Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz PC has expanded its Washington, D.C., office by appointing Elena Babinecz, a seasoned attorney with over a decade of experience at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), as a shareholder in its financial services litigation and compliance group. Babinecz’s tenure at the CFPB included serving as Deputy Assistant Director in the Office of Regulations, where she oversaw the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. Her practice focuses on consumer financial services regulatory matters, fair lending, small business lending, and language access, providing clients with guidance on compliance obligations and regulatory challenges. ([news.bloomberglaw.com](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/business-and-practice/baker-donelson-adds-former-cfpb-lawyer-in-dc-as-shareholder?utm_source=openai))
This strategic hire aligns with Baker Donelson’s ongoing efforts to bolster its financial services capabilities. In September 2024, the firm welcomed Kara M. Ward, a former attorney and advisor with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, as a shareholder in the Washington, D.C., office. Ward brings over 15 years of experience in financial services, public policy, and regulatory law, advising clients on complex inter-governmental matters intersecting financial services laws and public policy. ([kinneyrecruiting.com](https://www.kinneyrecruiting.com/washington/legal-news/financial-services-policy-and-regulatory-veteran-kara-m-ward-joins-baker-donelson-in-d-c/?utm_source=openai))
Additionally, in October 2024, Baker Donelson added Stephen S. Ruhlen, a veteran with decades of experience on Capitol Hill, as a senior public policy advisor. Ruhlen’s background includes serving as chief of staff to the chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee and deputy assistant to the vice president of the United States. ([bakerdonelson.com](https://www.bakerdonelson.com/baker-donelson-adds-congressional-veteran-stephen-ruhlen-as-senior-public-policy-advisor?utm_source=openai))
These appointments reflect Baker Donelson’s commitment to enhancing its expertise in financial services and public policy, positioning the firm to better serve clients navigating the complex regulatory landscape.