Open to all mortgage lending and servicing professionals, GSEs, government entities, and Legal League members, the annual Spring Servicer Summit gathers the nation’s elite financial services law firms to discuss default policies, procedures, and emerging issues with leading mortgage servicing executives. The unique opportunities for education, networking, and engaging discussions on pressing issues impacting financial services law firms are not to be missed.
This year, the Summit is once again returning to Dallas’ Hotel Crescent Court, where it will unfold on March 25-26. You can check out the full agenda and get registered on the official website, but in the meantime, here are some highlights of what attendees can look forward to next month.
Education and Subject-Matter Expertise
Attendees who arrive early for Tuesday’s programming can kick things off by signing up for Legal League’s “Default Servicer Certification – Level II,” which will run from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT. This next level of Legal League certification is structured into two components: the first portion will cover important regulations, policies, and governmental agencies that impact the work of servicers, while the second portion focuses on complex issues that require more specialized knowledge. Topics included in this certification include: The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, The Truth in Lending Act, Fair Debt Collections Practices Act, CFPB, Loss Mitigation, Natural Disasters, Estoppel, Advances/Taxes, and Title Issues.
Tuesday’s afternoon programming will include the invitation-only Servicer Leadership Roundtable, a private meeting between top servicers and Legal League leadership, focused on discussions around key areas of improvement and collaboration needed to provide meaningful solutions.
A Full Day of Panel Programming
Wednesday’s programming will start bright and early with breakfast from 8 – 9 a.m. CT, followed by welcome remarks from Legal League Chair Stephen Hladik, Partner at Hladik, Onorato & Federman, LLP, and David Mulkay, Director of the Legal League at the Five Star Institute.
The first general session of the day will be “Market Update – Regulatory Shifts: Navigating the Financial Services Landscape,” featuring insights into navigating the evolving regulatory environment and preparing for potential challenges ahead. Speakers will include Patrick O’Brien, COO at Stern & Eisenberg, and Nolan Turner, Managing Director at Carrington Holding Company, LLC.
Just prior to lunch, attendees will get to check out the “Navigating Delays: Challenges and Solutions in Default Servicing Delays” panel. This session will focus on key issues and legislative updates in real property management. Discover the impact of property loss events, including FEMA holds and rising hazard insurance costs driven by climate risks. Learn how recent legislative changes to bankruptcy rules are reshaping the landscape and explore strategies to adapt effectively. Speakers include Jane Bond, Managing Partner, SE Litigation at McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLP; Rita Falcioni, Loan Management Supervisor at the Department of Veterans Affairs; Ryan McGuinness, Director, Mortgage Servicing Policy, QA & Servicing Remedy Management at Freddie Mac; and Cristi Richey, VP, Servicing Business Account Management at Fannie Mae.
Following lunch, the Summit’s popular Roundtable Discussions will return, allowing attendees to engage with colleagues during interactive topic-centric discussions led by industry experts including Ryan Bourgeois, Partner & General Counsel at BDF Law Group; Clayton Gordon, Director, Default Mediation and Litigation at Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC; and Michael Merritt, SVP, Customer Care & Mortgage Default at BOK Financial.
The Summit’s final session on Tuesday will be “Industry Obstacles: Navigating the Evolving Servicing Landscape,” which will dive into trends and critical topics impacting today’s mortgage servicing landscape with representatives from government agencies, GSEs, and leading attorneys. Topics will include delinquencies, loss mitigation strategies, and best practices for effective communication between firms, servicers, and investors. Speakers will include Deloise Browne Milner, Senior Operations Manager, Foreclosure, Bankruptcy, and Distressed Properties at Freddie Mac; Hilary Bonial, Managing Director at Bonial & Associates, P.C.; and Reneau Longoria, Managing Member at Doonan, Graves and Longoria LLC.Following this final panel, the event will close out with a Happy Hour. You can learn more at the Legal League Servicer Summit’s official website.
