Ballard Spahr Adds Two Consumer Financial Services Litigation Attorneys in Minneapolis

Richard T. Thomson and Amy L. Schwartz—attorneys known for their work advising leading banks and financial institutions in complex retail deposit litigation matters—have joined Ballard Spahr’s Consumer Financial Services Group in Minneapolis, firm Chair Mark Stewart announced today.

Mr. Thomson and Ms. Schwartz add even greater depth to the Group, which ranks among the largest and best regarded in the legal industry. They will focus on defending banking clients in retail branch disputes involving deposit accounts and other payment methods, including disputes arising under Articles 3, 4, and 4A of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), as well as cases involving consumer fraud, conversion of negotiable instruments, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Mr. Thomson, who joins the firm as senior counsel, has successfully litigated hundreds of disputes in Minnesota state and federal courts over the past 30 years. Ms. Schwartz, of counsel, is an experienced trial attorney who has represented clients in a broad range of matters. Both lawyers concentrate their practices on banking litigation, employment litigation and advising, and commercial litigation.

"We're thrilled to welcome Dick and Amy to the firm as we continue to expand the depth of our consumer financial services litigation practice," said Christopher J. Willis, who leads Ballard Spahr's Consumer Financial Services Litigation Group. "Their significant experience in deposit-related litigation, UCC, and retail banking matters will allow us to help our financial institution clients with these types of matters across our national footprint."

Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business 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.

"Ballard Spahr serves clients across the industry in every facet of consumer financial services law. We are proud to be part of the team and add our skills to the practice mix," said Mr. Thomson. "The firm's deep pool of talent and resources will enable us to deliver even greater value to our clients."

Lawyers in Ballard Spahr's Minneapolis office serve clients in areas spanning business and finance, litigation, real estate, public finance, and intellectual property. The office is particularly well-known for its work in sophisticated mergers and acquisitions, private equity deals, and other financing transactions.

"Dick and Amy are both highly regarded attorneys with impressive credentials," said Minneapolis Office Managing Partner Karla M. Vehrs. "They will be invaluable resources for our clients as we continue to grow our litigation practice in the Twin Cities."