Our Practice Areas

Supporting Credit Unions Facing Complex Decisions

Credit union leaders regularly balance regulatory obligations, member relationships, operational demands, and risk management.

A bankruptcy filing can disrupt a recovery strategy. A contested foreclosure can strain resources. A regulatory examination can expose gaps in policies or procedures. Litigation can create reputational risk beyond the courtroom.

We work alongside executive teams, boards, compliance leaders, and operations staff to provide steady legal guidance when those pressures surface. Our role is not simply to respond to problems, but to help institutions evaluate risk, make informed decisions, and move forward with clarity.

Our Practice Areas

Legal Services for Credit Unions

01

Collections

Collections require both legal precision and operational awareness. We represent credit unions in Florida and Georgia with collections litigation and recovery efforts, helping resolve delinquent accounts while minimizing friction with members and maintaining compliance. Our work often includes advising on internal collections processes and department structure so that recovery efforts remain consistent and defensible over time.

02

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy proceedings affect recovery strategy immediately. Our team handles creditor-side matters across Chapter 7, 11, 12 and 13. We assist with proofs of claim, motions for relief from stay, reaffirmation issues, and adversary proceedings when necessary. Early assessment helps protect collateral interests and ensures deadlines are met without disruption.

03

Foreclosures

Foreclosure actions require careful coordination between legal process and institutional operations. We support credit unions in residential and commercial foreclosure matters throughout Florida and Georgia. From filing through final resolution, our team manages proceedings efficiently while keeping leadership informed at each stage.

04

Compliance & Corporate Services

Regulatory compliance is ongoing and evolving. We advise boards, executive leadership, and operational teams on federal and state laws governing credit unions. Our services include reviewing and revising policies, counseling on governance responsibilities, assisting with regulatory examinations, and providing day-to-day corporate legal guidance that aligns with strategic goals.

05

Litigation

When disputes arise, preparation and responsiveness matter. We represent credit unions in state and federal court throughout Florida and Georgia in matters involving creditor rights, consumer claims, contract disputes, and related litigation. Our approach is measured and strategic, focused on resolution while protecting institutional stability.

06

Consulting & Training

Education and consulting are part of serving as a long-term legal partner. We provide legal consulting, staff training, and strategic insight on regulatory and operational issues. Through seminars, in-house sessions, and leadership briefings, we help teams anticipate challenges and strengthen internal systems before issues escalate.

Structured, Responsive, and Aligned With Your Team

Our Approach

We operate within defined systems designed to keep matters progressing and communication clear. Clients receive timely updates. Deadlines are tracked. Questions are answered directly.

Many of our clients engage us for one matter and continue the relationship for years. That continuity allows us to provide guidance informed by context, not just immediate circumstances.

Getting Started with Sorenson Van Leuven, PLLC

Step 1

Initial Conversation

This allows us to understand your institution, the matter at hand, and whether our team is the right fit. Some conversations focus on a specific legal issue. Others explore a broader partnership. Either way, the goal is clarity.

Step 2

Assessment and Alignment

We identify risk considerations, timelines, and decision points. We also determine how best to coordinate with your internal teams so that communication remains clear and responsibilities are well defined.

Step 3

Ongoing Guidance

As we work together, we develop familiarity with your institution’s structure, priorities, and governance approach. That continuity allows us to provide guidance that reflects context, not just immediate circumstances.a

Start a Conversation About Legal Support for Your Credit Union

Whether you are exploring a new partnership or navigating a specific legal issue in Florida or Georgia, a brief conversation can help clarify your options.

Schedule a 15-minute introductory call to speak with our team and learn more about what we can do for you.

Discover what clients are saying

“Everglades Federal Credit Union has partnered with Sorenson Van Leuven for 12 years. The firm is professional yet approachable. We rely on them for collections, bankruptcies, foreclosures, and other matters as they arise. With their knowledgeable team, our unique challenges are handled efficiently. Our recoveries doubled after we began working with them, and their ongoing training keeps our staff up to date. I would absolutely recommend them.”

Marta Betancourt

“Working with Sorenson Van Leuven has always been a positive experience. They are quick to respond to inquiries and requests and keep their clients informed of the latest news and changes. As a smaller institution, we value having a firm that works closely with and for us.”

