Former CFPB Attorney Pahl Joins D.C. Office of Arnall Golden Gregory

In a September 20, 2016 press release, the law firm of Arnall Golden Gregory (AGG) announced that Tom Pahl, former Managing Counsel at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), has joined the firm as a partner in their Washington, D.C., office.

At the CFPB, Mr. Pahl was responsible for leading the rulemaking, policy development and regulatory guidance to implement the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the Dodd-Frank Act and other regulatory requirements.

Prior to joining the CFPB, Mr. Pahl was Assistant Director for the Division of Financial Practices, Bureau of Consumer Protection at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). While at the FTC Pahl managed the division responsible for law enforcement, rulemaking and policy development activities related to financial services, including debt collection, payday lending, mortgage lending and debt relief services.

Per the press release:

 “At Arnall Golden Gregory, Tom will focus his practice on representing consumer reporting agencies, debt collectors, debt buyers, creditors and other consumer financial services companies.

 “I am excited to begin working at AGG because of its rich history, collegiality, and sustained commitment to excellence in the practice of law,” Mr. Pahl said. “I look forward to being part of the AGG team in providing sound and practical representation of clients on a variety of consumer financial services matters.”

 Mr. Pahl will work closely with Robert R. Belair, leader of the Privacy and Consumer Regulatory Practice and the firm’s Washington office.

 “Over the last twenty-five years, Tom has been one of the most respected and highly regarded consumer regulatory lawyers in Washington, first at the FTC and more recently at the CFPB,” Mr. Belair said. “Tom will make a decisive and fundamental contribution to our clients and to our firm. This is a very good day for AGG.”

insideARM Perspective

insideARM had the privilege of interacting with Tom Pahl during his time with the CFPB. Pahl has spoken at several insideARM-produced events, including the Larger Market Participant Summit. (Editor’s Note: Pahl will also be speaking at the upcoming insideARM First Party Summit, October 17-19, 2016.)

Pahl and various members of the CFPB Rulemaking team also attended several meetings between the insideARM led Consumer Relations Consortium (CRC) (http://www.crconsortium.org/) and various consumer advocacy groups. The CRC mission is to work collaboratively with consumer groups and regulatory agencies to bridge the gap of understanding and expectations often present between consumers and collectors. The CRC then attempts to find common ground on the issues.

Anyone who has ever met Tom will immediately tell you that he is a gentleman. He also has significant knowledge of the ARM industry. While at the CFPB he worked tirelessly to have his team listen to all sides of an issue as the team embarked on the process of developing rules for debt collection. Tom’s thoughtful approach to the issues is front and center at all times.

Tom will be missed at the CFPB, but he will be a huge asset for Arnall Golden Gregory.