Bradford Hardin is a trusted advisor to general counsels and executives in the financial services industry. Clients call him for help with their toughest problems—when regulatory issues, internal failures, or government controversies require deep experience, quick action, and tact.
Known for exceptional service, clients say Bradford's responsiveness is "the best in the game" and that he is "great for complicated, cross-functional projects." He is vice chair of the American Bar Association subcommittee on Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices (UDAP) and has been recognized as a leading lawyer in The National Law Journal, Super Lawyers, and Law360.
Bradford's practice focuses on consumer financial services—whether advising on regulatory compliance and new product development or defending investigations of consumer products. He has defended large banks, credit unions, and fintech companies in CFPB investigations since the bureau's inception and has extensive experience responding to inquiries by the FDIC, OCC, DOJ, and HUD, among others. He has also led sensitive internal investigations to successful, private resolutions.
Bradford and his team have provided outside legal support to some of the most innovative deposits, lending, card, payments, and fintech infrastructure products developed in recent years. Clients seek Bradford's counsel for his solutions-oriented approach to developing new products, overcoming regulatory barriers, and getting to market. He also connects clients with the firm's litigation, privacy, transactions, tax, IP, and employment practices.
In recognition of his pro bono work, Bradford is a past recipient (2023) of the firm's Willard J. Wright Award, which recognizes a partner who has shown outstanding commitment to community and civic activity. He is also the immediate past chair of the firm's financial services practice group, which he led through a period of extraordinary growth and expanding capabilities.
He is a frequent writer and speaker in traditional venues, online, and as a podcast guest. You can find his latest work on LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter).
Practice Highlights
Enforcement
Supervision
Regulatory matters
Supervision and Enforcement
Consumer Compliance
Bank Regulatory
Admitted to Practice
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District of Columbia, 2010
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U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit, 2011
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U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit, 2013
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U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit, 2010
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U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit, 2013
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U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, 2010
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U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia, 2011
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U.S. District Court, District of Columbia, 2012
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U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 2017
Education
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J.D., University of Alabama School of Law, summa cum laude
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B.S., Business Administration, Finance Concentration, University of South Alabama
Memberships & Affiliations
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- Banking Editorial Advisory Board, Law360, 2015-2016
Professional Recognition
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- Received the "Willard J. Wright Award for Outstanding Civic Activity," Davis Wright Tremaine, 2023
- Named to "Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll" by the D.C. Court of Appeals and the D.C. Superior Court, 2022
- Selected as a "D.C. Rising Star," The National Law Journal Legal Awards, 2022
- Selected as a "Washington D.C. Rising Star" in Banking, Super Lawyers, 2016-2017
Background
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- Counsel, Financial Institutions Practice Group, WilmerHale, Washington, D.C., 2010-2018
- Law Clerk, United States District Court, Middle District of Alabama, Montgomery, Ala., 2008-2010