April 30, 2018

Mr. Barnes has been retained on several new foreclosure cases in Washington, where he currently works with local WA counsel Jill Smith, Esq. on other pending cases at both the trial and appellate levels. Mr Barnes had been working on the pending cases with his prior local counsel James A. Wexler, Esq., who passed away on December 27, 2017. Ms. Smith has substituted in for Mr. Wexler.

The cases involve several securitization entites, including Wilmington Trust Company and Bank of New York Mellon both acting in the capacity of “trustee” for a mortgage securitization trust. In each of the cases, Mr. Barnes has amended the pleadings to assert various issues related to standing and the foreclosing party’s alleged ability to enforce the Note and Deed of Trust and has propounded discovery as to these issues.

In one of the cases, the presiding Judge informed counsel for both parties, following filings by Mr. Barnes and his admission to the Court in that case, that the case is “extremely complicated” and thus “will not fall on summary judgment”.

In view of this increase in cases in WA, Mr. Barnes is contemplating opening a branch office in the Seattle area. We will keep our readers advised of developments.

Jeff Barnes, Esq., www.ForeclosureDefenseNationwide.com