Jonathan has been practicing law for over eight years and is licensed to practice law in the State of New York.
Nicole Fitzgerald, Esq.
Firm Principal & Managing Attorney
Bendett & McHugh, P.C.
270 Farmington Avenue, Suite 151
Farmington, CT 06032
(860) 255-5060
nfitzgerald@bmpc-law.com
Practice Areas
Foreclosure
Title
Education
Roger Williams University School of Law, J.D. 2006
Western New England College, B.A., English/Communications, magna cum laude. 2003
Nicole joined Bendett & McHugh, P.C. as an Associate in 2009. She is admitted to practice before the Connecticut Bar (2006) and the District Court for the District of Connecticut (2007). Nicole is currently Principal and the Attorney Manager for the Review Attorney, Sale/Post-Sale, and DIL Departments in the firm’s Connecticut Foreclosure Group and Attorney Manager for the All States Borrower Assistance Department. She represents secured creditors in mortgage foreclosure actions, with responsibility for vesting, sale, title and escalated non-contested matters. Nicole reviews title documentation, pleadings and other substantive documents and attends judicial and bankruptcy hearings.
Before joining Bendett & McHugh, Nicole worked as an Associate in private practice with a concentration on protection of creditor rights. She prepared foreclosure complaints, files for judgment, participated in court ordered mediation sessions, and researched and prepared memorandum involving property, mortgage and title claim litigation. She began her career as a Document Review Attorney for complex antitrust, patent and contract cases and reviewed and prepared witness files for depositions. While attending law school, Nicole worked as Summer Associate, Legal Assistant and Intern in private practice performing research and drafting memoranda of law, complaints and other pleadings.
Robert Forster, II
Managing Partner
BDF Law Group
4004 Belt Line Road, Suite 100
Addison, TX 75001
(972) 340-7948
robertfo@bdfgroup.com
Robert Forster is a Partner overseeing the Foreclosure, Litigation and Title Departments in the Addison location.
He attended Arizona State University earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1999. He received his Juris Doctor degree from SMU Dedman School of Law in 2004.
Robert is licensed with the State Bars of Arizona, Georgia and Texas and before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, and the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas. He is a member of Texas Bar Association, the Dallas Trial Lawyers Association, the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers and the American Bar Association.
Andrew J. Brenner, Esq.
Partner | Director of Firm Operations
BWW Law Group, LLC
6003 Executive Boulevard, Suite 101
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 961-6555 ext 3738
Andrew.Brenner@bww-law.com
ANDREW J. BRENNER – University of Florida (B.A., Economics 2006) (B.A., Political Science 2006); The University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law (J.D. 2009).
Maryland Bar, Member (December 2009)
United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Admitted (August 2010)
District of Columbia Bar, Member (November 2017)
Mr. Brenner has several years of experience primarily representing institutional banks, title insurance companies, and mortgage servicers. He has served as title resolution litigation counsel for the Fidelity National Title Group and has years of experience arguing cases in the Trial Courts and the Appellate Courts of Maryland. Mr. Brenner has conducted several on-site training presentations for clients relating to a variety of real estate related matters. He is a frequent panelist at real estate industry conferences and seminars.
Mr. Brenner is a Partner and the Director of Firm Operations of the BWW Law Group, LLC. The BWW Law Group, LLC was established in 1996 and represents the mortgage servicing community in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. BWW Law Group, LLC is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated law firm and is a member of the United States Foreclosure Network (USFN), The American Legal & Financial Network (ALFN), and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).
Breakout Session 6 – Bankruptcy Updates
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Mt. Jackson
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Mountain Time
This session will discuss requirements and issue debtors in bankruptcy are facing when trying to complete a post-COVID loss mit solution to take care of forbearance arrears (e.g., deferment, loan mod, HUD partial claim). In addition, debtors and servicers need to be aware of restrictions on plan modifications after the sunset of CARES (e.g., if a debtor extended to 84 months, the court may limit the debtor to 60 months on a future plan mod).
Moderator:
- Mike McCormick, Senior Partner, McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce - Michael.McCormick@mccalla.com
Speakers:
- Keri Ebeck, Partner, Bernstein-Burkley - kebeck@bernsteinlaw.com
- Nicole Noel, Shareholder, Kass Shuler, PA - nmnoel@kasslaw.com
- Adam Goodman, Standing Chapter 13 Trustee, Districts of Colorado & Wyoming – agoodman@ch13colorado.com
- Jim Timberlake, President, Baer Timberlake - jim@baertimberlake.com
Michael McCormick, Esq.
Senior Partner, Bankruptcy
McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC
1544 Old Alabama Rd
Roswell, GA 30076
(678) 281-3918 / Ext. 13918
Michael.McCormick@mccalla.com
MICHAEL J. McCORMICK: Michael is a senior partner in the bankruptcy department at McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC in Atlanta, Georgia, where he assists in the bankruptcy representation for dozens of mortgage lenders and servicers nationwide. He has been with the firm since 2004.
Michael is a native of Toronto, Canada and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Western Ontario. He graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1994 and is admitted to practice in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee.
Michael is a frequent speaker and author on various topics related to bankruptcy, including the handling of escrow accounts during a bankruptcy proceeding, and form changes impacting mortgage servicers. He has also appeared as an expert witness in several bankruptcy cases on behalf of mortgage servicers. Michael is a member of numerous local and national bankruptcy organizations, including the American Bankruptcy Institute, and the National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees (associate member). He is co-chair of the Escrow Subcommittee of the NACTT Mortgage Committee and Vice Chair of the ALFN Bankruptcy Committee, and served on the Committee on Case Administration and the Estate of the ABI Commission on Consumer Bankruptcy Law. He is also recognized by the American Board of Certification as a Consumer Bankruptcy Specialist.
Keri P. Ebeck, Esq.
