A Legal Partner for Credit Unions in Florida and Georgia
Counsel for Collections, Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, and Compliance Issues
We support credit union leadership in handling legal issues related to collections, bankruptcy, foreclosure, and compliance with efficiency and clarity. Our approach is measured, responsive, and built to evolve as your needs change.
Welcome to Sorenson Van Leuven, PLLC
We know what Credit Union teams value: timely responses, clear communication, and solutions that make sense in the real world. That’s the experience we aim to provide, with legal services that align with your operations, your risk tolerance, and your long-term planning.
Whether we’re advising on collections, bankruptcy, foreclosure or compliance issues, our goal is to support your team with consistency and context.
Our Practice Areas
Efficient, Skilled Counsel and Advocacy for Credit Unions
Credit unions face legal challenges at every level, from recovering debts to navigating litigation and regulations or internal change. Our legal services are structured to meet those needs with consistency and care.
Collections
We represent credit unions in collections litigation and recovery efforts, helping resolve delinquent accounts while minimizing friction with members and maintaining compliance.
Bankruptcy
Our team handles creditor-side bankruptcy cases across Chapter 7, 11, 12 and 13. We protect your interests through every stage of the process and help assess strategic options early.
Foreclosures
We support credit unions in both residential and commercial foreclosure actions throughout Florida and Georgia, providing guidance that balances legal process with operational needs.
Compliance & Corporate Services
We advise credit unions on federal and state regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and day-to-day operational legal matters. Our work supports boards, executive leadership, and management teams with practical guidance that helps manage risk, prepare for examinations, and align policies and procedures with strategic goals.
Litigation
When disputes arise, we represent financial institutions in court with a focus on efficiency, risk management, and resolution. We understand what’s at stake and know how to move matters forward strategically and effectively.
Consulting & Training
We work with credit union leadership to provide legal consulting, staff training, and strategic insight on regulatory or operational issues. We are here to help your team plan ahead.
Start a Conversation About Legal Support for Your Credit Union
Whether you’re exploring a new partnership or navigating a specific issue in Florida or Georgia, a short conversation can help you understand more about your options and our team.
We offer a 15-minute introductory call to talk through your needs and see if our firm is the right fit to work with your credit union or financial institution.
About Sorenson Van Leuven, PLLC
A Legal Team That Works Like an Extension of Yours
When you work with Sorenson Van Leuven, you're not just hiring a lawyer. You're gaining access to a full legal team built to support your credit union’s goals.
With more than 80 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys and support staff work together to move matters forward efficiently and cost-effectively. Clients rely on us for clear communication, measured guidance, and an approach that respects both your time and your internal processes.
What Sets Our Firm Apart
Education as a Core Offering
From our annual SourcExpo event to newsletters and training sessions, we believe informed clients make better legal and operational decisions. Education is part of how we serve.
Responsiveness That’s Not Just Promised
Clients repeatedly cite our staff’s responsiveness as a reason they stay. We prioritize consistent updates, proactive communication, and progress you don’t have to chase down.
Technology That Enhances, Not Replaces
We use electronic filing, secure file sharing, and virtual collaboration tools to make service faster, smoother, and more cost-effective, without losing the personal touch.
Serving Credit Unions Across Florida and Georgia
Statewide Reach with a Hometown Approach
Sorenson Van Leuven represents credit unions throughout Florida and Georgia. While we’re based in Tallahassee, our service model is built to meet you where you are, without added travel costs or logistical barriers.
Our “hometown” philosophy means we treat every client like a neighbor, whether we’re working together in person or virtually. With six attorneys licensed in Florida and three in Georgia, and a tech-enabled system that makes remote legal work seamless, we’re built to serve credit unions across the region with efficiency, care, and consistency.
Save the Date – SourcExpo 2026
Now in its 21st year, the SVL SourcExpo is a three-day learning event for credit unions, with sessions led by our experienced attorneys on collections, bankruptcy, foreclosure, and more.
Join us July 15–17, 2026, for practical instruction, shared innovation, and ideas you can use to improve outcomes.
