Financial Services and Institutions

Kaufman Dolowich provides nationwide representation to financial institutions, consumer financial services companies, broker-dealers, registered representatives, investment advisers, certified financial planners, mortgage lenders, data furnishers, consumer reporting agencies, debt collectors, law firms, and other financial professionals. Our attorneys advise clients across the full spectrum of financial services matters, helping them navigate an increasingly complex legal, regulatory, and business environment while protecting their interests in investigations, disputes, and litigation.

Our Financial Services and Institutions team includes seasoned litigators, former regulators, and former in-house counsel with decades of experience representing and advising participants across the financial services industry. Positioned in major financial and commercial centers, we deliver strategic, business-focused counsel to institutions and individuals facing regulatory scrutiny, customer and industry disputes, compliance challenges, and high-stakes civil proceedings. We are trusted, skillful legal advisors who have built long‑standing relationships with our clients to help them manage risk, preserve reputation, and maintain regulatory compliance.

Consumer Financial Services Litigation

At Kaufman Dolowich, our attorneys regularly counsel and defend clients in complex litigation, including individual consumer financial services claims and consumer class actions. We have successfully defended matters brought against firms and financial institutions in both state and federal courts, from pre-trial negotiations through trial and appeals.

Consumer actions can pose a significant threat to a business’s continued success. We adopt a client-centered approach that considers the many factors influencing case outcomes, as well as the broader impact on business operations and reputation. We work closely with each client, investing the time and resources necessary to build a strong, strategic defense.

Our consumer financial services team routinely assists clients in evaluating their products, policies and procedures and determining whether there has been (or could potentially be) a violation of applicable financial regulations. From the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and from the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to the Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA), we are well‑versed in every major federal and state consumer financial statute.

While many disputes are resolved efficiently and discreetly, we are prepared to act aggressively when litigation is necessary. Our attorneys are experienced courtroom advocates who understand that effective negotiation is often strengthened by the ability and readiness to litigate. This combination of strategic insight and trial experience allows us to consistently secure favorable outcomes for our clients.

Financial Services Disputes and Industry Representation

Beyond consumer litigation, Kaufman Dolowich represents financial institutions and other financial professionals in a wide range of industry disputes. Our experience includes:

• FINRA arbitrations involving customer and intra-industry disputes
• Represent firms and individuals in SEC and state regulatory examinations and enforcement actions
• AAA and JAMS arbitrations for investment advisors and related professionals
• Defense of investment professionals in civil court actions
• Shareholder and securities-related litigation, including claims involving fraud, misrepresentation, and breach of fiduciary duty

We understand that these disputes can be highly disruptive and carry significant costs and reputational risk. Our attorneys work efficiently to resolve matters as quickly and favorably as possible while protecting our clients’ business interests. Our firm’s attorneys have represented financial firms and financial professionals in a wide range of cases pending in FINRA Dispute Resolution, before federal and state regulatory agencies, and in state and federal courts. 

Our financial services attorneys also assist clients in responding to FINRA Rule 8210 requests and government subpoenas and have significant experience representing firms and individuals in connection with on-the-record interviews and related investigations.

Regulatory Inquiries and Enforcement Actions

Given the extensive and evolving regulatory framework governing the consumer financial services and financial services industry, most businesses will, at some point, interact with government regulators. Managing these interactions effectively is critical.

Kaufman Dolowich represents clients in regulatory inquiries and enforcement actions initiated by authorities, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), FINRA, the Federal Reserve Board, state attorneys general, and other federal and state regulators.

We also defend and prosecute claims arising under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) in federal courts and before the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), including representing entities in USDA investigatory and enforcement actions.

We assist clients at every stage of the regulatory process, including:

• Handling letters of inquiry
• Responding to subpoenas
• Navigating examination processes
• Litigating disciplinary proceedings
• Negotiating settlements
• Conducting audits

Regulatory actions often begin as inquiries and can escalate into formal proceedings with significant consequences. We understand how regulators operate and work proactively to manage risk, minimize disruption, and limit potential exposure. We take a strategic, measured approach, always cooperating where appropriate while carefully managing the scope of disclosures and positioning our clients for the best possible outcome.

Compliance Counseling

In an environment defined by constant regulatory change, proactive compliance is essential. Kaufman Dolowich provides comprehensive regulatory compliance counseling designed to help clients navigate complex legal requirements and avoid costly enforcement actions.

Our attorneys routinely assist clients in evaluating their products, policies, and procedures to identify potential regulatory risks. We advise on a broad range of federal and state laws, including those governing debt collection, consumer communications, credit reporting, electronic fund transfers, securities, and fiduciary obligations.

We provide end-to-end strategic counsel, including:

• Conducting internal compliance reviews and audits
• Developing and implementing compliance programs
• Advising boards of directors, officers, and compliance professionals
• Providing training programs and seminars on industry best practices
• Ongoing monitoring to ensure policies are effectively enforced

We also counsel financial institutions, boards, and compliance officers on corporate governance matters, including fiduciary duties, regulatory oversight, and compliance with federal and state securities laws.

Our goal is to create practical, cost-effective compliance strategies that not only satisfy regulatory requirements but also support long-term business objectives.

Contact Kaufman Dolowich Today to Discuss Your Legal Options

Navigating the legal and regulatory challenges of the financial services industry requires experienced, strategic counsel. Kaufman Dolowich is committed to helping financial institutions and professionals manage risk, respond to challenges, and position themselves for long-term success.

We invite you to contact our team to discuss your specific needs and learn how we can assist with litigation, regulatory matters, and compliance strategies.