By Lisa Lee, Esq.

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLP*

USFN Member (AL, CA, CT, FL, GA, IL, KY, MS, NV, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TX, WA)

USFN may be known as a mortgage‑servicing industry trade organization, but in practice it is so much more than that.

Our member firms often operate in overlapping jurisdictions, which means they are—at least on paper—competitors. In many industries, that dynamic would create tension, guarded conversations, or the kind of gridlock we see far too often in our federal legislature. Yet at USFN, my experience has consistently been the opposite. When the industry needs thoughtful, informed, and timely work, our members show up. They contribute their expertise, their judgment, and—most impressively—their time, which is always in short supply.

A recent experience offered a perfect example.

Many of you are familiar with The USFN Source™, and if you aren’t, I strongly encourage you to explore it. The Source is an invaluable tool for servicing professionals, offering comprehensive information on foreclosure, bankruptcy, eviction, and other critical processes across all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and D.C.

One of its signature features is the set of state‑by‑state timeline matrices. Recently, we received feedback from the servicing community that these timelines needed updating. In response, USFN launched a large‑scale effort to ensure their accuracy and integrity. Each member firm was asked to submit a completed foreclosure timeline for every state in which they practice.

In Pennsylvania, six firms participated. Naturally, their submissions varied—after all, as the saying goes, “Two lawyers, three opinions.”

To reconcile these differences, Kristi Payne, who leads Publications at USFN, brought all six firms together on a single email chain and asked us to collaborate on a unified timeline. Every firm that had submitted a proposal immediately volunteered to meet. We found a time that worked for everyone and convened recently. The meeting was scheduled for an hour. It took 45 minutes.

We worked through each milestone, discussed the nuances, and reached consensus with remarkable efficiency. It was a masterclass in professionalism and collaboration.

I couldn’t be prouder of this group—or more grateful. Their willingness to work together, even as competitors, reflects the very best of what USFN represents. This spirit of shared purpose is one of the reasons I value this organization so deeply.

My sincere thanks to the talented attorneys from Diaz Anselmo, Gross Polowy, Orlans, Powers Kirn, and Vitti & Vitti for lending their expertise and their time. Your volunteerism strengthens our industry and ensures that the resources we provide are accurate, reliable, and truly useful.

I look forward to the next opportunity to work together to move our industry forward.

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USFNews - June 10, 2026

* Denotes firm is a 2024 USFN Award of Excellence Recipient