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Los Angeles Times
30-07-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Inside the fringe movement teaching Americans to punish officials with fake debt claims
SACRAMENTO — Texas real estate agent Tara Jarrett opened the online class with a prayer, bowing her head and closing her eyes. 'Dear Heavenly Father,' she began. 'I ask that you would just speak to me and through me as I deliver this detailed message tonight.' What followed was a lesson on revenge. Jarrett walked the attendees, logged in from California and other states, through the process of filing liens to punish public officials, such as politicians and judges, who they alleged aren't upholding their oaths of office. Those liens are recorded in state Uniform Commercial Code databases, public filings intended to alert creditors about business debts and financial obligations. 'This is how we level the playing field,' Jarrett, 52, told her class in a video uploaded last year. 'We don't sue government officials. We file liens that crush their credit until they cooperate.' Across the country, antagonists and antigovernment 'sovereign citizens' are flooding states and counties with liens like the ones Jarrett and others show how to file. In the claims, they often allege government officials owe them money or property, a tactic the U.S. Justice Department and nonpartisan Congressional Research Service have identified as a form of 'paper terrorism.' Other filings aren't about retribution. Instead, they're financial maneuvers aimed at businesses, claiming to be owed cash, cars and homes. Consumer credit expert John Ulzheimer said these liens can complicate a person's ability to obtain a mortgage or a business' chances of securing lines of credit. In some cases, he said, these filings can even derail job applications for positions that require thorough background checks. 'It seems too easy to me that someone can do this,' Ulzheimer said. A Times investigation found that these claims, which were designed to be straightforward and quick to file, are inherently vulnerable to abuse, inflicting financial harm and costly legal battles. A single false filing can claim an individual or business owes debts worth hundreds of millions or even trillions of dollars. Others flood victims with repeated — and often nonsensical — filings that make it appear they are entangled in complex financial disputes. Among The Times' findings: 'This is a cowardly and dangerous tactic meant to intimidate public servants and put our families at risk,' said one high-profile California public official who first learned he had been named in a UCC claim when contacted by The Times. He said the filing was fake. The official asked for anonymity because the fake debt included his home address and he did not wish to be targeted further. He said protecting home addresses gained new urgency after a man targeting Democratic lawmakers killed Minnesota House Democratic leader Melissa Hortman and her husband in their home in June. 'No one should underestimate how real these threats are,' he said. Back in Texas, Jarrett moved through her hourlong lesson flipping through black and white slides that detailed the power of filing liens against adversaries. 'It can literally take these public officials out of office if we do it the proper way,' said Jarrett, who sits on the board of star NFL receiver Mike Evans' charity. In an interview with The Times, Jarrett said she does not recommend this process to anyone and was simply providing information. The Times found no record of a person who took one of Jarrett's classes filing a retaliatory lien in California. In her $20-per-person class, she praises the tactic for being cheap and taking little time. Like bomb-making, she told the handful of attendees, it demands precision. Handled the wrong way, she said, it can blow up in your face. 'Likewise, bombing government officials with liens is a craft, not a science,' she added. Designed to be the quiet backbone of commerce, the Uniform Commercial Code system is about as mundane as bureaucracy gets. Or at least it's supposed to be. It was drafted in the 1950s to standardize interstate business transactions. One key feature is a public database run by secretary of state offices that records when a creditor claims a secured interest in an asset. The simplicity and speed of the filings are intentional: It helps keep credit accessible and prevent borrowers from using the same asset, such as a company's inventory, multiple times without lenders knowing. 'So, if I'm thinking of extending credit to your store and I'm willing to do it because you're offering your inventory as collateral, I can check the record that's available at the secretary of state's office and determine whether somebody else already has an interest in your inventory, and as a result, I'd be second in line,' said Neil Cohen, director of research for the Permanent Editorial Board for the UCC, which drafts legislation that can be adopted by states to keep the codes in sync. Many UCC filings in California's database reflect state tax liens or loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration listing what collateral was used. Particularly popular in California are solar companies placing liens on a home or the installed panels until a loan is repaid. The vast majority of UCC filings are legitimate, according to the National Assn. of Secretaries of State. But, in a 2023 report, the association said 'fraudulent or bogus filings' are a widespread and persistent problem across the country, warning that they 'can create serious financial difficulties for victims.' Mark Pitcavage, senior research fellow for the Center on Extremism at the Anti-Defamation League, said sovereign citizens first latched on to the UCC system in the late 1980s, but filings have increased over time as more and more conspiracy theories have revolved around commercial laws. Those fringe beliefs include claims that UCC filings can eliminate the need to pay car loans or credit card debt, which can plunge a person into financial ruin. Their tactics have also veered into criminal charges for fraud, said Pitcavage, citing a list of court cases compiled by the Anti-Defamation League. 