Top 100 U.S. law firm Akerman LLP today announced the continued growth of its Consumer Financial Services, Data and Technology (CFS+) Practice Group with new partner Aliza Malouf. Malouf, highly experienced in financial services litigation and compliance, joins the firm's Washington, D.C. office. Licensed in multiple jurisdictions, including Florida, New York, and Texas, Malouf adds to CFS+'s national coverage of complex disputes, investigations, and regulatory proceedings. Malouf is particularly known for defending claims under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and their state counterparts, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA), and Regulation E, as well as alleged violations of state common law relating to lending, loan servicing, and collection activities. Malouf also regularly advises clients on compliance with the TCPA and state telemarketing laws (including licensing and registration requirements), CAN-SPAM, EFTA/Regulation E, and state call-recording/wiretapping statutes.
"CFS+ is about teamwork and Aliza strengthens our team. We will continue expanding each month to meet demand, deliver results, and provide the client experience that is also part of our brand," said William P. Heller, founder and chair of CFS+.
Malouf joins Akerman from a national law firm, where she worked for more than 7 years. She is a graduate of American University Washington College of Law and a member of the state bars of Texas, New York, Indiana, Florida, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. She is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Courts for the Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Eastern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, Northern District of Indiana, Southern District of Indiana, Northern District of Illinois, the District of Nebraska, Northern District of Florida, Middle District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of New York, Western District of New York, and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second and Fifth Circuits.
CFS+ is built on the firm's long-held experience defending the financial services sector. The national team, serving clients in all 50 states and internationally, handles legal matters involving litigation, arbitration, compliance, regulatory enforcement, licensing, payment technologies, cryptocurrencies, privacy, and data security.
CFS+ has been expanding in all areas. Its litigators are being called upon to manage portfolio risk and handle high stakes class and individual lawsuits and arbitrations. The group's financial technology, privacy, cybersecurity, and compliance capabilities have widened with numerous hires, including partner Nora Rigby in Washington, D.C. Rigby served almost 10 years in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) Office of Regulations, most recently as Chief of Staff and Senior Counsel. She became one of 3 senior lawyers from the CFPB based in Akerman's Washington, D.C. office, along with former Senior Counsel Thomas Kearney and former Managing Counsel Eric Goldberg. Partner Christy Hawkins in Dallas further strengthens CFS+'s authentically experienced team supporting clients with privacy and cybersecurity issues.
About Akerman
Akerman LLP is a top 100 U.S. law firm recognized among the most forward-thinking firms in the industry by Financial Times. Its more than 700 lawyers and business professionals collaborate with the world's most successful enterprises and entrepreneurs to navigate change, seize opportunities, and help drive innovation and growth.
Akerman's CFS+ Practice Group represents mortgage loan originators, servicers, and investors in class and individual lawsuits, bankruptcy adversary cases, contested foreclosures, and regulatory compliance matters. In addition, the group concentrates on repurchase and recovery litigation, with emphasis on investigating and prosecuting origination fraud by working closely with federal and state regulators and law enforcement. The Akerman team includes more than 100 lawyers and other legal professionals, with a platform for national litigation outsourcing, case management, and coordination, including direct litigation through the firm's 24 offices.