Chris J Willis

Career

For more than 25 years, Chris has counseled clients in the consumer financial services industry in the areas of regulatory compliance, enforcement, examinations, and litigation.

Chris is the co-leader of the Consumer Financial Services Regulatory Practice Group at the firm. He advises financial services institutions facing state and federal government investigations and examinations, counseling them on compliance issues including UDAP/UDAAP, credit reporting, debt collection, and fair lending, and defending them in individual and class action lawsuits brought by consumers and enforcement actions brought by government agencies.

Chris also leverages insights from his litigation and enforcement experience to help clients design new products and processes, including machine learning marketing, fraud prevention and underwriting models, product structure, advertising, online application flows, underwriting, and collection and loss mitigation strategies.

Chris brings a highly practical focus to his legal advice, informed by balancing a deep understanding of the business of consumer finance and the practical priorities of federal and state regulatory agencies.

Chris speaks frequently at conferences across the U.S. on consumer financial services law and has been featured in numerous articles in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the Washington Post, American Banker, National Law Journal, BNA Bloomberg, and Bank Safety and Soundness Advisor.

Professional Memberships

Co-Chair, Practising Law Institute's Consumer Financial Services Institute

American Bar Association, Consumer Financial Services Committee

Consumer Bankers Association Lawyers’ Committee and Default Management Committee

Association of Consumer Vehicle Lessors Legal Advisors

Atlanta Bar Association

Personal

Zoo Atlanta, Leadership Counsel; Board of Directors; Member, Facilities Committee