Michael T. Grant practices in the area of litigation. Mr. Grant represents banks, servicers, auto finance companies and commercial lenders in state and federal courts. Mr. Grant has successfully represented clients through all stages of the litigation process, from pre-litigation investigation through the trial and appellate proceedings. He works on individual claims as well as defending mortgage servicers and auto finance companies in complex class action suits involving statutory consumer lending violations, usury and other contract claims. He also represents lenders in complex commercial loan workouts, foreclosures, negotiable instrument litigation and bankruptcy matters.
Mr. Grant handles consumer financial services litigation matters throughout the country, managing a team that focuses on auto finance, contested foreclosures, real estate and title issues, and alleged federal and state regulatory violations. Mr. Grant understands the importance of cost control in consumer financial services litigation and works closely with clients to develop strategies to resolve matters efficiently.
Mr. Grant is a 2008 graduate of Emory University School of Law and a cum laude graduate of Dickinson College.
Areas of Practice
Banking and Financial Services
Employment Law
Admissions
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
- U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
Education
- Emory University School of Law, J.D., 2008
- Dickinson College, B.A., cum laude, 2004
Experience
Duane Morris LLP
- Partner, 2019-presentLeClairRyan PLLC
- Partner, 2012-2019Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP
- Associate, 2008-2012
Professional Activities
Mortgage Bankers Association
Boston Bar Association
Honors and Awards
Benchmark Litigation 40 & Under Hot List, 2018 and 2019
Massachusetts Super Lawyers Rising Star for Business Litigation, 2018
Selected Publications
- Co-author, "Massachusetts Court Affirms Graves Amendment, Preempts Vicarious Liability Against Auto Dealers for Accidents Caused by Customers in Courtesy Vehicles," Duane Morris Alert, June 30, 2023
- Co-author, "Massachusetts to Enforce Expanded Right to Repair Law Following Denial of Restraining Order by Court," Duane Morris Alert, June 1 2023
Representative Matters
Won a complete defense decision for a mortgage loan servicer from the San Francisco Superior Court against claims that it had negligently handled a loan modification application, with the judge finding that the client did not owe a duty of care to the plaintiff and that, even if it had, there was no evidence it had breached this duty.
Defended auto finance company against claims for wrongful repossession, unfair and deceptive trade practices and UCC violations.
Represented loan servicer at trial in wrongful foreclosure action involving statutory and common law lender liability claims.
Obtained dismissal of two class actions brought against a financial institution in the wake of the Bernard Madoff scandal.
Represented financial institution against multibillion-dollar claims brought by an institutional investor in connection with the sale of residential mortgage-backed securities by means of allegedly untrue statements.
Represented financial institution at trial in foreclosure action involving counterclaims concerning servicing of reverse mortgage loan.
Represented auto finance company in enforcing creditor’s rights in dealer bankruptcy proceedings.
Advised auto finance company concerning competing security interests between retail lender and floorplan lender in dealer workout.
Defended auto finance company against claims for violations of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Truth in Lending Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.