Profile

Rob represents consumer financial services companies in government investigations, enforcement actions, and consumer disputes. As a partner in our Washington, DC office, he regularly represents clients before the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and state attorneys general. He also has significant experience litigating cases in state and federal courts and representing clients in arbitration proceedings across the country.

Clients rely on Rob to resolve high-stakes legal proceedings and regulatory matters, including claims that challenge the viability of the company's business model, novel applications of federal and state law, and the interaction between regulatory investigations and civil litigation. Rob's clients appreciate his clear analysis of complex regulatory issues and direct advice in the face of uncertainty.

Rob was recognized on the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch list in 2023 and 2024. He also speaks and writes regularly on emerging issues in the financial services sector, and he co-hosts Hudson Cook's Litigation Lessons quarterly webinar.

Before joining Hudson Cook, Rob spent more than a decade representing clients in litigation and white-collar investigations at two prominent law firms.

Representative Matters

Federal Investigations and Enforcement Actions

• Secured a no-action letter from the CFPB after multi-year investigation of a money-transfer company concerning potential claims under CFPA, EFTA, and GLBA.
• Secured a no-action letter from the CFPB after multi-year investigation of a mortgage lender concerning appraisal bias.
• Secured closure with no action on behalf of a background screening company after a multi-year, joint investigation by the CFPB and FTC relating to potential FCRA claims.
• Represent a consumer leasing company in connection with investigation by the FTC.

State Investigations and Enforcement Actions

• Represent a leading auto finance company in Holder Rule litigation brought by the New Mexico Department of Justice.
• Represented a leading installment lender in first-of-its-kind multistate litigation brought by state Attorneys Generals challenging consumer lending sales practices and products.
• Represented a direct auto lender in multi-year investigation by the Massachusetts Attorney General's office.
• Negotiated a successful resolution with Florida regulators on behalf of a military lending company accused of violating the Military Lending Act (MLA) and EFTA.
• Represented a commercial leasing company in investigation by the Florida Attorney General's office.
• Represented an installment lender in investigation by the Illinois Attorney General's office.
• Negotiated a successful resolution to automotive sales practice claims brought by the Indiana Attorney General's office.
• Represented numerous finance companies in inquiries by state licensing agencies, including:
  • California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation
  • Connecticut Department of Banking
  • Florida Office of Financial Regulation
  • Idaho Department of Finance
  • Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
  • Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner
  • Maryland Office of Financial Regulation
  • Massachusetts Division of Banks
  • Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services
  • Missouri Division of Finance
  • New Hampshire Banking Department
  • New Jersey Division of Banking
  • New York Department of Financial Services
  • Oklahoma Department of Consumer Credit
  • South Dakota Division of Banking
  • Virginia Bureau of Financial Institutions
  • Washington Department of Financial Institutions

Consumer Litigation and Arbitration

• Represent companies in mass action litigation concerning claims under New Jersey's Daniel's Law.
• Represented a consumer finance company in putative class action litigation concerning claims under FCRA and state law.
• Obtained arbitration award following multi-day arbitration on behalf of auto finance company in consumer dispute.
• Prevailed on summary judgment motions on behalf of auto finance company in multiple consumer disputes.