Partner
Bernstein-Burkley
707 Grant Street, Suite 2200 Gulf Tower
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412.456.8112
kebeck@bernsteinlaw.com
Keri is a partner and co-manager in the Bankruptcy & Restructuring practice group of Bernstein-Burkley, P.C. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a Partner, she handles commercial, consumer, and real estate bankruptcy matters, as well as she is the co-manager of the bankruptcy group. Keri is certified by the American Board of Certification in consumer bankruptcy and is a member of the standards committee for the ABC. Keri is the past Chair of the Allegheny County Bar Association Bankruptcy and Commercial Law Section, which is responsible for studying bankruptcy and commercial law and informing its members of proposed changes to related legislation. Keri is current Treasurer of the Allegheny County Bar Association and is also currently servicing as the Chair of the Finance and Investment Committees for the Allegheny County Bar Association. Keri is also serving as the Vice-President of Membership for the Pennsylvania Creditors’ Bar Association.
A member of the American Legal & Financial Network (ALFN), Keri was awarded the 2022 American Legal Financial Network’s Industry Achievement Award and is a past ALFN 2017 JPEG: Picture the Future Award, which recognizes stand-out young professionals for their achievements and commitment to the mortgage servicing industry. She is the chair of the ALFN’s Bankruptcy and a member of its Women in Legal Leadership Committees and is a member of Legal League 100.
Keri is also a member and the finance committee chair of the Judith K. Fitzgerald Western Pennsylvania Bankruptcy American Inn of Court and a member of the Turnaround Management Association. She is licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Pennsylvania; the U.S. District Court of New Jersey; the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio; the U.S. District Courts of Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana; the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas; the Third Circuit Court of Appeals; and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Keri has spoken on bankruptcy and collection topics nationally at the ALFN Answers annual conference as well as ALFN’s Bankruptcy conference since 2013. Keri also speaks, plans sessions and moderates regularly for the Allegheny County Bar Association, NBI and Pennsylvania Bar Institute on bankruptcy, collections and repossessions. Keri has also presented several on site client seminars as well as hosted webinars for clients, prospective clients and industry representatives on bankruptcy and collections. Keri was recently recognized in the 2021, 2022 and 2023 edition of Pennsylvania Best Lawyers for Bankruptcy.
Keri is a certified mediator and registered to handle mediations for the Western District of Pennsylvania District and Bankruptcy Courts.
Keri is an active volunteer with Make-A-Wish Foundation, Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia Chapter. Keri is also a board member of the Trojan Education Foundation.
Nicole Mariani Noel, Esq.
Shareholder
Kass Shuler, PA
1505 N. Florida Avenue
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: 813-229-0900 ext. 1343
nmnoel@kasslaw.com
Nicole Mariani Noel is a Shareholder at Kass Shuler, PA., where she has been practicing in the fields of Bankruptcy, Creditors’ Rights and Insolvency, Real Estate, Consumer and Business Litigation since 2009. Ms. Noel heads the Bankruptcy practice group for the firm and handles cases throughout the State of Florida, including the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts.
Her membership includes the American Bankruptcy Institute, The Florida State Alumni Real Estate Network, Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association (TBBBA), The Florida Bar, and the American Legal and Financial Network. Ms. Noel is the Chair Emeritus for the Bankruptcy Practice Group for the American Legal and Financial Network (ALFN) and formerly Co-Chaired the Case Law Update Subcommittee for the Real Property Finance and Lending Committee of the RPPTL Section of the Florida Bar. Most recently, Ms. Noel joined the Board of Directors for the Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association and Chaired the Pro Bono and Community Service Committee and later served as the Editor for The Cramdown, the quarterly publication of the TBBBA.
Her published work includes Was Brown a Rash Decision? (The Cramdown, Summer 2014); Incompatible Personalities: Investigating the Mutually Exclusive Nature of § 1322(b)(2), (5) (ABI Journal, November 2012) and Stripping Down Your Spouse: Tenancy by the Entirety Property Ownership under § 506 (ABI YLC Newsletter, September 2012).
Ms. Noel is active in the community and frequently volunteers her time to speak at local Universities on topics which include ethical concerns facing young attorneys, time management, and first year law practice pointers. Ms. Noel is an adjunct professor at St. Petersburg College and Hillsborough Community College teaching Bankruptcy and Civil Litigation. She participated in the 2016 NextGeneration program held by the Bankruptcy Judges during the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges (NCBJ). Ms. Noel was honored to become a Fellow for the Florida Bar Leadership Academy. She has also been named one of ALFN’s Junior Professionals and Executives Group (JPEG)’s stand-out young professional to watch in 2016.
She received her undergraduate degree from The Florida State University and her Juris Doctor and Masters of Business Administration degrees from Stetson University College of Law and Stetson University School of Business Administration.
Adam M. Goodman, Esq.
Chapter 13 Trustee
Districts of Colorado and Wyoming
1888 N. Sherman St., Suite 750
Denver, CO 80203
agoodman@ch13colorado.com
Adam M. Goodman is a Standing Chapter 13 Trustee for the Districts of Colorado and Wyoming. He was appointed trustee in Colorado on October 1, 2017 and in Wyoming on October 1, 2018. From January 1, 2003 to September 30, 2017, he was a Standing Chapter 13 Trustee for the Northern District of Georgia. He is a co-author of the treatise Chapter 13 Practice and Procedure with the late Honorable W. Homer Drake, Jr. and the Honorable Paul W. Bonapfel. Adam is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and The Florida Bar. He began his legal career representing consumer and business debtors in Tampa, Florida. He then migrated to representing lending institutions and mortgage holders in foreclosure and bankruptcy matters throughout the State of Florida. He continued his creditors’ rights practice in bankruptcy and problem loan workouts on a nationwide basis with a law firm in Atlanta, Georgia. Prior to his appointment he served as a staff attorney for a Chapter 13 trustee. Adam is a graduate of Florida State University and South Texas College of Law.
