Banking Expert Witness - Neely & Associates, LLC

Banking expert witness analysis, reporting and testimony in litigation

Consulting and advisory services to community banks on a variety of strategic and regulatory issues

JOSEPH H. NEELY

Few persons have had the opportunity to view the banking industry from the combined perspectives of a community banker, a banker’s banker, a state banking supervisor, and as a federal regulatory official and policy maker. Joe Neely has served in all capacities as a career banker, founder of a banker’s bank, Commissioner of Banking for the State of Mississippi, and Director of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. He has the rare experience of opening a bank as a banker – and closing a bank as a regulator.

Through Neely and Associates, he serves as an expert witness in various banking and regulatory related litigation. He additionally provides consulting and advisory services to community banks on a variety of strategic and regulatory issues.

CREDENTIALS

Former Presidential appointee to the FDIC Board of Directors in Washington, D.C.
Former Gubernatorial Appointee as Commissioner of the MS Department of Banking and Consumer Finance
Experienced and qualified banking expert witness
Consultant and advisor in strategic banking and regulatory issues
Extensive and seasoned banking career
Capitalized and chartered a banker’s bank
President and CEO of the bank
Accomplished and informed public speaker

What sets Neely & Associates apart?

A unique blend of knowledge, skills and experience providing valuable insight and guidance to banking institutions and to legal firms involved in banking litigation

BANKING EXPERTISE

A strong foundation of knowledge in banking practices, procedures, and industry trends is essential. This includes an understanding of various banking products, risk management, strategic initiatives, compliance requirements, and financial analysis.

REGULATORY EXPERTISE

Significant experience at the highest levels of both federal and state banking regulatory authority. Active involvement in all forms of banking regulatory oversight, including supervisory orders and enforcement actions.

CLIENT FOCUSED

Understanding the specific needs and goals of each client is paramount. A valued banking consultant and advisor should be able to build strong relationships with clients, actively listen to their concerns, and provide tailored recommendations that align with their objectives.

NETWORKING

Building and maintaining a network of contacts within the banking and regulatory industry creates a distinct advantage. This allows for an active connection with industry professionals, access to valuable resources and staying abreast of industry developments.

INTEGRITY

Integrity and ethics are fundamental in the banking industry. An adherence to professional standards and confidentiality prioritizes the best interests of the clients served.

What are the essential characteristics of a reliable banking expert witness?

Relevant Experience: A banking expert witness should have a strong track record of professional experience within targeted segments of the banking industry relevant to the litigation. Certain persons claiming to be banking experts may have long tenures in the industry but lack the required depth of experience or knowledge relative to the focus of the litigation. There are many facets of the banking industry — lending, deposit operations, securities portfolio management, consumer compliance, auditing, and regulatory compliance to name a few. Each of these segments requires a certain level of expertise to efficiently understand and manage that unique area of banking. Tenure or title within the industry should never be the primary factor to determine the capability of the expert candidate. Hands on supervisory experience within a particular segment is critical to the expert’s ability to grasp and articulate the specific issues at the heart of the litigation.

Clarity: The expert should have the ability to analyze and comprehend the various components of the litigation. Banking litigation typically involves competing positions supported by complex financial data and transactions. The expert should be capable of drawing accurate and objective conclusions supported by factual information. The expert should also possess the communication skills necessary to explain complex banking concepts in a clear and understandable manner, both in written reports and during deposition and testimony. The ability to sort through legalese, technical jargon and acronyms and translate them into layman’s terms is critical to effectively expressing the expert’s position to both the judge and jury.

Professional Demeanor: Depositions and cross-examinations by opposing counsel can be intense and challenging to the expert. A competent witness is able to maintain their composure under such circumstances and continue to provide clear, concise and measured responses. The expert should exhibit ethical conduct at all times and avoid any behavior which could compromise their integrity.

Commitment: The term of the expert’s engagement could be lengthy and subject to the timelines of the litigation until concluded. The expert must reserve their availability for the duration of the litigation and stay abreast of developments in the interim. The expert’s performance is greatly determined by their study and preparation. This requires a significant dedication of time and attention to detail throughout the process.

Credibility: The reputation and credentials of the expert should be exemplary. The individual’s qualifications to serve as an expert should withstand any challenge from opposing counsel. Judges and juries are more likely to trust an expert with impressive qualifications who has earned a solid reputation in the banking industry.

NeelyassocLLC@gmail.com