'If you're in debt, you can end up in a whole lot more debt,' he said. 'Or you can turn a debt situation into a criminal situation.' Pitcavage said states are partially responsible for failing to recognize that allowing fake UCC filings to be recorded legitimizes the conspiracy theories. 'They don't do harm if they're not recorded,' Pitcavage said. 'Some states are very good ... and other states either are not good about it or actually have policies that basically say, you know, as long as they pay the filing fee you can file whatever you want.' California law allows the secretary of state's office to reject a UCC record if it's not properly filled out or if there is a reasonable belief that the document is fraudulent or intended to harass a person or entity. So far this year, the secretary of state's office has rejected more than 1,700 filings. Last year, the state denied nearly 5,000 filings. The agency declined to identify how many of the rejected filings were due to fraud or harassment versus paperwork errors. A spokesperson said the agency's role as the recording office for UCC filings is limited, but that the agency is 'always looking to improve customer experience.' Once a UCC filing is recorded, state officials step aside, leaving victims to deal with the fallout if it turns out to be fraudulent, a Times investigation found. To remove a filing from the state's database, victims must obtain a court order — a process that can cost thousands of dollars in attorney and court fees. The only other option in California is to record a new filing disputing or terminating the debt, which appears alongside the false claim rather than erasing it. In 2015, California expanded a law making it illegal to knowingly file a fake lien, broadening protections beyond public officials and employees to cover all victims. At least 16 additional states have laws that make it a crime to knowingly submit a fraudulent UCC record, according to the National Assn. of Secretaries of State report from 2023. Last year, a federal jury found a woman guilty of filing a fake lien against a U.S. attorney in Florida. In West Virginia, a man was sentenced to five years in prison in 2022 after he filed a fake lien against an IRS agent, who then had to take 'significant efforts' to clear it up when attempting to purchase a home, according to a federal appeals court opinion. A California man whom prosecutors identified as a 'sovereign citizen' was convicted in Ventura County on seven felony counts of filing false liens against government employees and sentenced to eight years in prison in 2019. Todd Duell filed additional fake liens that same year, including one against then-Secretary of State Alex Padilla, now a U.S. senator. Duell falsely claimed Padilla owed him $3 million and that he had secured the rights to Padilla's properties and bank accounts. A judge ordered the false lien be removed, finding that Duell targeted Padilla in retaliation for the criminal case filed against him. Duell couldn't be reached for comment. 'This has been an issue for at least 15 years, but it's gradually becoming more prevalent,' said John McGarvey, a Kentucky attorney who is part of the Permanent Editorial Board for the UCC, the group that proposes new legislation to keep the codes updated and aligned. Employees of Team Kia of El Cajon say they still remember the day Andre Mario Smith showed up at the dealership, clutching a UCC record he claimed entitled him to a new all-electric crossover. Confused, a car salesman photocopied the official-looking document adorned with the State of California seal, but ultimately sent Smith home without the Kia EV6 he tried to collect. 'We see this kind of stuff all the time,' said Michael Rogers, a San Diego attorney who represents Team Kia and other auto dealers. 'It's a big drain on society to have to deal with people like this who are just abusing the system.' Smith has filed numerous other UCC liens, including one for $999 quintillion against several Los Angeles County Superior Court judges. Smith declined to comment, texting: 'Not interested! Lose my number.' Rogers said the fake filings have real impacts on businesses. In the case of car dealerships, Rogers said the vehicles on their lots are often financed with a line of credit that is paid down when cars are sold. 'When dealerships want to take out a second line of credit to buy more used cars or do capital improvements, they've got these UCC filings cluttering up their financial history,' he said. 'It makes it very difficult for them to go out and get capital.' The UCC record Smith filed for the Kia remains in California's public database, but alongside 'termination' amendments Rogers filed that call the original claim erroneous. Rogers estimated that it would have cost up to $5,000 in court and attorney fees for the dealership to go to court to have the UCC record removed from the public database. The Times found a second person also filed a UCC claim against Team Kia. 