Jim Timberlake, Esq.
President
Baer & Timberlake, P.C.
5901 N. Western Avenue, Suite 300
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
405-842-7722
jim@baer-timberlake.com
CEO, cycling aficionado, and lifelong learner, Jim believes the best way to improve is to surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. Born in Fort Hood, Texas, and raised in Oklahoma, Jim earned his BBA in Finance at SMU in Dallas, then returned home to Oklahoma for law school. He can usually be found on a bike or researching some obscure topic. Traveling is a passion (usually with a bike in tow), with Colombia being his most recent adventure.
Lunch Session – AI: Like It or Not, It’s Here. Are You Ready? Ethical and Business Challenges to the Utilization of Technology in a Default World
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Sawatch Hall
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM Mountain Time
Join us for an engaging panel session as we delve into the fascinating realm of AI and its current and future uses with industry law firms, service providers and others. In this dynamic discussion, industry experts and thought leaders will explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on your business operations. Gain insights into the evolving role of AI, from contract analysis and legal research to predictive analytics and streamlined document management. Learn from real-world uses, explore ethical considerations, and uncover the potential challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between AI and its potential uses in our industry.
Moderator:
- Randy Miller, President, Randall S. Miller & Associates - rmiller@rsmalaw.com
Speakers:
- Andrea Tromberg, Managing Member, Tromberg, Morris & Poulin - atromberg@tmppllc.com
- Dana Federspiel, STPI, Product Manager Senior, Black Knight - Dana.Federspiel@bkfs.com
- Erica Fujimoto, Director of Default Services, Affinity Consulting Group - efujimoto@affinityconsulting.com
- Jan Duke, COO, a360inc - jan.duke@a360inc.com
- Mike Weaver, President, 360 Legal - Mike@360legal.net
Randall S. Miller, Esq.
President/CEO
Randall S. Miller & Associates
43252 Woodward Avenue, Suite 180
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
(248) 335-9200 x101
rmiller@rsmalaw.com
Randall S. Miller, Randy as he is called by his friends, graduated from Michigan State University in 1987 with a B.S. in Political Science/Pre-Law. He earned his J.D. at the Detroit College of Law in 1992. After spending over a decade as a trial attorney, Randy started his law firm, Randall S. Miller & Associates in 2002. The firm is now in the States of Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Randy is also the CEO of U.S. Default Management, a back office solutions provider, helping save servicers millions of dollars per year. His current focus is on their new Universal Attorney Audit Platform, which benefits servicers and attorneys alike. Schweitzer Title Agency, LTD is another of Randy’s companies, providing national title solutions, as well as handling closing/escrow matters. He formerly sat on both the Executive Board and Executive Committee of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and headed its PAC Task Force. He also served on the Executive Board of the Michigan Association for Justice. As a member of the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly, an elected position that he held until being term limited out, he chaired its Drafting Committee where he had the ability to redraft Michigan’s’ attorney ethics standards.
Andrea Tromberg, Esq.
Managing Member
Tromberg Morris & Poulin, PLLC
1515 South Federal Hwy, Ste. 100
Boca Raton, FL 33432
561-338-4101
atromberg@tmppllc.com
Mrs. Tromberg has been practicing law since 1996. She has extensive experience in foreclosure law, creditor litigation, commercial litigation, appeals, trial, and management. She offers clients her comprehensive knowledge of the law and ability to maneuver difficult and complex legal matters. Andrea Tromberg has served for seven years on the Board of Directors for the American Legal and Financial Network (ALFN), and was the first elected Chairwoman. She has served on numerous committees and is a current member of the leadership committee for Women in Legal Leadership (WILL). Tromberg has been engaged as a speaker at various events including: ALFN, NCBA, Five Star and other groups to discuss hot topics in the industry such as statute of limitation, proposed bills in Congress, ethics, FDCPA claims and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). She has also been involved with multiple amicus briefs filed on critical issues that have been heard by the Florida Supreme Court.
Dana Federspiel
STPI, Product Manager Senior
Black Knight
601 Riverside Ave.
Jacksonville, FL 32204
904-527-4408
dana.federspiel@bkfs.com
Dana Federspiel is currently the Managing Director within the Black Knight Enterprise Product Strategy group responsible for identification, development and delivery of enterprise opportunities with new and existing products.
Dana possesses 11+ years with Black Knight and its predecessor companies, including conducting client business reviews to provide recommendations, potential cost savings and risk analysis based on the usage of current technology, compliance and best practices for mortgage servicing to assist in the sales and assessment process. Additionally, Dana has conducted numerous training courses, assisted with requirements gathering and project plans for implementation of Black Knight products and process change execution strategies specializing in default products and processing.
Dana has over 21+ years of mortgage servicing experience in various roles related to processing, default management and reverse mortgages.
Erica Fujimoto
Director of Default Services & Management Consultant
Affinity Consulting Group
13700 Stevens Point Dr.
Frisco, TX 75033
727-202-3185
efujimoto@affinityconsulting.com
Erica is the primary project and client relations manager for all of Affinity’s default services projects. She handles process mapping with our clients and assists in program buildouts. She’s also involved in business development, strategic planning, and audits and compliance. Erica started in the mortgage banking industry in the late 90s working at a major mortgage servicer in foreclosure and bankruptcy, and then moved on to work at various law firms, first as a paralegal, and later as a managing paralegal. In 2007, Erica’s firm purchased the CaseAware® case management system, and she became the implementation project manager, program administrator, and trainer. She came to Affinity in 2010, where she has built a team of consultants catering to firms in the default industry.
Erica’s superpower is organization. She keeps a lot of balls in the air at one time, and rarely lets one drop. Erica is happiest when she’s helping people, and her favorite part of her job is being able to help her clients and her team every day.
