My areas of practice are focused on the representation of providers of real estate valuation services, mortgage services and related fields. My clients include large firms, appraisal management companies, technology companies and individual professionals. The matters I handle for them involve both transactional and litigation concerns, as well as regulatory and disciplinary proceedings. I use my deep knowledge and experience in this niche to help my clients prevent and solve real-world problems.
Litigation for Valuation, Mortgage Services and Insurance
I represent parties in disputes concerning real estate valuation, the operation of valuation firms, and insurance coverage. For matters outside my jurisdictions of practice or with large scale, I team up with trusted colleagues. I also provide assistance to other law firms when valuation or insurance matters are part of a case.
Employment and Contractor Issues
Employment and contractor classification issues are critical concerns for AMCs, valuation firms, mortgage services providers and other vendor management specialists, especially in light of California’s Dynamex case and the passage of AB 5. I have drafted or revised the contractor agreements of dozens of firms and companies, as well as confidentiality and non-compete agreements.
Compliance Counseling
I provide legal and regulatory advice about compliance with state and federal laws, regulations and guidelines pertaining to real estate valuation, appraisal management and mortgage services. I am most frequently asked about issues relating to the Dodd-Frank Act, Appraisal Independence and state appraisal management company laws.
Service Agreements, Policies & Procedures
I have drafted or revised hundreds of service agreements and terms and conditions for valuation firms and AMCs. I also participated in the Appraisal Institute’s work group to update its sample agreements for appraisal services. I frequently assist AMCs in drafting policies and procedures to meet lender-client requirements.
Regulatory and Disciplinary Defense
I represent and assist appraisers, appraisal management companies and other service providers in connection with regulatory and disciplinary proceedings and audits. The most frequent proceedings I am asked for assistance with involve state appraiser boards.
Outside General Counsel
Many valuation firms, AMCs and similar service providers want a regular lawyer they can ask anything and basically want their own “general counsel” but aren’t large enough to justify that expense. I can serve as your outside general counsel. Over the 25 years of my legal career, I’ve gained the experience to deal with any legal situation or know where to get the right expertise.