Profile
Suite 300
Hanover, MD 21076
Clay has extensive experience navigating the state and federal regulatory hurdles that impact consumer and commercial credit programs, with a focus on the development, maintenance, and review of those programs. As a partner in our Maryland office, he assists all manner of licensed companies, depository institutions, and investors with:
- Consumer and commercial loan programs, including installment, revolving, mortgage, and automobile finance programs
- State licensing issues related to loan and credit programs, money transmitter and money services businesses, bank partnerships, servicing and collection operations, and real estate brokerages
- Guidance on licensing requirements, including the process for obtaining and maintaining licenses, and addressing ownership or control changes
Clay's extensive experience with state law ensures that clients can effectively navigate complex regulatory requirements across local and nationwide lending programs.
A member of the American Bar Association's Section of Business Law and the Maryland and District of Columbia Bar Associations, Clay is committed to helping clients manage compliance challenges.
Clay earned his J.D. magna cum laude from The University of Maryland School of Law, where he was inducted into the Order of the Coif. He holds a B.A. in Business Management, summa cum laude, from Washington College, where he graduated as First Honor Graduate.
His experience in regulatory compliance and licensing makes him a key resource for institutions and lenders seeking to navigate the complex landscape of financial services law.
Outside of work, Clay and his wife stay busy shepherding their two kids to soccer and rock climbing outings.
- Member, American Bar Association, Section on Business Law
- Member, Maryland State Bar Association
- Member, District of Columbia Bar
- "State Licensing Pitfalls Mortgage Servicers Must Beware," JD Supra, July 2024.
- "Company Violates Mortgage Law by Holding Servicing Rights without License," JD Supra, June 2024.
- "Arkansas Limits Use of License Plate Readers for Repossession," JD Supra, March 2024.
- "Florida Regulator Clarifies Money Transmitter Licensing Exemptions (or lack thereof)," JD Supra, December 2023.
- "Are Your Employees Taking Loan Applications? The Reach and Consequence of Mortgage Loan Originator Licenses," JD Supra, October 2023.
- "Change in Control Considerations for Investments in Licensed Financial Services Companies," Hudson Cook Insights, November 2020
- "Dealer Obligated to Perform under Third Party's Extended Service Contract," Spot Delivery, Vol. 15, Issue 7, January/February 2013
- "Loan Transfer Not "By Operation of Law" for Purposes of Foreclosure Statute," Basis Points, Issue 41, December 2012/January 2013
- "Security Interest in Titled Collateral Not Necessarily Perfected by Notation on Title," Spot Delivery, Vol. 15, Issue 6, December 2012
- "Sloppy as a Defense to a Class Action?," Spot Delivery, Vol. 15, Issue 5, November 2012
- "Arbitration Clause in Sale Contract Does Not Stop Credit Application Claim," Spot Delivery, Vol. 15, Issue 2, August 2012
- "Fourth Circuit Case Finds National Bank Subject to Default Notice Requirements Under Maryland Law," Spot Delivery, Vol. 14, Issue 10, May 2012
- "Ancillary Product Not Covered by Arbitration Provision in Vehicle Purchase Agreement," Spot Delivery, Vol. 14, Issue 9, April 2012
- "Finance Company Liability Transfer of Motor Vehicle RISCs to Unlicensed Buyers Void," Basis Points, Issue 26, August 2011
- "Transfer of Motor Vehicle Installment Contracts to Unlicensed Buyers Void," Spot Delivery, Vol. 14, Issue 1, July 2011
- "Oklahoma Amends Dealer Advertising Regulations," Spot Delivery, Vol. 14, Issue 1, July 2011
- "Unauthorized Practice of Law Litigation in Arkansas," Spot Delivery, Vol. 13, Issue 11, June 2011
- "Negligent Entrustment Claim Involving Buyer's Driving Record Fails," Spot Delivery, Vol. 13, Issue 5, November 2010
- "You Can't Park That Here - New D.C. Dealer Regulation Upheld," Spot Delivery, Vol. 13, Issue 4, October 2010
- "Waive Goodbye to Strict Compliance Notices in Arkansas," Spot Delivery, Vol. 13, Issue 1, July 2010
- "Delay Red Flags Compliance? Maybe Not.," Spot Delivery, Vol. 12, Issue 11, June 2010
- "Magnuson-Moss Trumps FTC's Holder Rule," Spot Delivery, Vol. 12, Issue 9, April 2010
- "An Arbitration Agreement and a Rabbit's Foot," Spot Delivery, Vol. 12, Issue 8, March 2010, co-authored with Thomas B. Hudson
- "Adaptive Use?," Spot Delivery, Vol. 12, Issue 4, October 2009
- "New Act Creates Issues for Debt Collectors in Arkansas," Basis Points, Issue 3, July 2009
- "Arkansas May Yet Become a Viable Financing Environment," Spot Delivery, Vol. 11, Issue 10, May 2009
- "Proposals Addressing Credit Card Lending Practices," Lexis Nexis Emerging Issues, July 2008
- "Say Goodbye to 'AS-IS' Sales in Pennsylvania if Bill Passes," Spot Delivery, Vol. 10, Issue 5, November 2007, co-authored with Aline C. Ryan
- "Small Claims Can Cost You," Spot Delivery, Vol. 10, Issue 2, August 2007, co-authored with Thomas B. Hudson
- The University of Maryland School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, May 2006
- Washington College, B.A. in Business Management, summa cum laude, First Honor Graduate, May 2003
- District of Columbia, 2010
- Maryland, 2006