Locke Beatty Partner

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Locke represents clients in all phases of business litigation in state and federal courts. He regularly serves as counsel on behalf of financial institutions in a wide range of matters, with a focus on mortgage-related litigation and defending claims under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Truth in Lending Act, and other consumer protection statutes.

Locke also has significant class action experience, both in the financial services context as well as on behalf of corporations defending shareholder claims arising from mergers and other corporate action.  Locke is an editor of the firm’s Class Action Countermeasures blog, which discusses the strategic considerations involved in class action defense.

Following law school, Locke served as a law clerk for the Honorable Louise W. Flanagan, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Experience

  • Defense of lending institution in multiple federal court class actions principally involving claims relating to mortgage securitization practices.
  • Representation of major financial institution in a nation-wide review of debt collection practices by outside counsel, focusing on compliance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and regulations enforced by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
  • Defense of corporate client in multiple shareholder class actions filed in North Carolina Business Court arising from merger with major national retailer.
  • Defense of Fortune 20 financial institution in series of lawsuits in federal court arising out of purchases of undeveloped land. Argued and obtained summary judgment in each lawsuit that proceeded to a ruling on the merits.
  • Representation of major financial institution in series of actions to establish coverage under insurance policies for losses arising from title defects in residential loan portfolio.
  • Assisted credit card provider in obtaining dismissal at the pleadings stage of a putative class action alleging claims under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act.