'Now, I have to go through the process of getting this one terminated also,' he said. One of the most prolific individual UCC filers in California is Edward Kennedy. The Pennsylvania man has recorded UCC filings listing hundreds of people and businesses as being subject to his mysterious 'fee schedule,' in which he argues he's owed money for interactions with the government. A copy of that self-prescribed fee schedule was included in a lawsuit Kennedy filed against Facebook in 2021. It lists several pages of fees he says he charges, including $60,000 for every traffic citation he is issued, $50,000 when a public official fails to uphold their oath of office and $75,000 per hour if he's required to appear in court. In California UCC filings, he's named the state Assembly, numerous Pennsylvania officials, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and former Gov. Jerry Brown, among others. Kennedy filed a similar debt claim in Washington state, where he named Gov. Gavin Newsom and Microsoft as both being subject to his fee schedule in the same filing. It's unclear why Kennedy records so many UCC filings in California. Recording UCC statements is far cheaper in California at $5 per filing. By comparison, it costs $84 in Pennsylvania and $23 in Washington. Messages left for Kennedy were not returned. A county official in the Bay Area, who asked that his name not be used to avoid being targeted with additional fake filings, said he first learned he was named in a debt claim filed by Kennedy when contacted by The Times. The filing, which was recorded in 2022, included his home address, which he called 'unnerving.' He said he doesn't understand why he wouldn't be notified as part of the process so he could have promptly challenged it. 'It is shocking that individuals can file a baseless claim and then have it affect your credit and your way of life,' he said. Kristine Lee, who serves as assessor, clerk and recorder for Kings County in Central California, said she discovered five additional false filings against her after The Times alerted her to one. The filings listed her as owing debts that wouldn't expire for 20 years. 'I'm not sure what they think they would get out of me because it says liened and claimed at a sum of $100 billion,' Lee said. Lee said she was never notified when the documents were filed listing her work address. When she contacted the secretary of state's office, officials told her their hands were tied and 'it would have to be handled through the court.' That regulatory void has not gone unnoticed. Jarrett, the Texas real estate agent, told attendees in her class last year that UCC liens give them 'an enormous amount of legal leverage.' She opened and closed the class with a disclaimer, reminding those watching that she's not a lawyer and wasn't offering legal advice. She warned that they must follow the steps she outlines exactly or they could find themselves in serious legal trouble. But she repeatedly praised the method, calling it an equalizer. 'The process is powerful and dangerous to those who are in the line of fire,' she explained to attendees. 'There is no escape: Either acquiesce and justly recompense or suffer the awful consequences.' Times librarian Cary Schneider contributed to this report.
Cision Canada
17-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Starlight U.S. Residential Fund Provides Update
Not for distribution to U.S. newswire services or for dissemination in the United States. TORONTO, July 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Starlight U.S. Residential Fund (TSXV: SURF.A) (TSXV: SURF.U) (the " Fund") announced the successful completion of a one-year extension maturing June 1, 2026 of the loan secured by the Fund's Sunlake Apartments property, a 268-suite Class "A" institutional quality multi-family property built in 2021 and located at 2700 Summershine St., Land O' Lakes, Florida 34638 (" Sunlake") (the " Extension"). Per the terms of the Extension, the loan is subject to certain conditions during the remaining loan term and bears interest-only payments at a fixed rate of 8.56% per annum with any debt service shortfall, as defined therein, being accrued and deferred until maturity. The Fund also previously announced that certain extension conditions for the loans secured by the Emerson at Buda property, a 304-suite Class "A" institutional quality multi-family property built in 2021 and located at 950 FM2001, Buda, Texas 78610 (" Buda" or the " Property"), were not achieved as of the initial maturity date of April 9, 2025. The Fund was pursuing good faith negotiations with the lenders to obtain a modification and extension of the loans secured respectively by the Property and by a pledge of the ownership interests (the " Pledged Interests"), in the entity that owns the Property. However, the Fund has now received a formal notice of an event of default (the " Notice") from one of the lenders (the " Lender") of the loans payable secured by the Pledged Interests. The Notice received expresses the Lender's right to demand repayment of the borrowings secured by the Pledged Interests. In the absence of a negotiated modification and extension of such loan, the Lender has the right to exercise the remedies available to it under the loan agreement, including a foreclosure of the of the Pledged Interests. If that remedy is exercised, the Lender would be able to foreclose on the Pledged Interests through a foreclosure sale process governed by the Uniform Commercial Code, resulting in the conveyance of the Pledged Interests to Lender, its designee or a third party purchaser at the foreclosure sale, with the proceeds of the sale applied to amounts owed to Lender under the loan. As at the date hereof, the Lender has not exercised any such remedies, however the Fund expects that the Lender may proceed with a foreclosure of the Pledged Interests as a result of having delivered the Notice. The loans secured by Buda do not carry cross-default provisions with any other property in the Fund. The Fund does not expect a material impact on its net asset value (as set out in the Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended March 31, 2025) as a result of any remedies the lender may exercise. For additional information on the risks related to the Fund's ability to refinance or extend a loan at maturity, please refer to "Future Outlook" and "Liquidity and Capital Resources" in the Fund's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended March 31, 2025, which is available under the Fund's profile on FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains statements that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and which reflect the Fund's current expectations regarding future events, including the potential that the Lender exercises its remedies, a potential foreclosure of the Property, the proceeds from any sale of the Property and the impact on the Fund's net asset value. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as "may", "might", "will", "could", "should", "would", "occur", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "seek", "aim", "estimate", "target", "project", "predict", "forecast", "potential", "continue", "likely", "schedule", or the negative thereof or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. The forward-looking statements in this news release involve risks and uncertainties, including those set forth in the Fund's materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time at Actual results could differ materially from those projected herein. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risks disclosed in the Fund's management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024 and three months ended March 31, 2025, which is available under the Fund's profile on Information contained in forward-looking statements is based upon certain material assumptions that were applied in developing such forward-looking statements including management's perceptions of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other considerations that are believed to be appropriate in the circumstances, including that the net proceeds from the transaction will be used as described herein; Readers are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable Canadian securities laws, none of the Fund or its manager undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. ABOUT STARLIGHT U.S. RESIDENTIAL FUND The Fund is a trust formed under the laws of Ontario for the primary purpose of indirectly acquiring, owning, and operating a portfolio of income producing multi-family and single family residential rental properties in the U.S. residential real estate market located primarily in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Washington. The Fund now has interests in and operates a portfolio comprising interests in 1,597, Class "A" stabilized, income producing multi-family residential suites located in Tampa, Florida, Orlando, Florida, Austin, Texas, Phoenix, Arizona and Raleigh, North Carolina. ABOUT STARLIGHT INVESTMENTS Starlight Investments is a leading global real estate investment and asset management firm headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. A privately held owner, developer and asset manager of over 70,000 multi-residential suites and over 7 million square feet of commercial property space with CAD $30B AUM, Starlight offers a range of investment vehicles across various real estate strategies. Starlight's guiding mission is to balance its tenure with visionary curiosity to create positive impact for investors and communities alike. At Starlight, we invest with impact. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What is an unsecured business loan and how does it work?
Unsecured business loans are types of business loans that do not require collateral Lenders are more selective with which businesses they offer unsecured loans to and may require a personal guarantee or Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) lien Unsecured business loans can come in the form of term loans, business lines of credit, invoice factoring, and merchant cash advances Many lenders require business collateral when you apply for a business loan. If you don't have collateral though, or you'd prefer not to use assets to secure a loan, you can get an unsecured business loan. You can use this type of loan for various purposes, such as expanding operations, purchasing inventory or covering unexpected expenses. Several different business loans come without collateral. You should consider all the options before applying to ensure you make the best decision when getting an unsecured business loan. An unsecured business loan is a type of business loan that doesn't require any collateral. Collateral is an item of value that you use to secure a loan. Having collateral reassures the lender that you will pay the loan, or it can seize the asset to pay back the loan, should your business default on the payments. In some cases though, you may want to protect your assets and not use them to secure a loan. Because unsecured business loans have no collateral, the lender takes on more risk when lending money to companies. That's why some types of unsecured business loans may have strict eligibility requirements or higher interest rates than secured business loans. An unsecured business loan works similarly to other types of business loans. You submit an application, wait for the lender to decide, and if you're approved, you receive the funds and pay the funding back over time. Since there isn't any collateral involved, lenders are typically more selective about who they offer unsecured term loans to, especially if you want one with low interest rates. They also tend to ask the business owner to provide a personal guarantee, a promise to pay the loan back out of personal funds if the company defaults on the loan. Some types of unsecured business loans have more relaxed eligibility requirements and are available to business owners with bad credit. This includes invoice factoring and merchant cash advances. These types of bad credit loans however, come with a heavy cost, including high interest rates and fees. Some lenders will also require a Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) lien. A UCC lien is a claim against your company's assets. If your company fails to pay the loan, the lender will come after these assets to recover its losses. There are many different types of unsecured business loans. Term loans and business lines of credit are often considered the best unsecured business loans for business owners with good-to-excellent credit — though it's possible to find unsecured business loans for bad credit borrowers. With a term loan, you apply for a loan, specifying the amount you'd like to borrow and the reason for getting the loan. If the lender approves the application, it disburses the funds in a lump sum to your bank account. You then repay the loan in regular installments, typically over one to five years. Term loans are popular if you want to make a specific purchase and pay for it over the long term. You can find both secured and unsecured term loans from different lenders. You'll need to specify that you want an unsecured term loan when applying. Bankrate insight SBA loans are an example of a term loan. These options provide affordable financing to many types of small businesses, offering low interest rates and long repayment terms. It's even possible to get unsecured SBA business loans for up to $50,000, though collateral requirements depend on the lender. A business line of credit works like a business credit card, allowing your business to borrow money up to a preset limit. You only pay interest on the outstanding balance and can draw funds from the line of credit multiple times. It's possible to get an unsecured business line of credit, but maximum loan amounts and interest rates may not be as favorable as secured business lines of credit. These are popular for businesses that want to have the flexibility to cover unexpected expenses, though the cost of a line of credit can be higher than term loans. Invoice factoring involves selling unpaid invoices to a lender at a discount. That lets you get paid for your invoices right away rather than waiting for your customers to pay you. For example, if you have an outstanding invoice for $5,000, a factoring company may buy it from you, giving you 85 percent of the amount ($4,250) and releasing the rest, minus fees, once the invoice is paid. Invoice financing also uses unpaid invoices to secure the loan, giving you an advance up to 90 percent of the invoice amount. But instead of selling the invoice to the lender, you collect invoices and repay the lender the loan amount plus fees once your customers pay you. Invoice financing or factoring can be expensive, but many factoring companies won't require a personal guarantee or collateral. This is because the loan is secured by the invoices, reassuring the lender that the loan will be taken care of once the invoices are paid. A merchant cash advance involves getting cash upfront based on your company's typical sales numbers. You can then use the money to cover unexpected costs or buy inventory. This type of working capital loan is high risk and often used by business owners with bad credit. You repay merchant cash advances automatically through a percentage of your future sales. These can be a good option to help cover seasonal and other short-term cash issues but can get quite expensive and make your cash flow issues even worse, putting you in a cycle of debt. You may want to use this option in cases of emergency and when you're confident that you can repay quickly. You can find unsecured business loans from two general types of lenders, each with pros and cons. Online lenders. These companies include fintech lenders like Fundible. Alternative lenders tend to have quick online applications and funding timelines, making them good for businesses needing quick cash. But they often charge higher rates if your company has less-than-stellar credit. Banks and credit unions. These are traditional brick-and-mortar lenders that may also have an online presence. They usually have slower processes and stricter lending requirements but may have unsecured business loans with more favorable interest rates and terms. They're also good for companies that want a more face-to-face experience. Bankrate insight Unsecured business loan interest rates vary widely, ranging from 7.00 percent to 75.00 percent. That said, businesses with good personal credit may secure lower rates starting around 7.00 percent. If you don't think an unsecured business loan is the best fit for your business, there are alternatives to explore. Secured business loans: These loans require collateral such as real estate, vehicles or inventory. Because they pose less risk to the lender, you may receive lower interest rates and favorable repayment terms with a secured loan. SBA loans: You can get a variety of unsecured and secured loans through the Small Business Administration to use for working capital, equipment, construction projects and more. Secured lines of credit: Secured lines of credit may offer easier eligibility requirements, accepting startups and business owners with poor credit. Business grants: A business grant awards businesses with money that they do not have to repay or back with business assets. The downside is that grants are highly competitive since many businesses are likely applying for them alongside you. Crowdfunding: The crowdfunding option allows businesses to raise capital through public contributions, either as donations or in exchange for rewards or equity. Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending: Using a specialized lending platform, businesses connect directly with investors who want to help them fund their endeavors. Business credit cards: Secured business credit cards require cash deposits to open the account, and the amount you deposit is usually your credit limit. Both secured and unsecured business credit cards can help you build business credit. The benefit of unsecured business loans is they can be a great way for companies to borrow money without needing assets to secure the loan. Ifyour business doesn't have great finances or has poor credit though, a secured loan may be easier to qualify for and more affordable. Before applying for an unsecured business loan, make sure to shop around and compare multiple offers. If you put in the effort, you can find the best small business loan to help your business achieve its goals. How hard is it to get an unsecured business loan?Getting an unsecured business loan can be more difficult than a secured business loan because lenders often have strict eligibility requirements to approve unsecured loans. Lenders want reassurance that you'll be able to repay the loan even without collateral. These loans pose more risk to the lender since they can't immediately seize an asset to repay the loan if you default. Who qualifies for an unsecured loan?Unsecured term loan requirements will vary by the lender. For example, banks may require at least two years in business and a credit score of 670 or higher, while online lenders may accept six months in business and a 600 personal credit score. Unsecured loans tend to have stricter requirements than secured loans. Can I get a startup business loan with bad credit and no collateral?It's possible to get a startup business loan with bad credit and no collateral, though your choices might be limited. You may need to go with a bad credit loan option like invoice factoring or a merchant cash advance. Equipment financing is another form of a business loan that doesn't require collateral, since the equipment you purchase acts as collateral. Some online lenders offer equipment financing to borrowers with bad credit. Is a small business loan secured or unsecured?Small business loans can be secured or unsecured. Loans that require a business owner to provide collateral are secured business loans. Using assets to secure the loan can help improve your chances of approval and even lead to business loans with lower interest rates. Unsecured business loans don't require collateral. That puts more risk on the lender, leading to higher rates. Even though you don't have to provide collateral, many lenders often require business owners to sign a personal guarantee, which puts your business and personal assets at risk if you fail to repay the loan. Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Upturn
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Blank Rome Expands Dallas Office with Addition of Leading Litigators David M. Clem and Megan A. Altobelli
Dallas, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that partner David M. Clem and associate Megan A. Altobelli have joined the firm's nationally recognized Business Litigation group and Financial Services industry team. As litigators and trial lawyers, David and Megan focus their practice on complex commercial litigation, primarily representing financial institutions in significant trials and arbitrations. 'We are pleased to welcome David and Megan to our expanding Dallas office and our national Business Litigation group,' said Grant S. Palmer, Blank Rome's Chair and Managing Partner. 'In addition to his extensive trial experience, David has built a strong reputation representing notable clients in the financial services industry. His courtroom experience, industry knowledge, and dedication to client service will be a great addition to our team as we continue to grow and enhance our capabilities in Dallas and beyond. We look forward to the contributions and the positive impact David and Megan will have on our clients and our firm.' David and Megan guide businesses through the litigation process, from pre-suit evaluation through jury and bench trials and post-judgment enforcement. They have helped attain favorable outcomes in courtrooms and arbitrations involving extreme time pressure, complex issues, class actions, multi-district litigation, obscure material, and large numbers of parties and witnesses. David represents commercial and retail banks, credit unions, broker-dealers, mortgage lenders, consumer lenders, FinTechs, investment funds, non-bank financial institutions, and other financial services players. He has litigated disputes in state and federal courts involving syndicated and participated loans, bank operations, securities fraud, lender liability, statutory and regulatory compliance, negotiable instruments, and various creditors' rights issues. He has also litigated matters related to contract, tort, and trade secret claims; deposit and payment disputes, including warranty claims, check and Automated Clearing House ('ACH') disputes, and other claims under Uniform Commercial Code ('UCC') Articles 4 and 4A; and defaulted commercial credits. Megan represents clients before state and federal courts, bankruptcy courts, and arbitration panels. She has litigated disputes involving breach of contract, fraud, noncompetes, premises liability, and product liability matters. In addition to financial services institutions, David and Megan represent oil and gas operators and investors, real estate developers, franchisees, and other businesses across a variety of industries in the United States. 'We are thrilled to have David and Megan join our Business Litigation group and strengthen our litigation bench in Texas and nationally,' said Evan H. Lechtman, partner and co-chair of the Business Litigation group. 'They are recognized for building longstanding relationships with clients, who value their ability to approach intricate legal matters with clear strategies that allow them to understand issues, assess risks, and explore litigation options. We look forward to having David and Megan on our Banking & Commercial Finance Litigation team, where their courtroom advocacy and dedication to client service will be a great asset to our litigation bench, as well as enhance our presence in Dallas.' 