Starnes Davis Florie has a long history of representing virtually every facet of the banking and financial services industry in litigation, including alternative dispute resolution and recovery efforts. The firm’s attorneys have tried, arbitrated, or handled to conclusion numerous matters, including individual and class actions involving alleged violations of the FCRA, FDCPA, FCBA, TILA, RESPA, HOEPA, HOLA, EFTA and state UDTPA, as well as fraud, harassment, invasion of privacy, and other state and federal claims. These matters have taken place in many venues, including Alabama, California, Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Arkansas.
The firm has also handled a wide variety of consumer finance and real estate mortgage lending litigation in a number of states and has represented mortgage loan lenders, as well as brokers, in numerous fraud and lender liability actions. The firm’s attorneys have defended numerous cases involving the handling of credit card, depository, and other loan accounts, including claims involving forgery and identity theft brought against various financial institutions. The firm has also conducted various recovery efforts on behalf of these institutions, including foreclosure and deficiency actions, and has defended wrongful collection and foreclosure actions.
This practice group prides itself on early assessment of each case so that every client can make a considered judgment as to the potential risk and cost of litigation. This allows clients to make a well-informed decision and promotes early resolution, either through dismissal or settlement. For example, in one case, the firm investigated allegations against its client in a potential class action, and discovered that the plaintiff was mistaken about the transaction forming the basis of the suit. This resulted in a dismissal before an answer was even filed. This same approach resulted in the dismissal of a bankruptcy class action filed against an auto finance company in bankruptcy court.
A number of companies have also retained Starnes Davis Florie as settlement counsel due to the firm’s trial experience and commitment to favorable resolution. In these instances, the firm willingly works with primary litigation counsel for the client’s benefit.
Starnes Davis Florie has also been retained to initiate litigation in obtaining various forms of relief including the enforcement of contractual rights and pursuing indemnification rights on behalf of financial services clients.