Financial Services Payment Systems Attorney David Medlar Joins Ballard Spahr in New York

David H. Medlar—an attorney known for his work advising financial institutions, retailers, and corporations in the development and implementation of co-branded, private-label, and commercial credit card programs—has joined Ballard Spahr as of counsel in the Consumer Financial Services Group.

Mr. Medlar is also well-known for handling the negotiation of agreements relating to payment systems, merchant acquiring, and gateway payment services. His arrival is the latest development in the expansion of the firm's capabilities in the area of financial services payment systems. Chris Ford, who has led some of the country's largest and most innovative financial technology and payment systems transactions, joined Ballard Spahr as a partner in Washington, D.C. in August.

"Our clients are among the most innovative business leaders in the world. Every day, they're engaged in transactions that will allow them to leverage technology to offer their customers enhanced services on more efficient platforms," said Alan S. Kaplinsky, who leads Ballard Spahr's Consumer Financial Services Group. "With David and Chris onboard, we are adding even more scale and depth in the area of payment systems. They understand the technology, they know the market front and back, and they're top-flight deal lawyers. We're thrilled to have them at the firm."

Prior to joining Ballard Spahr, Messrs. Ford and Medlar worked together at Morrison & Foerster, where Mr. Ford chaired that firm's Global Outsourcing Group. At Ballard Spahr, they will provide strategic counsel to clients on co-branded and private-label card transactions, card processing and network-related deals, merchant acquiring, and technology outsourcing.

"Ballard's platform is uniquely suited to the needs of financial services clients," said Mr. Medlar. "The Group is excellent from the top down, serves clients of every size and type, and has across-the-board strength in transactions, regulatory compliance, and litigation. The work is sophisticated and challenging. I'm excited to be joining the team."

Ballard Spahr's Consumer Financial Services Group is home to more than 120 attorneys nationwide. Its payment systems attorneys advise on compliance requirements governing traditional and emerging payment system transactions, assist with vendor and licensing agreements, and guide clients through the development, implementation, and acquisition of new products and payment ecosystems.

Chambers USA consistently ranks Ballard Spahr in the highest tier nationally in the category of Financial Services Regulation: Consumer Finance (Compliance and Litigation) and Law360 recognized it as a Banking Group of the Year. The Group includes 11 members of the American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers, including its first president.