'Blank Rome is tremendous law firm with smart, talented, and collegial attorneys who are dedicated to providing the highest quality client service,' said David. 'I am excited about Blank Rome's commitment to its core values, its geographic reach, and its depth of regulatory, compliance, and transactional lending experience. I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues at Blank Rome to continue delivering exceptional service and litigation support to our clients in Dallas and across the country.' David is active with the Southwest Association of Bank Counsel and will be a speaker at its 2025 Annual Legal Conference in October. About Blank Rome Blank Rome is an Am Law 100 firm with 16 offices and 750 attorneys and principals who provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to clients operating in the United States and around the world. Our professionals have built a reputation for their leading knowledge and experience across a spectrum of industries. For more information, please visit Attachments David M. Clem Megan A. Altobelli Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Blank Rome Expands Dallas Office with Addition of Leading Litigators David M. Clem and Megan A. Altobelli
David M. Clem Megan A. Altobelli Dallas, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that partner David M. Clem and associate Megan A. Altobelli have joined the firm's nationally recognized Business Litigation group and Financial Services industry team. As litigators and trial lawyers, David and Megan focus their practice on complex commercial litigation, primarily representing financial institutions in significant trials and arbitrations. 'We are pleased to welcome David and Megan to our expanding Dallas office and our national Business Litigation group,' said Grant S. Palmer, Blank Rome's Chair and Managing Partner. 'In addition to his extensive trial experience, David has built a strong reputation representing notable clients in the financial services industry. His courtroom experience, industry knowledge, and dedication to client service will be a great addition to our team as we continue to grow and enhance our capabilities in Dallas and beyond. We look forward to the contributions and the positive impact David and Megan will have on our clients and our firm.' David and Megan guide businesses through the litigation process, from pre-suit evaluation through jury and bench trials and post-judgment enforcement. They have helped attain favorable outcomes in courtrooms and arbitrations involving extreme time pressure, complex issues, class actions, multi-district litigation, obscure material, and large numbers of parties and witnesses. David represents commercial and retail banks, credit unions, broker-dealers, mortgage lenders, consumer lenders, FinTechs, investment funds, non-bank financial institutions, and other financial services players. He has litigated disputes in state and federal courts involving syndicated and participated loans, bank operations, securities fraud, lender liability, statutory and regulatory compliance, negotiable instruments, and various creditors' rights issues. He has also litigated matters related to contract, tort, and trade secret claims; deposit and payment disputes, including warranty claims, check and Automated Clearing House ('ACH') disputes, and other claims under Uniform Commercial Code ('UCC') Articles 4 and 4A; and defaulted commercial credits. Megan represents clients before state and federal courts, bankruptcy courts, and arbitration panels. She has litigated disputes involving breach of contract, fraud, noncompetes, premises liability, and product liability matters. In addition to financial services institutions, David and Megan represent oil and gas operators and investors, real estate developers, franchisees, and other businesses across a variety of industries in the United States. 'We are thrilled to have David and Megan join our Business Litigation group and strengthen our litigation bench in Texas and nationally,' said Evan H. Lechtman, partner and co-chair of the Business Litigation group. 'They are recognized for building longstanding relationships with clients, who value their ability to approach intricate legal matters with clear strategies that allow them to understand issues, assess risks, and explore litigation options. We look forward to having David and Megan on our Banking & Commercial Finance Litigation team, where their courtroom advocacy and dedication to client service will be a great asset to our litigation bench, as well as enhance our presence in Dallas.' 'Blank Rome is tremendous law firm with smart, talented, and collegial attorneys who are dedicated to providing the highest quality client service,' said David. 'I am excited about Blank Rome's commitment to its core values, its geographic reach, and its depth of regulatory, compliance, and transactional lending experience. I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues at Blank Rome to continue delivering exceptional service and litigation support to our clients in Dallas and across the country.' David is active with the Southwest Association of Bank Counsel and will be a speaker at its 2025 Annual Legal Conference in October. About Blank Rome Blank Rome is an Am Law 100 firm with 16 offices and 750 attorneys and principals who provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to clients operating in the United States and around the world. Our professionals have built a reputation for their leading knowledge and experience across a spectrum of industries. For more information, please visit Attachments David M. Clem Megan A. Altobelli CONTACT: Abby Moriarty Blank Rome LLP 312.776.2597 in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
