Justin Angelo, who represents major financial institutions in a wide range of consumer financial services litigation matters, has joined Ballard Spahr’s nationally recognized Consumer Financial Services Group in its Manhattan office, firm Chair Mark Stewart announced today.
Mr. Angelo, who joins the firm from the Fort Lauderdale office of Greenberg Traurig, has significant experience defending banks and non-banks against claims under various residential mortgage and other consumer laws, including the Truth in Lending Act, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, and Equal Credit Opportunity Act.
His arrival is part of the firm’s strategic plan to expand its consumer financial services capabilities in New York. The firm opened its New York office on July 1 when it joined with Stillman & Friedman, a boutique litigation firm. Alan S. Kaplinsky, leader of the firm’s Consumer Financial Services Group, divides his time between the Philadelphia and New York City offices.
“We expect to handle a high volume of consumer financial services litigation in New York as a result of the avalanche of rulemaking by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the aggressive posture of the New York State Department of Financial Services and Attorney General,” Mr. Kaplinsky said. “Our clients have been urging us for years to open a Manhattan office because of the paucity of law firms there that devote significant resources to consumer financial services law. We listened. Justin has an impressive track record and his skills are an excellent fit for the firm. This expansion is a priority for the firm and we are continuing to look for exceptionally talented regulatory, transactional, and litigation attorneys for our New York City office.”
Ballard Spahr has one of the largest and deepest consumer financial services practices in the United States. The group has more than 90 attorneys in all 14 of its offices and it has a national reputation for excellence in both litigation and regulatory work. The 2013 edition of Chambers USA once again ranked Ballard Spahr in Band 1 in Financial Services Regulation and Consumer Finance (Compliance and Litigation), a distinction shared by only four law firms in the country.
“Ballard Spahr’s reputation for having one of the nation’s premier consumer financial services practices is well earned,” Mr. Angelo said. “I’m excited to be involved with the growth of the New York office, and I look forward to working alongside such a powerhouse team.”
