Lauren G. Raines

Lauren Raines: Leading Banking & Finance Litigation Attorney in Tampa

Lauren Raines is the Office Managing Partner of Bradley’s Tampa office and a respected partner in the Banking and Financial Services and Real Estate practice groups. She distinguishes herself through a unique and highly effective hybrid practice, seamlessly blending transactional and litigation expertise. Lauren’s approach – simultaneously advising on potential disputes and aggressively advocating for her clients – provides unparalleled value and strategic insight. This dual capability allows her to proactively guide her transactional clients, mitigating risks and anticipating challenges, while simultaneously providing robust and informed defense in a wide range of complex legal matters.

Lauren’s career is defined by a consistent track record of success, particularly in complex commercial mortgage litigation. She has successfully handled countless contested foreclosure trials for banks and mortgage servicers across the state of Florida, demonstrating a deep understanding of the intricacies of real estate finance and a tenacious commitment to her clients’ best interests. Her litigation strategy is not simply reactive; it’s built on a thorough understanding of both the law and the practical realities of the financial landscape.

Lauren routinely defends her clients in a wide array of claims arising under federal and state regulations, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). She also possesses extensive experience handling claims related to the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), unfair and deceptive trade practices, and fraud. Beyond these core regulatory areas, Lauren's expertise extends to crucial areas such as lender liability claims, usury actions, lien priority disputes, fraudulent transfer cases, and violations of Florida consumer protection statutes.

A significant portion of Lauren's practice focuses on representing merchant cash advance companies in enforcement actions, bankruptcy litigation, and in defending against a broad spectrum of claims, including usury, RICO, preference, and lien avoidance. This specialized experience demonstrates her ability to navigate highly complex and often adversarial situations involving sophisticated financial instruments.

For her transactional clients, Lauren handles a diverse portfolio of commercial lending transactions. She specializes in structuring and executing a wide range of financing solutions, including construction loans, loans secured by retail centers, industrial facilities, and multi-family housing, as well as asset-based loans. Lauren’s transactional work extends beyond simply securing funding; she skillfully manages the entire loan lifecycle, expertly handling critical matters such as loan assumptions, defeasances, loan workouts, debt restructurings, forbearances, and advising on the often-complex issues of Florida documentary stamp tax related to these transactions. She consistently delivers tailored solutions that meet her clients’ specific needs and objectives.

Lauren’s unique blend of transactional and litigation expertise allows her to provide comprehensive legal counsel, safeguarding her clients’ interests at every stage. She is a strategic partner who understands both the potential risks and the opportunities inherent in complex financial transactions and litigation.

Practice Areas

• Banking and Finance Law
• Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Commercial Finance Law
• Financial Services Regulation Law
• Litigation - Banking and Finance
• Litigation - Real Estate
• Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law
• Real Estate Law

Education & Credentials

• Recognized: Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Commercial Finance Law, Financial Services Regulation Law, Litigation - Banking and Finance, Litigation - Real Estate, Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law, Real Estate Law
• Awards: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2021
• City: Tampa, State: Florida, Country: United States