Blank Rome added partner David M. Clem and associate Megan A. Altobelli to its business litigation group and financial services industry team. As litigators and trial lawyers, Clem and Altobelli focus their practice on complex commercial litigation, primarily representing financial institutions in significant trials and arbitrations.
“We are pleased to welcome David and Megan to our expanding Dallas office and our national business litigation group,” Grant S. Palmer, chair and managing partner of Blank Rome, said. “In addition to his extensive trial experience, David has built a strong reputation representing notable clients in the financial services industry. His courtroom experience, industry knowledge and dedication to client service will be a great addition to our team as we continue to grow and enhance our capabilities in Dallas and beyond. We look forward to the contributions and the positive impact David and Megan will have on our clients and our firm.”
Clem and Altobelli guide businesses through the litigation process, from pre-suit evaluation through jury and bench trials and post-judgment enforcement. They have helped attain favorable outcomes in courtrooms and arbitrations involving extreme time pressure, complex issues, class actions, multi-district litigation, obscure material and large numbers of parties and witnesses.
Clem represents commercial and retail banks, credit unions, broker-dealers, mortgage lenders, consumer lenders, FinTechs, investment funds, non-bank financial institutions and other financial services players. He has litigated disputes in state and federal courts involving syndicated and participated loans, bank operations, securities fraud, lender liability, statutory and regulatory compliance, negotiable instruments and various creditors’ rights issues. He has also litigated matters related to contract, tort, and trade secret claims; deposit and payment disputes, including warranty claims, check and Automated Clearing House disputes and other claims under Uniform Commercial Code Articles 4 and 4A; and defaulted commercial credits.
Altobelli represents clients before state and federal courts, bankruptcy courts and arbitration panels. She has litigated disputes involving breach of contract, fraud, noncompetes, premises liability and product liability matters.
In addition to financial services institutions, Clem and Altobelli represent oil and gas operators and investors, real estate developers, franchisees and other businesses across a variety of industries in the United States.
“We are thrilled to have David and Megan join our business litigation group and strengthen our litigation bench in Texas and nationally,” Evan H. Lechtman, partner and co-chair of the business litigation group, said. “They are recognized for building longstanding relationships with clients, who value their ability to approach intricate legal matters with clear strategies that allow them to understand issues, assess risks and explore litigation options. We look forward to having Clem and Altobelli on our banking and commercial finance litigation team, where their courtroom advocacy and dedication to client service will be a great asset to our litigation bench, as well as enhance our presence in Dallas.”
“Blank Rome is tremendous law firm with smart, talented, and collegial attorneys who are dedicated to providing the highest quality client service,” Clem said. “I am excited about Blank Rome’s commitment to its core values, its geographic reach and its depth of regulatory, compliance and transactional lending experience. I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues at Blank Rome to continue delivering exceptional service and litigation support to our clients in Dallas and across the country.”
Clem is active with the Southwest Association of Bank Counsel and will be a speaker at its 2025 Annual Legal Conference in October.
