Known for its expertise in advising clients on a wide range of consumer financial services issues, Ballard Spahr LLP represents banking institutions, fintech companies, and investors in complex regulatory, supervisory, and enforcement matters, particularly those involving the CFPB and other agencies. The firm is recognized for its experience in handling matters related to privacy, cybersecurity, big data, and artificial intelligence, and continues to be a leader in representing payment systems and other fintech firms. The practice also has a strong focus on providing regulatory due diligence support for private equity firms, investment bankers, and other professional investors in transactions involving consumer financial services companies. Co-leading the firm is John Socknat, based in Washington DC., who advises clients on regulatory compliance, licensing, examinations, audits, and enforcement actions, while also assisting with product design and transactional matters and Philadelphia based Daniel McKenna who specializes in high-stakes litigation, including class actions and arbitration, with a focus on mortgage, auto, and credit card loan-related issues. Joseph Schuster joined the firm in 2024, known for his expertise in financial services matters. Mike Kilgarriff is also another new arrival from Kirkland & Ellis LLP.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Industry leading subject matter expertise in consumer finance.’
‘Very responsive; insightful analysis and practical real word perspective.’
‘Ballard Spahr has consumer financial leadership for at least 40 years. Their work on behalf of banks and consumer lenders in arbitration, regulatory compliance, and appellate advocate with amicus curiae briefs have substantially benefited the entire industry and consumers. ’
‘Alan Kaplinsky leadership remains present in the firm despite his turn to senior status. ’
Key clients
- American Bankers Association
- Consumer Bankers Association
- Mortgage Bankers Association, Real Estate Services Providers Council, Inc.
- Block, Inc., Square Capital, AfterPay
- TAB Bank, WebBank, Fifth Third Bank, First Electronic Bank
- Lending Club
- Two Harbors Investment Corp.
- Capital One
- Discover Bank
- TD Bank
Lawyers
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
John Socknat Daniel JT McKenna
Other key lawyers
Joseph Schuster