Erica lives outside of Dallas, Texas, with her husband, Yoshi, of 20+ years and their two sons, Genki and Kazuki. She can usually be found watching soccer, baseball, tennis, and helping at her sons’ schools with PTA and other events. She enjoys reading, playing tennis, taking dance lessons, and shopping. She speaks fluent Japanese, and if she could spend the rest of her life doing anything, it would be traveling around the US and the world, meeting new people, and enjoying the culture of other countries.
Jan Duke
Chief Operating Officer
a360inc
102 9th Street, Suite 200
San Antonio, TX 78215
813.257.9084
jan.duke@a360inc.com
Jan Duke is the COO and lead consultant at a360inc. In this capacity, she provides strategic leadership for the company and utilizes her extensive industry experience to create customized solutions to resolve operational challenges for clients. Her primary focus is consulting in the areas of technology solutions, organizational structure, and business-process improvement.
She also oversees business development efforts, product management, and solutions delivery. Jan began her career in the consumer-packaged goods industry and later moved to the legal field where she has held senior leadership positions in human resources, information technology, support services, operations management, and compliance. With 20 years of experience in the industry, she can leverage her knowledge to assist client firms in meeting their performance and fiscal objectives.
Michael Weaver
President & CEO
360 Legal
201 Fletcher Ave., Suite 100
Sarasota, Florida 34237
(888) 360-5345 ext. 101
Mike@360legal.net
Mike is the President of 360 Legal, Inc., A leading National provider of Service of Process and associated legal services for the default industry. Prior to founding 360 Legal, Inc, Mike was a partner, and COO at A Better Process, Inc., a legal service firm based in Boca Raton Florida. Mike gained his Information Security expertise at Electronic Systems (ESR), a regional computer-consulting firm based in Richmond, Virginia. At ESR, Mike was the Director of Federal Sales and guided his team to launch two successful business units: a regional ISP, I2020.net, and an Information Security Consulting Practice that provided InfoSec services and products to the Department of Defense.
Mike currently resides in Sarasota, Florida where he is active in many outdoor activities. He holds a private pilot license. He attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and graduated with two Bachelor of Science Degrees and a minor in computer science.
Breakout Session 7 – Loss Mitigation
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
McCoy’s Peak
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Mountain Time
In this session, we’ll cover what you need to know to successfully understand, and more importantly, navigate loss mitigation in 2023. This session will discuss best practices, alternatives to foreclosure given recent market values, traditional sales, loan modifications, deeds-in-lieu, short sales, repayment/forbearance plans, payment deferrals and more for expedited resolutions.
Moderator:
- Joseph Camillo, Jr., Managing Partner, Brock & Scott, PLLC - Joseph.Camillo@brockandscott.com
Speakers:
- Matthew Murtland, Regional Partner, LOGS Legal Group - mmurtland@logs.com
- Beth Northrop-Day, VP, Assistant General Counsel, US Bank - beth.northropday@usbank.com
- Damian Searles, AVP Loss Mitigation, Agency, Servis One, Inc. (BSI Financial Services) - searles12@yahoo.com
Joseph A. Camillo, Jr., Esq.
Managing Partner
Brock & Scott, PLLC
1080 Main Street, Ste 200
Pawtucket, RI 02860
401-217-8701 x2403
Joseph.Camillo@brockandscott.com
With over 28 years of experience in the areas of Banking, Creditors’ Rights, Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, Real Estate, Litigation, Regulatory Compliance and Condominium Law, Mr. Camillo brings his management and business experience to the firm. He is Managing Partner of Brock & Scott's Northeast Default Servicing operation. He is admitted to practice law in all state and federal courts in MA and NH, US District Court in VT as well as the US Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit. Mr. Camillo earned his J.D. from Massachusetts School of Law in 1994, and B.A. from St. Bonaventure University in 1989. He lectures extensively throughout the US on topics such as default servicing and litigation. Mr. Camillo serves as USFN's chair of REO/Eviction committee and member of Education Committee, general counsel to New England Adjustment Managers Association in addition to being a Conference Faculty member of Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) and Real Estate Bar Association (REBA).
Memberships:
American Bankruptcy Institute, Real Estate Bar Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Bar Associations, American Liver Foundation/Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for which he has raised funds and awareness by participating and completing several IRONMAN and Marathon endurance races.
Practice Area:
Litigation & Defense, Real Estate Default, Special Assets Resolution, Title Curative
Admitted to Practice:
- Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
- US District Court for the District of Massachusetts
- New Hampshire Supreme Court
- US District Court for the District of New Hampshire
- US District Court for the District of Vermont
- United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
Education:
- 1994 Massachusetts School of Law, Juris Doctor
- 1988 Oxford University, Somerville College, Visiting Student
- 1989 St. Bonaventure University, B.A.
Matthew Murtland, Esq.
Regional Partner
LOGS Legal Group, LLP
4805 Montgomery Road, Suite 320
Cincinnati, OH 45212
513-396-8201
mmurtland@logs.com
Matthew Murtland, Regional Partner with the firm LOGS Legal Group, LLP, specializes in handling Creditor’s Rights cases with a focus in bankruptcy and foreclosure. He practices in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky representing national creditors in consumer bankruptcy cases in Chapter 7, 12, 13 and some Chapter 11 cases and currently serves as the Bankruptcy Practice Chair for LOGS.
Mr. Murtland is currently a member of National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees (NACTT), American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI), Kentucky Bar Association, and Louisville Bar Association.
Mr. Murtland is admitted to practice law in the Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina and the Federal District Courts and Bankruptcy Courts in the following jurisdictions: Southern District of Ohio, Northern District of Ohio, Eastern District of Kentucky, Western District of Kentucky, Southern District of Indiana, Northern District of Indiana. Mr. Murtland currently resides in Louisville, Kentucky.
Beth Northrop-Day, Esq.
