Law Firms to CUs, CUSOs Form Strategic Alliance

MEDIA, Pa. and PORTLAND, Ore. – Principals of two law firms that are leading providers of legal services to CUSOs and credit unions – Guy Messick of Lastowka & Messick P.C., Media, Pa. and NACUSO General Counsel and Brian Witt of Farleigh Wada & Witt, P.C., Portland, Ore. and outside counsel to the Oregon and Washington Credit Union Leagues and CU Association of the West – formed a strategic alliance to combine resources to serve credit unions and CUSOs throughout the U.S. The two firms will continue to operate independently. Witt and Messick said the strengths of the firms are complementary. Lastowka & Messick frequently represents business and government lenders and specializes in organizing multiple-owned CUSO that provide operational support for business lending and depository services. It also represents CUs that offer financial services through third-party affiliate relationships. Farleigh Wada and Witt specializes in preparing business loan policies, documents and account agreements. The firm also developed a set of compliance programs for consumer law issues such as the USA Patriot Act, Information Security and Privacy and Delivery of Online Services. In addition to Messick's responsibilities as NACUSO general counsel, he is liaison with the NCUA for the association as well as with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Witt is also the current chairman of the Credit Union Committee of the American Bar Association.