Leianne Harden

“We began our relationship with Sorenson Van Leuven back in 2008 at the worst point in First Choice Credit Union’s history during the real estate crisis. With their guidance, we were able to navigate loan modifications and foreclosures and reach a safe landing. We value our long-time relationship with the firm.”

Michael J. Welte, CEO

Our FAQs

Do we need a collections attorney for ongoing delinquency matters, or for litigation?

Many credit unions first engage a Florida collections attorney when litigation becomes necessary. However, ongoing guidance can help reduce disputes before they reach court. We often work with institutions to review documentation practices, internal processes, and escalation strategies so recovery efforts remain consistent and defensible. Early coordination can improve outcomes and reduce unnecessary filings.

When should a bankruptcy attorney be involved when a member files for bankruptcy?

Timing matters in bankruptcy matters. A bankruptcy attorney can assist once notice of filing is received, particularly when collateral, reaffirmation, or contested issues are involved. Early review helps protect secured interests and ensures procedural deadlines are met. In some cases, strategic decisions made at the outset influence recovery options later in the proceeding.

How can a foreclosure attorney support credit unions beyond filing actions?

Foreclosure is not simply a filing process. A foreclosure attorney helps evaluate documentation, assess contested risks, coordinate hearings, and manage timelines through resolution. We also work with internal teams to ensure communication remains clear and decisions reflect both legal and operational considerations. Proper coordination often prevents delays and unnecessary complications.

What types of disputes require a litigation attorney for credit unions?

Credit unions may encounter contract disputes, consumer claims, contested recovery matters, or related civil litigation. A litigation attorney can assess exposure, develop strategy, and represent the institution in court when needed. Early evaluation is often critical, particularly when reputational considerations or regulatory implications intersect with the dispute.

When should a compliance attorney be consulted about credit union policies?

Compliance questions often arise before an examination or following internal policy review. A compliance attorney can assist in evaluating governance documents, operational procedures, and documentation standards to ensure alignment with federal and state requirements. Proactive review can reduce risk and strengthen preparedness during regulatory scrutiny.

What role does a corporate attorney play in advising credit union boards?

Board-level decisions often involve fiduciary duties, regulatory obligations, and institutional risk assessment. A corporate attorney can provide guidance on governance structure, policy adoption, and strategic legal considerations. Clear legal input helps boards make informed decisions while maintaining alignment with statutory and regulatory expectations.

Do credit unions need a litigation lawyer for contested foreclosure or bankruptcy matters?

Contested matters often require additional strategic analysis beyond standard filings. A litigation lawyer can represent the institution in evidentiary hearings, adversary proceedings, or related disputes arising within foreclosure or bankruptcy cases. Early coordination ensures deadlines are met and arguments are positioned thoughtfully.

Can a Georgia or Florida-licensed credit union attorney provide consulting and staff training?

Yes. In addition to case representation, a credit union attorney may provide training sessions, regulatory briefings, and operational consulting. These sessions often focus on collections procedures, documentation standards, compliance updates, and governance practices. Ongoing education helps leadership teams anticipate legal considerations rather than reacting after issues escalate. A credit union lawyer’s knowledge of the industry and the law helps ensure that any consulting and training are aligned with industry standards and meet regulatory requirements.

How do we determine if we need a credit union lawyer for a specific issue?

If a matter involves recovery, regulatory compliance, member disputes, or litigation exposure, early legal review can clarify options. A credit union lawyer can assess risk, outline potential outcomes, and help determine whether formal action is required. Sometimes a brief consultation provides enough direction to prevent larger complications later.

What should we expect when working with a credit union attorney long term?

Long-term relationships typically begin with a specific matter and expand over time. While a credit union attorney is familiar with applicable laws and the industry, the longer they work with a specific client, the more they understand that client's unique needs and challenges. As familiarity develops, legal guidance becomes more contextual and proactive. A credit union attorney working in an ongoing capacity can provide steady insight into operational questions, risk decisions, and governance issues as they arise.

Start a Conversation

Use this form to tell us a bit about your credit union and the issue you’re working through. We’ll follow up to discuss your situation and outline potential next steps.