Brody | Gapp LLP Welcomes Scott Harkless as a Founding Partner, Further Increasing Firm's National Reach and Practice Diversity

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Brody | Gapp LLP, a leading national law firm serving clients in mortgage banking litigation, regulatory compliance, and strategic risk management, proudly announces the appointment of Scott Harkless as a Founding Partner. This significant addition reunites Harkless with Managing Partner James Brody, more than two decades after their initial collaboration as litigation associates at the nationally recognized firm McCormick Barstow. The reunion emphasizes the firm's commitment to enduring relationships and tailored client solutions.

Harkless brings over 20 years of distinguished executive leadership and extensive litigation background, having held senior roles at renowned financial institutions, including Countrywide Home Loans, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, American Advisors Group, Open Mortgage, Cardinal Financial, and most recently, OneTrust Home Loans. His professional history uniquely equips him to advise Brody | Gapp's clients effectively on complex issues surrounding reverse mortgage lending, strategic alliances, real estate finance, and regulatory compliance.

Notably, Harkless initially reconnected with Brody while serving as General Counsel at his former company, collaborating closely on significant litigation and compliance challenges. Choosing to join Brody | Gapp after evaluating multiple executive opportunities underscores Harkless's belief in the firm's innovative vision and dedication to growing its team to 15–20 attorneys within the next two years.

"Scott brings visionary thinking and operational rigor to every engagement," stated James Brody, Managing Partner. "His experience is closely aligned with our commitment to providing innovative, proactive solutions that help clients effectively navigate complex regulatory landscapes and achieve competitive advantages."

At Brody | Gapp, Harkless will focus on creating strategic legal service packages, including solutions tailored for reverse mortgage clients and innovative approaches for engaging real estate business through non-traditional product and licensing models. His role reinforces the firm's capabilities in both traditional legal counsel and forward-thinking strategic advisory services.

"Joining Brody | Gapp LLP is truly a full-circle moment," Harkless commented. "Having personally experienced the high-caliber counsel of the firm; I am excited to leverage my background in helping the housing industry manage the unique legal and compliance issues they encounter while enabling the industry participants to grow in new and exciting ways. Together, the Brody | Gapp firm brings over 100 years of experience in helping mortgage companies navigate their most critical needs."

Brody | Gapp LLP will showcase its industry leadership at upcoming conferences, including CMBA Western Secondary, The Mortgage Collaborative in Boston, New England MBA in Newport, RI, and the MBA Annual Convention in Las Vegas, where Harkless will prominently represent the firm.

SOURCE Brody | Gapp LLP