Vice President and Assistant General Counsel
U.S. Bank
500 W Cypress Creek Rd., Suite 460
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
612.248.0447
beth.northropday@usbank.com
Beth Northrop-Day is a Vice President and Assistant General Counsel with U.S. Bank having joined the Bank in August 2014. Beth is lead attorney in the areas of Default Management Servicing Control and Default (Servicing) Operations, which includes but is not limited to Audit and Issues Management, SPOC & MAP, Loss Mitigation, Contested Foreclosure, Title issues, Probate, REO, Eviction, Property Preservation, Third Party Risk Management/Oversight, and Business Line Controls Management. In addition, she has experience in the management of highly contested litigation in the mortgage space and has worked closely with various entities regarding compliance with state and federal based laws, rules and regulations.
Beth has eliminated or reduced significant legal risks and exposure through getting in front of problem files, issues, etc. She understands the risks and is often able to resolve a dispute with outside the box thinking that leads to settlements. Beth focuses a significant amount of time on ensuring the Bank complies with all regulations, rules, federal agencies, etc. She develops and implements strategic positions to help her law firms and the Bank process defaulted loans properly and with the goal of helping the Bank's customers.
Beth participates in a variety of conferences and does not hesitate nor shy away from speaking at an event on default related issues or items. She has spoken at Legal League, ALFN conferences and WILLPOWER. Most recently, she spoke at a Bradley Arant industry summit where she shared her experiences and expertise in handling highly contested litigation and views on creatively handling and managing those matters.
Beth received the COSE award 6 months after joining the Bank in 2014. The COSE Award is the Circle of Service Excellence award given to those who not only exceeded expectations within a certain role or function, but went above and beyond their standard role to challenge the status quo, create new and innovative results and lead a project to its successful conclusion.
Beth participates in activities for St Jude's Childrens hospital, Feed my Starving Children and several Battered Women’s Clinics. She has also participated in clothing drives for battered women's shelters. She's spoken to and helped encourage and listen to women trapped in abusive relationships and shared her story to help encourage other to stand for themselves or to ask other to help them stand until they can stand on their own.
Damian Searles
AVP Loss Mitigation, Agency
BSI Financial Services (Servis One, Inc.)
1425 Greenway Drive, Suite 400
Irving, TX 75038
972.347.4350
dsearles@bsifinancial.com
Damian Searles, native of Greenwood, SC currently resides in Greenville, SC. Damian has a background in both the finance and business industries where he is paving the way for emerging leaders, ideas, and business strategies. Damian received his Associate's Degree in 2010 with a focus on Business Management and Administration. He recently graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in Project Management. In his current career, he is the manager of a team of foreclosure specialists. Understanding that this wasn’t a “fun” position, he decided to take on the task anyway, because leaders don’t always do what is fun, they do what is necessary. Damian’s leadership style is one of poise, compassion, integrity, critical thinking, process improvement, and growth. No matter what the circumstance, he lives by the motto, “Excellence is the only way”. With his foundation in banking, business, management, finance, and leadership, his disciplines give him the knowledge and experience required to make the necessary changes for growth and development for himself and other leaders around him. To continue expanding himself as well as his love for reaching, teaching, and impacting people, Damian is also a member of Toastmasters Intl. In his spare time, he likes traveling, cycling, flying his drone, and spending time with the people he loves the most. His future goals include becoming an Author. Damian will be releasing a devotional in 2022 for Leaders entitled No Vision, No Victory, Inspirational Journal for Leaders. With this devotional, Damian's mission is to make sure that every leader knows at least this one principle; Where there is no vision; the people will perish.
Breakout Session 8 – Uncommon Ground (Mobile Homes, Timeshares, Off the Beaten Path Foreclosures, Farm Loans & Cross Collateralization)
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Heritage Hall
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Mountain Time
This session will address the latest issues with Mobile Homes, Timeshares, Off the Beaten Path Foreclosures, Farm Loans & Cross Collateralization, Contracts for Deed - Installment Land Contracts, and Reverse Mortgages.
Moderator:
- Deanne Stodden, Partner, Messner Reeves - dstodden@messner.com (can cover Timeshares)
Speakers:
- Michael Rak, Partner, Lender Legal - Mrak@lenderlegal.com
- Heidi Carey, Partner/Owner, Riley, Pope & Laney - hcarey@rplfirm.com
- Benjamin Hoen, Managing Partner- Real Estate Default Group, Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A - bhoen@weltman.com
Deanne Stodden, Esq.
Partner
Messner Reeves LLP
1430 Wynkoop Street, Suite 300
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 623.1800
dstodden@messner.com
Deanne's practice encompasses all areas of real estate law, business law, banking law and creditor's rights. The majority of her legal career has focused on the representation of large and small financial institutions and other creditors in residential and commercial foreclosures, loan workouts, deficiency actions and real estate-related litigation. Deanne has significant experience negotiating and documenting loan transactions involving real estate. She drafts and negotiates leases, license agreements, cell tower leases and enjoys working with small businesses and entrepreneurs on entity formation, organization documents and contracts. In addition to her work, Deanne is active in the legal community and is a frequent author and speaker on a variety of real estate law and creditor's rights topics. Deanne is currently a member of the Colorado Bar Association Ethics Committee and is a liaison to the Colorado Bar Association Real Estate Section Council. In addition, Deanne is the Managing Editor of the Colorado Bar Association/CLE Colorado Real Estate Practice books and collaborates with the other authors to teach the 13-week course in real estate law to new lawyers, paralegals and other attendees.
Michael Rak, Esq.
Partner
Lender Legal PLLC
1800 Pembrook Drive, Suite 250
Orlando, FL 32810
407.730.4644
mrak@lenderlegal.com
Michael Rak, Esq., is a Partner at Lender Legal PLLC who specializes in foreclosure litigation and various other real estate law matters.
Originally from DeLand, Florida, Michael attended the University of Florida, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Michael then attended Florida State University College of Law, obtaining his Juris Doctor in August of 2008.
