James W. Brody, Esq.

About Me

As the Founder and Managing Partner of Brody Gapp LLP, I bring more than two decades of national experience at the intersection of complex litigation, regulatory compliance, and high-stakes financial disputes. My career has been defined by navigating the ever-evolving mortgage banking and financial services landscape, ensuring that leading institutions remain protected and positioned for success.

I have been privileged to represent hundreds of different IMBs, credit unions, depositories, brokers and other financial service related entities, from those just barely making net worth to those that are largest in their class—across a wide spectrum of mission-critical matters.

Before founding Brody Gapp LLP, I co-founded and built the American Mortgage Law Group, led the Mortgage Banking Litigation & Compliance Practice at Johnston Thomas, and served as a Senior Litigation Partner at Garris Horn LLP after agreeing to merge my litigation practice in an effort to expand its capabilities from compliance to formidable litigation and risk defense.

Recognized nationally as a speaker and thought leader, I stay ahead of regulatory trends, market shifts, and industry pressures that shape financial institutions today. My insights have been featured in Mortgage Compliance Magazine, National Mortgage Professional, Scotsman Guide, the Wallstreet Journal, and other leading publications. At Brody Gapp, my mission is to empower clients with the legal foresight and advocacy they need to navigate complexity with confidence.

My Approach

Exceptional client service starts with direct access, proactive strategy, and a team that is stronger together. I hand-select and lead a group of top-tier attorneys who share my commitment to practical, business-driven solutions. Every case benefits from seasoned judgment, agile execution, and relentless focus on results.

Clients turn to our firm for sophisticated litigation advocacy and high-impact compliance counsel—delivered with clarity, speed, and tenacity in a rapidly evolving financial market.

Practice Areas

• Commercial Litigation

• Business Disputes

• Trade Secrets Litigation

• Regulatory Compliance

• State/CFPB Audit Defense

• Repurchase Defense

• Fraud Recovery

• Contract Formation and Negotiations

• Employment Law Defense

• Mergers & Acquisitions

Education

• University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D., 2000)

  • Certified Concentration in Advocacy (Litigation/ADR)

  • Certificate of International Legal Studies (under Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy)

  • National Moot Court Team

  • Annebel McGeorge Academic Achievement Scholarship Recipient

  • American Jurisprudence Bancroft-Whitney Award Recipient

• Drake University (B.A. in International Relations, 1997)

Bar Admissions

• State Bar of California

• U.S. District Court, Northern District of California

• U.S. District Court, Central District of California

• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California

• U.S. District Court, Southern District of California

Pro Hac Vice Admissions

I have served as lead counsel in complex mortgage banking disputes in state and federal courts nationwide, with pro hac vice admissions in Arizona, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Oregon, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Affiliations An active member and speaker for national and state mortgage bankers associations and industry groups, I am deeply engaged in advancing policy, compliance standards, and best practices that protect lenders and fortify the mortgage banking community.