WASHINGTON, April 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Patton Boggs LLP is pleased to announce today the formation of an innovative teaming arrangement with The Collingwood Group, LLC. The arrangement combines the strength of one of the nation's premier law firms with one of the top business advisory groups in the financial services industry.

Patton Boggs' expertise on legal, regulatory and policy issues facing the mortgage banking industry will be further enhanced by The Collingwood Group's ability to assist clients in defining their business goals and identifying ways to strategically implement them. By leveraging the resources of both firms, clients will have access to a more complete solution to their industry-related needs.  In working together, Patton Boggs and The Collingwood Group will provide clients with an unprecedented approach to navigating through industry hurdles, on both the legal and operational fronts.  Patton Boggs and The Collingwood Group will also collaborate regularly on client-focused written materials, events and media outreach.

"Patton Boggs continues to be at the forefront of regulatory changes impacting the mortgage banking industry, including Dodd-Frank and other major rulemaking efforts by the Fed, HUD and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, as well as efforts by state and federal regulatory agencies to reshape the industry through enforcement action.  The firm's arrangement with The Collingwood Group is yet another way Patton Boggs can add value and efficiencies to the services we're providing our clients," says Edward J. Newberry, managing partner.

Patton Boggs' Mortgage Banking Group, which is led by Partners Richard Andreano, John Socknat and Michael Waldron, will spearhead the teaming arrangement on behalf of the firm and in doing so, will work with The Collingwood Group's leadership, which includes Joe Murin, former President and CEO of Ginnie Mae, and Brian Montgomery, former Assistant Secretary for Housing and Federal Housing Commissioner. Mr. Murin and Mr. Montgomery both played major roles in the federal government's efforts to address the nation's financial crisis and restore stability and liquidity to financial markets, and they remain in the spotlight due to their efforts at The Collingwood Group.

"We're delighted about the formation of this teaming arrangement with Patton Boggs. This collaborative effort represents the first of its kind in the mortgage banking industry, bringing together thought leaders on housing and real estate finance with leading legal minds that specialize in these areas.  This collaboration will enable us to bring highly focused expertise to our respective clients that relate to legal and regulatory compliance within the mortgage banking and real estate finance industries," says Chairman Joe Murin. Collingwood Partner Brian Montgomery agrees, saying "The Collingwood Group is pleased to be joining forces with a well-regarded firm such as Patton Boggs. With Patton Boggs' legal proficiency and Collingwood's expertise in both the public and private sector mortgage and financial service industries, there now exists a new and exciting opportunity for both our organizations and most importantly for our clients."

The teaming framework between the two firms will allow both to pursue, wherever appropriate, joint projects where the talents of both firms can be employed to meet potential client needs. Each firm will remain independent of the other.

About Patton Boggs LLP
Based in Washington, DC, Patton Boggs is a leader in public policy, litigation and business law, and is well known for its deep bipartisan roots in the U.S. political arena.  The firm's core practice areas are Public Policy and Regulatory, Litigation, Business and Intellectual Property.  With offices in New York, New Jersey, Dallas, Denver, Anchorage, Northern Virginia and internationally in Doha, Qatar and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, more than 600 lawyers and professionals provide comprehensive, practical and cost-effective legal counsel to clients around the globe. For more information, visit us at www.pattonboggs.com.

About The Collingwood Group, LLC

The Collingwood Group is a Washington, DC-based advisory firm focused on growing client's businesses, promoting revenue growth and increasing investment returns. The firm's expertise spans all aspects of Agency, non- Agency and FHA/VA housing financing programs; Ginnie Mae securitization activities; domestic and international secondary market activities and issues; primary and special servicing; full asset lifecycle vendor and talent management; and all elements of portfolio acquisition, property management and asset disposition. For more information, visit:  www.collingwoodllc.com.

CONTACT
Edward J. Newberry
202.457.5285
Enewberry(at)pattonboggs(dot)com

SOURCE Patton Boggs LLP