Spencer Fane LLP is pleased to welcome Lauren Friend McKelvey and Mark Rooney to the firm’s Washington, D.C., office as partners in the Corporate and Business Transactions and Banking and Financial Services Practice Groups, respectively.
Lauren counsels startups and emerging companies on their legal and compliance needs, including transactions, regulatory compliance and privacy, artificial intelligence use and data protection, and general corporate matters, bringing a practical, business-focused approach to create optimal operational and financial outcomes.
As former general counsel and chief compliance officer of a FinTech startup that was eventually acquired by a public company, Lauren draws on deep, firsthand knowledge to advise emerging companies as well as funds on investments in emerging companies. Her vast experience on both sides of the startup landscape spans mergers and acquisitions; restructuring and workout transactions; seed, angel, venture capital, and private equity funding; and debt financings.
Mark represents consumer finance companies facing complex litigation and arbitration, combining trusted counsel with fierce advocacy to resolve contentious disputes. He also regularly helps clients respond to government agency investigations and enforcement actions before the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and other federal and state agencies.
With a primary focus on disputes involving key federal and state consumer protection laws, Mark brings extensive experience navigating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Telephone Consumer Protection Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Fair Housing Act, Electronic Fund Transfer Act, and Unfair and Deceptive Acts or Practices laws. His work frequently involves bank partnership installment lending and residential mortgage origination and servicing.
“We’re excited to welcome both Lauren and Mark, each with their own extensive knowledge and unique perspectives in serving clients in financial services and technology industries. Their practices combine time-tested industry knowledge with adaptable, creative strategies that meet the rapid pace and evolving expectations of client work here in D.C. and Virginia, and nationwide,” said Bill Powers, office managing partner for Spencer Fane in Washington, D.C. “We look forward to watching their skill sets provide value and help our firm meet our regional needs and expanding national interests.”
Lauren earned her bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Sweet Briar College, her master’s degree with honors from Georgetown University, and her Juris Doctor magna cum laude from George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School. Over the years, she has been distinguished by several prominent legal publications in Washington, D.C., and Virginia and has held leadership positions in legal and civic organizations, including on the boards of directors for both the Freedom Bank of Virginia and the International Women’s Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation.
After completing his bachelor’s degree cum laude at Syracuse University, Mark earned his Juris Doctor magna cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law.
Mark is a prolific author and speaker, regularly presenting at national industry conferences and serving as a thought leader in top legal and business publications. He has been involved in several committees within the D.C. and American Bar Associations, and currently serves as the ACA International Attorney Chair for Washington, D.C. He also serves on the board of directors for DC Vote, a national, grassroots voting advocacy organization.