Michael began his legal career as a litigator with a firm in Maitland, Florida, specializing in foreclosure defense, consumer/debtor bankruptcy, debt negotiation, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act cases, and Social Security disability claims. During his time with his prior firm, Michael appeared in matters on the state, federal, and administrative level, and was an active member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, Central Florida Bankruptcy Law Association, and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives.
Michael joined Lender Legal in August of 2013. Michael approaches each borrower he speaks to with the compassion and respect they deserve, and works diligently to efficiently and effectively resolve cases in a beneficial way for the lenders he represents.
ADMISSIONS
Florida
EDUCATION
J.D., Florida State University, 2008
B.A., University of Florida, 2005
Heidi B. Carey, Esq.
Partner/Owner
Riley Pope & Laney, LLC
2838 Devine Street
Columbia, SC 29205
803.799.9993
hcarey@rplfirm.com
Heidi B. Carey of Riley Pope & Laney is an attorney in Columbia, SC. She represents mortgage banking creditors and manages the day-to-day operations of the firm’s default servicing practice. Ms. Carey joined Riley Pope and Laney in 2008 and became a member of the firm in 2010.
Ms. Carey graduated magna cum laude from the Honors College of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, a minor in Business, and a Performance Certificate from the School of Music in Cello. Upon graduation, she attended the University of South Carolina School of Law where she was Articles Editor of the South Carolina Environmental Law Journal. She began her law practice representing clients in business litigation and commercial real estate matters.
In 1998 she became in-house counsel to Fleet Mortgage Group, Inc. and Washington Mutual Bank managing mortgage banking litigation nationwide, and advising corporate clients on a wide range of mortgage servicing issues relating to customer service, tax payments, hazard insurance, foreclosures, collections, loss mitigation, mortgage insurance, and bankruptcy. While at Fleet Mortgage, she was also a member of the Fleet Mortgage Corp. Privacy Task Force for implementation of practices and procedures to comply with the newly enacted Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Privacy Act.
Since 2001, Ms. Carey has practiced residential foreclosure and bankruptcy law and supervised and managed both paralegals and attorneys. She is a frequent speaker at default servicing and on-site lender training events. Ms. Carey is a member of the South Carolina Bar and the Richland County Bar Associations and admitted to practice before all South Carolina state courts and the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. She is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell, is listed in the Best Lawyers in America for Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law, and has been recognized several times as part of the Legal Elite of the Midlands for foreclosure by the Greater Columbia Business Monthly magazine.
Ms. Carey continues her musical career as a tenured cello section member of the South Carolina Philharmonic, and also serves at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Ms. Carey, her husband Ken, and their two children reside in Columbia, South Carolina.
Benjamin Hoen, Esq.
Managing Partner- Real Estate Default Group
Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A.
965 Keynote Circle
Cleveland, OH 44131
216-739-5629
bhoen@weltman.com
Initially joining the firm over 20 years ago, Ben has been an integral part of its Real Estate Default Group and its success. With consideration of his commitment to both the firm and its clients, Ben was promoted to shareholder in 2017, where he continued to excel as an attorney. In early 2020, Ben was named as the firm’s new Real Estate Default Group leader, overseeing the department’s overall performance and client satisfaction.
Ben provides real estate default services for a wide range of financial institutions, from large national banks to community banks, credit unions, and private lenders. His clients trust him to help maximize loss mitigation initiatives, ensure compliance with investor guidelines as well as federal and state regulations, and optimize the recovery of assets. Ben’s attentiveness to his client’s needs, his ability to find solutions to complex legal issues, and his clear and timely communication ensure a smooth and timely foreclosure process. His longstanding client relationships are a testament to his solid work ethic and strong results.
Ben received his First Rabbinical Degree from Central Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim Lubavaitz, before graduating cum laude with his J.D. from Cleveland State University Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. He is well respected in the legal and local community, with multiple affiliations, including the Ohio Bar Association, the Michigan Bar Association, and the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Additionally, Ben sits on the Cleveland Heights Board of Zoning Appeals, the Cleveland Heights Housing Council, and the Board of Trustees at Congregation Zemach Zedek of Cleveland Heights - amongst other organizations. He has been named in six consecutive editions of the Ohio Rising Stars List (2011-16), an honor awarded annually to no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in the state.
Ben was born in Cleveland, and although briefly living in California, New York, London, and Israel, he found his way back to the 216, where he currently resides. Like any true diehard Clevelander, he loves the pain and suffering of Cleveland sports – and yes, he will always refer to Progressive Field as “The Jake.” One of his favorite memories is when the Cleveland Cavaliers won their first championship in franchise history in 2016. Ben is the oldest of six and is now a father of five children and one pet turtle. In his free time, he enjoys hiking in the Cleveland Metroparks with his family, grilling, and watching Star Wars.
Breakout Session 9 – Mock Trial
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Mt. Jackson
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Mountain Time
Step into the captivating world of the courtroom as we present a mock trial scenario focused on default mortgage servicing issues. Witness the legal battle unfold as we reenact a real-life courtroom scenario, exploring the intricacies and challenges of default mortgage servicing litigation.
Moderator:
- Chris Picard, Principal, Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, PC - cpicard@npmlaw.com
Speakers (Mock Judge, Servicer Witness, Servicer Counsel, Borrower Counsel):
- John Steele, Managing Partner, Steele, LLP - jsteele@steelellp.com
- Michael Catalfimo, Partner, Rowlands, LeBrou & Griesmer - mcatalfimo@rlglawny.com
- Regina Slowey, Managing Litigation Attorney, Orlans PC - rslowey@orlans.com
- Carolyn Taylor, Partner, Hughes Watters Askanase - ctaylor@hwa.com
Christopher J. Picard, Esq.
Principal
Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C.
