Spencer Fane LLP is pleased to announce the addition of Partner Rodney Nichols to the firm’s Banking and Financial Services practice.
With more than 20 years of experience, Nichols assists lenders with structuring, documenting and enforcing complex commercial and real estate loans of all types. He also assists financial institutions with various aspects of general banking and deposit operations.
Nichols received national attention for successfully defending – in federal court – a financial institution whose online banking security systems were challenged following a fraudulent wire transfer. This was the first reported case in the United States where the financial institution prevailed in establishing the soundness of its online banking security under the Uniform Commercial Code.
“Rodney comes to us highly recommended from the legal community and the various associations with which he is affiliated,” said Patrick J. Whalen, Spencer Fane Managing Partner. “His knowledge and connection to the financial sector will be an added benefit to our clients’ needs as the industry continues to evolve along with technology.”
Nichols is the former chairman and vice chairman of the Bank Counsel Section of the Missouri Bankers Association. He is also a former chairman of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association’s Federal Bench and Bar, Commercial Law and Insolvency and Programs committees, and served as an appointed member of the Federal Practice Committee for the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. He regularly speaks to similar industry associations on current legal issues and trends that affect financial institutions.
“Spencer Fane has a robust Banking and Financial Services practice and I’m eager to begin working with my new colleagues,” Nichols said. “I’m also excited to leverage my experience from the organizations I’m affiliated with that will help guide our clients’ business decisions.”
Nichols has been named a Missouri Super Lawyer for the past five years in banking law, and has also been recognized by Law & Politics magazine. He earned his law degree from the University of Tulsa College of Law.