Scott Harkless, Esq.
Founding Partner
About Me
As an experienced litigator and mortgage executive, I have provided both legal and business counsel to all manner of mortgage banks, ranging from Countrywide Home Loans to my most recent position of Chief Legal Counsel to OneTrust Home Loans. I have helped the companies I serve manage their bottom line by overseeing litigation, creating innovative and compliant growth initiatives, and develop specialized product lines such as reverse mortgage. As an executive with a long history in the strategic alliance space, I am uniquely qualified to serve not only mortgage companies but real estate companies and builders as well. I have a proven track record in balancing a company's risk profile with its strategic growth initiatives.
I have navigated complex business arrangements and events, such joint ventures and reorganizations and acquisitions. I have successfully interfaced with both state and federal regulators and GSEs. I have experience in navigating the full end-to-end aspects of a mortgage operation from recruiting to servicing - and have managed all the aspects of litigation that result, whether it be prosecuting or defending claims or representing my clients through the appellate process in either state or federal courts.
I come from the "inside" of mortgage and bring to bear my over 20 years of mortgage and legal experience for the benefit of my clients regardless of their geographical footprint.
My Approach
I focus on helping lenders, real estate firms and builders tackle their legal and compliance challenges with practical, business-minded solutions and strategically manage their litigation needs. My goal is to provide holistic counsel - to help our clients manage risk, grow market share and advocate their claims through litigation and appeal.
Practice Areas
Regulatory Compliance
Loss Mitigation
Employee Litigation
Poaching Cases
Strategic Alliances
Specialty Lines of Business
Contract Review and Drafting
Mergers and Acquisitions
Appeals
Education
Asbury College (B.A. in History, 1999)
UC Davis School of Law (Juris Doctor, 2002)
Bar Admissions
State Bar of California
U.S. Eastern District of California
