Mortgage banking executive, Manuel Valdes, announced, Sept. 17, 2025, that he accepted an offer from Cornerstone Capital Bank and principals Marc Laird and Adam Laird to end a nearly three-year dispute. Under the agreement, all claims will be dismissed, no party admitted wrongdoing or liability, no money was exchanged, and each party will bear its own legal costs.
Manuel Valdes, a former national production manager and regional president for the company, filed a countersuit in September of 2023 after the company fired him and sued him to enforce an employment contract. In the countersuit, Valdes sought $140 million in damages, claiming that he faced consistent harassment, discrimination, and retaliation from both Cornerstone CEO Marc Laird and his son, Cornerstone President Adam Laird, and the bank itself.
The resolution followed a court ruling that rejected efforts to block Valdes from obtaining evidence from a former female employee whose “pivotal, last-minute deposition” occurred on the eve of trial. “Mere hours after that deposition and less than twenty-four hours before trial was to begin,” Cornerstone and the Lairds asked Valdes to drop his claims in exchange for Cornerstone dropping its claims; Valdes accepted a “walk-away settlement.”
Valdes said, “When faced with false claims, discrimination, and retaliation, I made the decision to fight—not because it was easy, but because it was right… While this chapter has been painful, I am grateful we can finally move forward.”
His wife, Andrina Valdes, added, “We walked through years of sleepless nights and uncertainty… Manuel’s courage to stand up, not just for himself but for what is right, is something I will always be proud of.”
Valdes previously served as Cornerstone's National Production Manager, while Andrina held leadership roles as Executive Sales Leader and COO. Today, the couple along with Paulina McGrath (President) lead Republic State Mortgage dba Alta Home Lending, where they continue their mission to elevate lives through homeownership with integrity, excellence, and service.
"Manuel's choice to put principle over convenience, to invest his own personal resources and reputation into standing up against injustice and discrimination, is a testament to his character." said Anne-Marie Fish, former Cornerstone Division Finance Officer. "This was never about financial gain or winning at all costs—it was about ensuring the truth was heard."
Cornerstone and the Lairds resolved the case just before a jury was to hear the facts, with Mr. Valdes agreeing to take nothing.
"This resolution reflects a complete vindication that Cornerstone properly terminated Valdes’ employment," said Adam Laird, Cornerstone Capital Bank's vice chairman. "The fact that Valdes is being paid $0, when he and his attorneys originally claimed Cornerstone, Marc and I damaged him by more than $100 million, speaks for itself.
"Cornerstone is happy to put this matter behind us, and we look forward to continuing to grow our mission to make a positive difference in the lives of others," Adam Laird added.
The release notes both previously held senior roles at Cornerstone and now lead Republic State Mortgage dba Alta Home Lending with President Paulina McGrath. Counsel for Valdes included Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, LLP; Meade Neese & Barr, LLP; and Brown Fox PLLC; the settlement was announced in court before Judge Kristen Brauchle Hawkins.