195 Church Street, 13th Floor
New Haven, CT 06510
203.821.2000
cpicard@npmlaw.com
Christopher J. Picard’s practice for the last 20 years has centered on handling creditor’s rights issues and real estate litigation in state, federal and bankruptcy courts inclusive of handling appellate matters. Chris will continue practicing in these areas and is expanding his practice to include commercial litigation. His clients have included national banks and servicers along with local lenders. Recently, Chris obtained two appellate decisions in favor of lenders; one involving the impact of divorce proceedings on a residential mortgage foreclosure and the other concerning to challenge the legal sufficiency of a special defense by way of summary judgment.
Chris began practicing law in 2000 after serving in the United States Navy as a Diver from 1987 to 1993. During his time on active duty, Chris participated in various salvage and recovery operations. After completion of his active duty, Chris attended Boston College where he served as President of the Boston College Men’s Rugby Team. While studying at the University of Dayton School of Law, Chris was a member of the Moot Court team winning the National Environmental Moot Court competition at Salmon P. Chase School of Law earning team honors for best brief and individual honors as Best Oralist.
Outside of practicing law, Chris is an active rugby referee and a Qualified Judicial Officer with World Rugby. Additionally, Chris enjoys spending time with his family inclusive of attending his children’s ice hockey games.
John C. Steele, Esq.
Managing Partner
Steele LLP
17272 Red Hill Avenue
Irvine, California 92614
(949) 222-1161
jsteele@steelellp.com
John Steele is the Managing Partner of Steele LLP and is a trial attorney with nearly 30 years’ experience litigating in state and federal courts. Mr. Steele also has substantial experience arbitrating cases before FINRA, the American Arbitration Association, ADR Services, and JAMS. His expertise includes commercial litigation, mortgage, banking and securities litigation, employment and trade secret matters, and real property disputes.
Mr. Steele represents mortgage servicers and banks, institutional investors, Fortune 500 companies, and corporate officers and directors through trial in a wide variety of business disputes involving:
Wrongful Foreclosure
California Homeowners’ Bill of Rights (HBOR)
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FRCA)
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)
Truth in Lending Act (TILA)
Fraud
Breach of Contract
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Negligence
Wrongful Termination
Sexual Harassment and Discrimination
Misappropriation of Trade Secrets
Unfair Competition
John was formerly a partner at law firms in Los Angeles and Orange County and was previously associated with Latham & Watkins LLP. He is licensed to practice in California.
Michael J. Catalfimo, Esq.
Partner
Rowlands, LeBrou & Griesmer, PLLC
480 Broadway, Suite 250
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
(518) 587-8112
mcatalfimo@rlglawny.com
MICHAEL J. CATALFIMO is a Partner in the New York law firm of Rowlands, LeBrou & Griesmer, PLLC, where he concentrates his practice in the fields of creditors’ rights, business and property law and litigation, and general civil litigation. Mr. Catalfimo earned his J.D. degree, magna cum laude, from Boston College Law School in 1985, and his B.A. degree, with all college honors, from Skidmore College in 1982. Mr. Catalfimo is active in numerous professional organizations and is a past-chair of the Board of Directors of the American Legal and Financial Network. He is a frequent speaker on topics related to creditors rights, legal ethics and real property law and litigation.
Regina M. Slowey, Esq.
Managing Litigation Attorney
Orlans PC
1650 W. Big Beaver Rd.
Troy, MI 48084
248 502 3070
rslowey@orlans.com
Regina Slowey has over 20 years of litigation experience, specifically devoted to business and real estate litigation involving the mortgage lending and servicing industries. Yet her not so secret passion is title – having also been involved in the title industry for over 15 years, working with realtors, agents, and underwriters, and being one of the few who enjoys both the transactional and litigation side of title. She began as a title attorney in the litigation practice at Orlans PC in 2013, and discovered she had found a firm that shares her core values of respect, collaboration, and innovation. Regina is licensed in Michigan and California, and manages the REO, title, collection, eviction and litigation areas of practice throughout the ten jurisdictions of Orlans PC. She loves to share her expertise at training seminars, conferences, and continuing legal education courses on real property law and related topics. She is also a proud graduate of the University of Michigan, (where she earned an undergraduate degree in Classical Civilization that her father still questions) and her JD (which her father also questioned but accepted a tad more gracefully).
Carolyn A. Taylor, Esq.
Partner
Hughes Watters Askanase L.L.P.
1201 Louisiana St., 28th Fl.
Houston, TX 77002
713-328-2804
ctaylor@hwa.com
Ms. Taylor is a partner whose practice is concentrated primarily in the areas of credit union law, creditors’ rights and mortgage banking. She has extensive expertise in default servicing (bankruptcy, collection, foreclosure, eviction, loss mitigation and debt restructuring), regulatory compliance and contract negotiation and drafting. Since 1979, Ms. Taylor has vigorously served as a legal advocate and strategic advisor for her clients. She learns and understands her clients’ business operations and objectives, thereby enabling her to provide timely, pragmatic and cost effective legal solutions.
Ms. Taylor is the Managing Partner of the firm’s award winning credit union, creditors’ rights and default services practice groups, including collection, foreclosure, bankruptcy, eviction, probate, title resolution , contested and litigated matters, consumer and commercial banking issues, regulatory compliance, and negotiation, drafting and review of contracts and leases. Instrumental in implementing and enhancing the internal policies, procedures and state of the art technology compliant solutions that enable her teams to deliver timely, superior services to clients. Prominent role in the firm’s selection as Designated Counsel for FHLMC (TX) and Retained Counsel for FNMA (TX) in 2008, legal representation until the termination of the programs and continued legal representation under “no objection “ letters. Routinely trains, speaks and publishes on credit union, mortgage servicing and consumer finance legal issues on a local, regional and national levels.
