Suzanne R. Haley
Charlotte
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant General Counsel, VP
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.
10.2019 - Current
- Lead the strategy and resolution of high-profile, complex litigation (primarily class actions) for Wells Fargo’s Home Mortgage and Credit Card lines of business. Manage a nationwide portfolio of multiple class action lawsuits and other high-exposure matters, often achieving resolutions that avoid class certification and minimize financial/reputational impact.
- Obtained class settlement and approval of Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) nationwide class action spanning multiple business lines, successfully resolving six consolidated lawsuits alleging unauthorized calls and texts to non-customers.
- Approval of class action settlement of nationwide class alleging improper credit reporting on debts discharged in bankruptcy.
- Resolved a California state class action involving unauthorized “Credit Defense” fees on credit card accounts, resulting in reimbursement to ~ 190,000 customers. Navigated the court approval process and settlement administration to a successful conclusion.
- Proactively identify litigation trends and emerging legal risks. Advise and influence senior executives and business leaders on strategies to mitigate litigation risk, balancing aggressive defense with business objectives. Develop defensive strategies that align with the company’s risk appetite, protecting the bank’s reputation and mitigating financial exposure.
- Effectively lead and manage outside counsel teams (national law firms) to drive favorable outcomes, while coordinating with relevant internal stakeholders. Communicate complex legal issues and case developments to executive leadership, facilitating informed decision-making on high-stakes matters. Mentor attorneys and paralegals on litigation best practices and professional development.
Associate General Counsel/VP Compliance
DEEPHAVEN MORTGAGE LLC
01.2015 - 09.2019
- Advised executive and senior leadership of a multi-channel, market-leading non-agency mortgage provider on a broad spectrum of legal, regulatory, and compliance issues related to mortgage loan acquisition, origination and servicing, product and business channel development, and operations. Provided strategic counsel that furthered business objectives while ensuring adherence to relevant laws and regulations.
- Developed and implemented robust risk control measures and managed compliance management program. Established frameworks for regulatory compliance, customer complaint resolution, and Anti-Money Laundering controls. These programs laid the foundation for a successful new lending channel launch, with structured oversight to satisfy regulatory requirements.
- Regularly briefed the Board and executive team on legal and regulatory compliance reporting metrics and regulatory changes, prompting proactive adjustments to business practices.
- Managed cross-functional initiatives via the company’s Legal and Compliance Committee (key member), coordinating efforts between legal, operations, risk, and business teams to address gaps and implement policy changes. This collaboration ensured enterprise-wide awareness and mitigation of legal risks, contributing to the company’s growth in a controlled, compliant manner.
Counsel
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.
10.2014 - 09.2015
- Managed all aspects of defending mortgage-related litigation. Handled cases involving foreclosure counterclaims, loan servicing, and consumer protection claims, consistently achieving positive outcomes (dismissals, favorable settlements) that protected the bank’s interest.
- Advised internal business clients (Home Lending) on regulatory compliance and litigation avoidance strategies. Identified risk trends (e.g. patterns in lawsuits or default servicing practices) and recommended policy changes to reduce future litigation.
- Supervised a team of three paralegals, a legal process specialist, and numerous outside counsel firms. Streamlined litigation workflows and ensured high-quality work product from outside counsel through effective oversight and clear guidance.
Attorney
MCGUIREWOODS, LLP
03.2011 - 10.2014
- Represented national financial institutions in financial services litigation in state and federal court. Defended banks and mortgage servicers in cases involving loan origination, servicing errors, wrongful foreclosure, and alleged violations of consumer protection statutes (TILA, RESPA, FCRA, FDCPA, and corresponding state laws).
Contract Attorney
ROGERS TOWNSEND & THOMAS, PC
03.2010 - 03.2011
- Represented mortgage lenders and servicers in commercial and residential foreclosure actions and related litigation. Argued and defended positions of clients at court hearings and proceedings.
Contract Attorney
HURON CONSULTING GROUP
04.2009 - 10.2010
- Reviewed and analyzed documents for responsiveness, privilege, and issue coding.
Associate
FRANZÉN AND SALZANO, P.C.
09.2006 - 09.2008
- Represented financial institutions, banks, mortgage lenders, loan servicers, mortgage brokers, and other creditors in regulatory compliance and consumer financial services litigation.
Education
Juris Doctor - undefined
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF LAW
Coral Gables, FL12.2005
B.A. - International Studies and Spanish
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
Chapel Hill, NC12.2000
Skills
- Real estate transactions
- Legal research expertise
- Contract drafting
- Data privacy regulations
Affiliations
- Licensed Attorney: Admitted to practice in North Carolina Bar and Georgia
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce – Litigation Center: Member of the Class Actions and Arbitration Litigation Advisory Committee, contributing industry insights to shape pro-business litigation policy.
- American Bar Association: Former Co-Chair of ABA Consumer Financial Services Young Lawyers Subcommittee. In this role, I organized educational programs and networking for young attorneys in the consumer financial services sector and contributed to ABA publications
Timeline
Assistant General Counsel, VP
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.
10.2019 - Current
Associate General Counsel/VP Compliance
DEEPHAVEN MORTGAGE LLC
01.2015 - 09.2019
Counsel
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.
10.2014 - 09.2015
Attorney
MCGUIREWOODS, LLP
03.2011 - 10.2014
Contract Attorney
ROGERS TOWNSEND & THOMAS, PC
03.2010 - 03.2011
Contract Attorney
HURON CONSULTING GROUP
04.2009 - 10.2010
Associate
FRANZÉN AND SALZANO, P.C.
09.2006 - 09.2008
Juris Doctor - undefined
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF LAW
B.A. - International Studies and Spanish
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
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