Bank Work:
I have been outside counsel to numerous banks since 1989. The services I provide are wide ranging depending on the bank, but in general, I commonly work with general counsel, special assets departments, loan officers and mid to upper level management. I of course handle collections, workouts, change in terms agreements, settlements and related litigation in both state and federal courts [most commonly in the latter as bank’s counsel in bankruptcy creditor proceedings]. I also provide services in connection with contracts, leases, purchases and sales of capital assets, inter-creditor agreements, coordination of the non-judicial foreclosure and liquidation of REO and UCC assets, drafting variances to standardized documentation – most commonly in connection with special assets services, assistance with subpoenas [civil & grand jury], SARs and related productions, defending banks in related litigation and in many instances, a sounding board to common questions that come up as needed.
My additional strongpoints are related to the boutique nature of my practice that is both efficient and economical, including state-of-the-art computers and peripherals, a near paperless office, and minimal staff, which real savings to all of my clients is reflected in my billing structure. My hourly rate is $300.00. Any physical distances between my office and a client’s facility are practically a non-issue with current technology.
In addition to my web and bio page links, the below summarizes my background regarding bank work since 1989. I currently perform legal services as outside bank counsel for the following community banks / lender institutions:
1. Mechanics Bank [since 2019; SAM matters throughout California]
2. Beneficial State Bank [since 2022; specific projects].
3. Coast Hills Credit Union [since 2022].
I have also performed legal services as outside bank counsel to the following banks / lender institutions, some of which have been purchased by the above and below banks:
4. SESLOC Federal Credit Union [since 2018 – 2021; specific projects].
5. Rabobank N.A. [since January 2017 – 2019 when acquired by Mechanics Bank].
6. Beltway Capital Management, LLC, Hunt Valley, MD. [2019-2020; specific projects]
7. Pacific Premier Bank [April 2017 – 2019].
8. Commerce State Bank, West Bend, WI [2018 specific projects].
9. Heritage Oaks Bank [February 2014 – March 31, 2017 when acquired by Pacific Premier Bank].
10. Community West Bank [2014 – specific projects].
11. Pacific Western Bank [2013 - 2017].
12. Union Bank [2013-2014].
13. Pacific Capital Bank | First Bank of San Luis Obispo aka Santa Barbara Bank & Trust [2009 – 2013 when
acquired by Union Bank].
14. First California Bank [February 2011 – June 2013 when acquired by Pacific Western Bank].
15. Rabobank [2009 – 2012 – specific projects].
16. Coast National Bank [2003 – July 2016 when acquired by Bank of the Sierra].
17. San Luis Trust Bank [1999 – February 2011 when acquired by First California Bank].
18. Santa Barbara Bank & Trust [late 1990s – early 2000s – specific projects].
19. Mission Community Bank [1998 – February 2014 when acquired by Heritage Oaks Bank].
20. Heritage Oaks Bank [mid-1990s].
21. Bank of America – [1990s – specific projects].
22. Santa Lucia Bank [1994 – October 2011 when acquired by Mission Community Bank].
23. Hacienda Bank – Santa Maria [1989 – early 2000s when acquired by Heritage Oaks Bank].
24. Central Coast National Bank [1989 – mid 1990s when acquired by Santa Lucia Bank].
Please be assured that I maintain strict confidentiality as between all clients. I have my California real estate broker’s license as well which is often appreciated by my bank clients. My success in evolving as outside bank counsel for several banks over the years is largely due to my working with transferring bank officers to another bank and mergers / acquisitions, and then proving my worth to the new bank – a pathway that has been mutually beneficial. I am confident that my multi-decades experience, efficiency and low overhead will continue to be a valuable alternative to any bank. I feel uniquely privileged to have had the opportunity to represent community and regional banks for many years and assisting them in their good works.