Practice Focus

Automotive and Personal Property Finance and Leasing
May 28, 2026

The Hudson Cook Usury Monitor – A Publication of Recent Usury and Finance Charge Cases – Winter 2025

Clayton C. Swears
February 27, 2026

New York Criminal Usury as a Claim in Bankruptcy

Clayton C. Swears
January 30, 2026

The Hudson Cook Usury Monitor – A Publication of Recent Usury and Finance Charge Cases – Fall 2025

Clayton C. Swears
September 30, 2025

The Hudson Cook Usury Monitor – A Publication of Recent Usury and Finance Charge Cases – Summer 2025

Clayton C. Swears
August 29, 2025

Contractor Licensing Issue Voids Construction Loan in Georgia

Clayton C. Swears
July 02, 2025

Is Purchasing Debt Without a License an Unlawful Collection Activity?

Clayton C. Swears
July 02, 2025

Does the Recent Earned Wage Access Law Change the Regulatory Environment in Arkansas?

Clayton C. Swears
July 24, 2024

State Licensing Pitfalls Mortgage Servicers Must Beware

Clayton C. Swears
May 31, 2024

Company Violates Mortgage Law by Holding Servicing Rights without License

Clayton C. Swears
November 30, 2023

Florida Regulator Clarifies Money Transmitter Licensing Exemptions (or lack thereof)

Clayton C. Swears
October 02, 2023

Are Your Employees Taking Loan Applications? The Reach and Consequence of Mortgage Loan Originator Licenses

Clayton C. Swears
November 30, 2020

Change in Control Considerations for Investments in Licensed Financial Services Companies

Clayton C. Swears

Education

  • The University of Maryland School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, May 2006
  • Washington College, B.A. in Business Management, summa cum laude, First Honor Graduate, May 2003

Admissions

  • District of Columbia, 2010
  • Maryland, 2006
Professional Affiliations & Certifications
  • Member, American Bar Association, Section on Business Law
  • Member, Maryland State Bar Association
  • Member, District of Columbia Bar
Publications
  • “State Licensing Pitfalls Mortgage Servicers Must Beware,” JD Supra, July 2024.
  • “Company Violates Mortgage Law by Holding Servicing Rights without License,” JD Supra, June 2024.
  • “Arkansas Limits Use of License Plate Readers for Repossession,” JD Supra, March 2024.
  • “Florida Regulator Clarifies Money Transmitter Licensing Exemptions (or lack thereof),” JD Supra, December 2023.
  • “Are Your Employees Taking Loan Applications? The Reach and Consequence of Mortgage Loan Originator Licenses,” JD Supra, October 2023.
  • Change in Control Considerations for Investments in Licensed Financial Services Companies,” JD Supra, December 2020.