Broker Defense - Mortgage
Jones Bell enjoys a distinguished reputation for representing mortgage brokerage and mortgage banking professionals against the myriad of claims that arise in the mortgage industry. We regularly defend mortgage brokers, mortgage bankers, their firms, independent contractors and licensees against professional liability and unfair competition lawsuits. Jones Bell also provides counsel on trade secret protection, compensation programs, recruiting, producer retention, acquisitions and other operational matters affecting mortgage brokers and their affiliates.
Professional Liability
Mortgage broker negligence and other E&O type claims are on the rise as plaintiffs' attorneys now routinely expand their sights beyond lenders. We provide experienced counsel to aggressively defend mortgage banking and brokerage firms, as well as individual professionals in civil litigation, including claims involving allegations of :
- Professional Negligence
- Misrepresentation
- Failures to Disclose
- Loan Fraud
Recruiting and Employment Transition
The movement and integration of personnel has become a source of litigation risk. Jones Bell provides legal counsel to insurance professionals who are leaving or joining a new firm, whether singly or as part of a group, including:
- "Pre-move" Evaluations and Advice Regarding Legal Restrictions
- Adherence to Duties
- "Dos" and "Dont's" for Transitioning Personnel
- Advice and Counsel to Personnel Engaged in Recruiting
Producer Retention
Competition for licensed and unlicensed personnel is fierce. Jones Bell can assist your firm in developing programs and incentives to retain production staff and other key employees, including:
- Employment Agreements
- Independent Contractor Agreements
- Commission Plans
- Equity and Non-Equity Incentive Compensation Arrangements
- Stock Awards
- Non-Solicitation and Non-Competition Enforcement
- ESOPs
Acquisitions
Jones Bell offers advice and legal counsel to firms and individuals buying or selling their businesses, including:
- Stock Purchases/Sales
- Asset Purchases/Sales
- ESOPs