Noted for its experience in defending clients facing regulatory enforcement action from the CFPB and other agencies, Ballard Spahr LLP advises investment banks and private equity houses across a range of matters, with a growing caseload of crypto asset-related litigation. Payment systems and other fintechs also form a core part of the firm’s varied client base, which the practice advises on buy now, pay later, earned wage access and income sharing agreement products. Co-heading the team are Washington DC-based John Socknat, who assists clients in the run-up to compliance audits by state and federal regulators, and Daniel McKenna, a litigation specialist who takes on class actions and arbitration hearings in relation to mortgage, auto and credit card loans. John Culhane Jr. specializes in student loan regulations, with further expertise in mortgage loan and leasing plans. All lawyers are Philadelphia-based unless otherwise specified. Lisa Lanham left the firm in April 2024.

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Testimonials

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‘We have found their regulatory licensing to be above the level of competence and service that we have experienced in the past.’
‘Extremely personable in addition to having the expertise to streamline the regulatory licensing aspect of our business.’

Key clients

American Bankers Association
Consumer Bankers Association
Mortgage Bankers Association
Real Estate Services Providers Council, Inc
Benefit Street Partners
Avant, LLC
Strike Acceptance, Inc.
TAB Bank
WebBank
Fifth Third Bank
South State Bank
Metropolitan Commercial Bank
First Electronic Bank
Community Federal Savings Bank
Bancorp Bank

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

John Socknat, Daniel McKenna

Other key lawyers

John Culhane, Jr., Michael Guerrero