Department profile
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation
USA Guide 2026 : New York
Rankings
Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Work Highlights
Provided by Chambers
McKool Smith represented HSBC as trustee of five RMBS trusts in consolidated actions against Nomura regarding contractual representations and warranties concerning the loans in these trusts, with damages exceeding $2.78 billion.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
McKool Smith's knowledge of the industry is second to none and it is able to cover every angle and issue. The firm's attorneys are experts in the industry. Its strategy on all issues is always two steps ahead. The team is also extremely responsive and keeps us up to date on the status of the case.
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation respondentUSAWhat distinguishes McKool Smith is the day-to-day effort and attention to detail. Whether it be in preparing for a deposition or fighting over discovery issues, it is always more prepared and outworks and outthinks the adversary.
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation respondentUSAMcKool Smith provides timely and responsive communications. The team's advocacy is talented and tireless.
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation respondentUSAMcKool Smith has deep expertise in the RMBS litigation space, a deep understanding of legal issues and it comes up with very strong arguments.
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation respondentUSAMcKool Smith's expertise and knowledge in the RMBS space is invaluable.
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation respondentUSA
Notable Practitioners
Provided by Chambers
Band 1 
Band 1 Christopher Johnson
Christopher Johnson has experience in a wide variety of complex civil litigation, with particular expertise representing institutional trustees in matters related to structured financial products, including in RMBS and CMBS disputes. Christopher is a skilled litigator who is very responsive to clients.
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation respondentUSAChristopher is an extremely talented and sophisticated commercial litigator.
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation respondentUSAChristopher is a terrific commercial litigator and lawyer.
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation respondentUSA
Band 1 
Band 1 Courtney B Statfeld
Courtney Statfeld focuses on pursuing recoveries on MBS portfolios and regularly represents major institutional investors, including global banks. Courtney is a star and an excellent trial lawyer. She is particularly sharp and savvy in litigating complex mortgage-backed securities disputes.
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation respondentUSACourtney is a superstar and a fantastic litigator at trial.
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation respondentUSACourtney responds quickly and is honest, direct and thoughtful. She is a pleasure to work with and brings a unique perspective that sets her apart.
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation respondentUSACourtney always has a great grasp of the subject matter and really takes the time to understand the issue. She is very responsive and works well across the aisle, which can help lead to reasonable settlements and outcomes. She is also very effective in the courtroom, due to both her legal skills and her personality.
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation respondentUSACourtney is remarkably skilled in her interactions with judges. She has great judgment in how to frame her arguments and questions and has a lot of emotional intelligence as well as intellectual chops.
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation respondentUSA
Band 1 
Band 1 David I Schiefelbein
David Schiefelbein focuses his practice on the representation of investors and trustees in complex litigation involving mortgage-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations and other financial products. He has a wealth of experience advising on Article 77 proceedings. David is a very strong lawyer.
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation respondentUSA
Band 1 
Band 1 Robert Scheef
Robert Scheef has a long track record of success in RMBS putback litigation. He often acts for major financial institutions in their role as trustees in such matters, and also handles cases involving other complex financial products. Robert stands out in this area. He is very skilled and experienced.
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation respondentUSARobert has very good knowledge of the court system, judges and procedures in New York, along with a great knowledge of the law. He comes up with good strategies, thinking outside the box and coming up with creative ideas for both defense and counter-assertions.
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation respondentUSARobert is a very strong oral advocate.
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation respondentUSARobert is a calm, effective negotiator who doesn't get flustered. He is well prepared and has a deep knowledge of the RMBS space.
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation respondentUSARobert is a great lawyer. He is very thoughtful and creative, traits which he brings into his trial advocacy. He also thinks of things that others don't.
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation respondentUSA
Ranked Individuals at McKool Smith (4)
New York
Christopher Johnson
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation
View profile Courtney B Statfeld
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation
View profile David I Schiefelbein
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation
View profile Robert Scheef
Securities: Institutional Plaintiffs: Mainly RMBS Litigation
View profile
What success is built on
Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.