EDUCATION
Emory University 1979
– Doctor of Jurisprudence
– Order of the Barristers
University of Denver 1976
– Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude
LICENSURE
Licensed, State Bar of Texas 1979-Present
United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas (admitted 1979)
United States District Courts for the Eastern, Northern and Western Districts of Texas (Admitted 1980)
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
Closing General Session – The Housing Economy: Trends to Watch
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Sawatch Hall
3:15 PM – 4:30 PM Mountain Time
A panel of high-profile economists and industry analysts will offer insights on the state of the U.S. economy and trends to watch in the housing market. The panel will especially focus on the default servicing market, with information on mortgage delinquencies; how housing market dynamics (supply/demand imbalance, record homeowner equity, etc.) will impact the distressed housing market; what to expect in terms of defaults and foreclosures; and disposition strategies for properties in the foreclosure process.
Moderator:
- Rick Sharga, President & CEO, CJ Patrick Company – rick@cjpatrick.com
Speakers:
- Hamilton Fout, VP of Economic & Strategic Research, Fannie Mae – hamilton_fout@fanniemae.com
- Marina Walsh, VP, Industry Analysis, Mortgage Bankers Association - MWalsh@mba.org
- Daren Blomquist, VP of Market Economics, Auction.com - DBlomquist@auction.com
Rick Sharga
Founder & CEO
CJ Patrick Company
54 Gingham St
Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679
949.322.4583
rick.sharga@cjpatrick.com
Rick is the Founder & CEO of CJ Patrick Company, a market intelligence and advisory firm for companies in the real estate and mortgage industries.
One of the country’s most frequently-quoted sources on real estate, mortgage and foreclosure trends, Rick has appeared on CNBC, CBS News, NBC News, CNN, ABC News, FOX, Bloomberg and NPR. Rick is a founding member of the Five Star National Mortgage Servicing Association, on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Default Professionals, and was twice named to the Inman News Inman 100, an annual list of the most influential real estate leaders.
Rick has over 20 years of experience in the real estate and mortgage industries, including roles as the EVP/Market Intelligence at ATTOM Data, EVP for Carrington Mortgage Holdings, EVP at RealtyTrac, and as the Chief Marketing Officer of Ten-X and Auction.com, the leading online real estate marketplace.
Hamilton Fout, PhD
Vice President – Economic & Strategic Research
Fannie Mae
1100 15th Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
919-260-0106
hamilton_fout@fanniemae.com
Hamilton Fout is Fannie Mae’s Vice President of Economic & Strategic Research, reporting to the Senior Vice President and Chief Economist. Fout is responsible for providing the forecasts of loan volumes and profiles to various business units of Fannie Mae. Fout is an important source of information regarding regional housing risks, the transmission of macro developments through the mortgage market, stress testing, interest rate dynamics, and issues related to mortgage risks and cash flows.
Prior to joining the Economic & Strategic Research group, Fout worked in the Underwriting and Pricing division of Fannie Mae focusing on issues related to credit risk. In this role, he had primary responsibility for tracking and reporting on regional risks within Fannie Mae’s credit portfolio, developing property-level and loan-level risk models, and monitoring and evaluating portfolio-level risks and opportunities for the company’s Single-Family book of business.
Prior to joining Fannie Mae, Fout worked as an assistant professor at Kansas State University, where he taught econometrics and undergraduate and graduate-level macro courses. Fout’s recently published research focused on mortgage performance, severity, and collateral valuation. Fout received a Ph.D. in economics from the University of North Carolina and a B.S. in economics and business from Florida State University.
Marina B. Walsh, CMB
Vice President, Industry Analysis | Research and Economics
Mortgage Bankers Association
1919 M Street NW, 5th Floor
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 557-2817
MWalsh@mba.org
Marina Walsh is Vice President of Industry analysis in MBA's Research and Economics Department, specializing in industry performance benchmarking for residential lenders and servicers. Currently, she leads the management and direction for the Mortgage Bankers Performance Reports, the Servicing Operations Study and Forum, the Peer Group Survey and Roundtable Program, the Mortgage Banking Compensation Survey Program, the Home Equity Lending Survey, the Loan Monitoring Survey and other ad hoc surveys and policy analyses. She is also MBA's spokesperson for the National Delinquency Survey.
In addition, Walsh conducts specialty workshops and roundtables on a variety of current topics critical to the mortgage industry and provides program advisory support for conferences, particularly MBA's Accounting and Financial Management Conference and its National Servicing Conference. She is an instructor for several MBA Education webinars and courses, including the Schools of Mortgage Servicing and the Future Leaders Program. Results of her work have been published in all of the major trade publications as well as national and local newspapers. She is a frequent speaker on mortgage finance and economics at MBA and other industry events and conferences.
In 2020, Walsh received the Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) designation, awarded to seasoned professionals seeking the ultimate recognition for professionalism and experience in residential mortgage banking. In 2016, she was named to HousingWire's "Women of Influence" list. The list, which is based on nominations from the industry, highlights women who are making significant contributions to mortgage banking and real estate.
Prior to joining MBA, Walsh was a manager in Ernst and Young's Real Estate Advisory Services Group where her focus was Federal credit program design, implementation and performance measurement. She started her career in the Management Training Program, then subsequently the financial planning division, of the Port Authority of NY & NJ. She holds a bachelor's degree from Cornell University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Columbia University.
Daren Blomquist
Vice President of Market Economics
Auction.com
1 Venture, Suite 300
Irvine, CA 92618
949-502-8310
DBlomquist@auction.com
Daren Blomquist is vice president of market economics at Auction.com. In this role, Blomquist analyzes and forecasts complex macro and microeconomic data trends within the marketplace and industry to provide value to both buyers and sellers using the Auction.com platform.
Daren’s reports and analysis have been cited by thousands of media outlets — including all the major news networks and leading publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and USA TODAY. Daren has been quoted in hundreds of publications and has appeared on many national network broadcasts, including CBS, ABC, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business and Bloomberg.