Brody | Gapp LLP, a national law firm serving clients in mortgage banking litigation, regulatory compliance, and strategic risk management, has appointed Scott Harkless as a founding partner.
The addition reunites Harkless with Managing Partner James Brody more than two decades after their initial collaboration as litigation associates at the firm McCormick Barstow.
The reunion, noted Brody | Gapp, “emphasizes the firm's commitment to enduring relationships and tailored client solutions.”
Harkless brings more 20 years of executive leadership and litigation background, having held senior roles at financial institutions including Countrywide Home Loans, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, American Advisors Group, Open Mortgage, Cardinal Financial, and most recently, OneTrust Home Loans.
Brody | Gapp pointed out that Harkless’s professional history “uniquely equips him to advise Brody | Gapp's clients effectively on complex issues surrounding reverse mortgage lending, strategic alliances, real estate finance, and regulatory compliance.”
Harkless initially reconnected with Brody while serving as general counsel at his former company, collaborating on litigation and compliance challenges.
"Joining Brody | Gapp LLP is truly a full-circle moment," Harkless commented. "Having personally experienced the high-caliber counsel of the firm, I am excited to leverage my background in helping the housing industry manage the unique legal and compliance issues they encounter while enabling the industry participants to grow in new and exciting ways."
At Brody | Gapp, Harkless will focus on creating strategic legal service packages, including solutions tailored for reverse mortgage clients and engaging real estate business through non-traditional product and licensing models. His role “reinforces the firm's capabilities in both traditional legal counsel and forward-thinking strategic advisory services,” according to Brody | Gapp.
"Scott brings visionary thinking and operational rigor to every engagement," stated James Brody. "His experience is closely aligned with our commitment to providing innovative, proactive solutions that help clients effectively navigate complex regulatory landscapes and achieve competitive advantages."