Our Upcoming Events
Throughout the year, we host and participate in e-seminars, conferences, and speaking engagements designed specifically for credit union leaders and teams. Join us at an upcoming event to connect and learn more.
SVL SourcExpo 2026
The SVL SourcExpo is a learning event for credit unions that focuses on collections, bankruptcy, foreclosure, and related issues. This event is in its seventeenth year and has grown from a one-day event to a three-day event. The goal of the SVL SourcExpo is to instruct, innovate, and inspire. SVL attorneys provide the instruction based on their combined experience of more than fifty-five years. We promote innovation by helping you to network and share ideas. Finally, we work to inspire your team to improve its processes and outcome. We hope you will join us on July 15-17, 2026
Getting Started with Sorenson Van Leuven
We keep the onboarding process clear and efficient, whether you’re hiring us for a single matter or exploring a long-term partnership.
Step 1
Start with a 15-minute introductory call. We’ll listen, ask a few questions, and determine if we’re a good fit.
Step 2
If it makes sense to move forward, we’ll prepare an engagement agreement and clarify next steps for your team.
Step 3
Work begins. We stay in touch, set expectations, and keep you updated at every stage of the matter.
Collections, Bankruptcy, and Litigation Insights for Credit Unions
We regularly publish updates, guidance, and commentary on legal developments that affect credit unions and the people behind them.
Start a Conversation With Our Team
Whether you're exploring a potential partnership or need guidance on a specific legal matter, we’re here to talk.
Our Podcast: Banking on Credit Unions
Hosted by Jim Sorenson, Banking on Credit Unions explores the real-world legal, operational, and strategic challenges facing credit unions. From collections and compliance to internal reviews and innovation, each episode shares lessons learned and provides tools to help your team work smarter.
New episodes launching summer 2026
Revise to Rise: The Importance of Regular Reviews in Collection Procedures
In this Banking on Credit Unions episode, hosts Sorensen and Boyd underscore the importance of regular audits for collection procedures. They share cautionary tales of minor issues turning into major lawsuits, advising proactive reviews every two years. Emphasizing the examination of actual staff practices, they recommend making revisions before regulators intervene to ensure compliance and efficiency.
Plan B in Chapter 13: Post-Confirmation Modifications
Attorneys Jim Sorensen and Blair Boyd discuss modifying Chapter 13 bankruptcy plans on Banking on Credit Unions. Get fast insights on legal standards and strategic considerations for debtors facing challenges post-confirmation. Whether you’re a creditor or debtor, this episode offers a brief guide to navigating Chapter 13 mulligans.
Behind the First: Winning Moves for Second Mortgage Holders
Attorneys Jim Sorensen and Steve Orsillo address the complexities of defaulted second mortgages on Banking on Credit Unions. They explore lender options, including foreclosure and legal action on the note, emphasizing the need for thorough due diligence to navigate this intricate landscape.
Frequently asked questions
A credit union should involve a collections attorney when internal efforts are no longer effective and legal efforts are likely to lead to a recovery. In Florida and Georgia, this often happens once accounts are significantly delinquent or the member has ceased communications. Early legal involvement can increase your chance of recovery and reduce risk.
After a bankruptcy filing, a credit union should pause all collection activity and review the type of bankruptcy involved. Creditor rights vary by chapter, loan type, and collateral. Speaking with a bankruptcy attorney early helps ensure deadlines are met and collateral is protected.
Each bankruptcy chapter affects credit unions in different ways. Chapter 7 often involves liquidation giving the debtor the option to reaffirm a loan. If a loan is not reaffirmed, a debtor can, redeem or surrender the collateral. Chapter 13 focuses on repayment plans, and allows a Debtor to cure delinquecies and avoid foreclosure or repossesssion. Finally, a Chapter 11 typically applies to business restructuring but can be filed by individuals with significant assets or debts. Understanding these differences helps credit unions evaluate recovery options and next steps more clearly.
Foreclosure may be appropriate when loss mitigation efforts have failed, and repayment is no longer viable. In Florida and Georgia, foreclosure timelines and procedures differ, which can affect strategy. In Georgia, foreclosures are non-judicial, and a foreclosure can be resolved quickly if proper procedures are followed. In Florida, foreclosures are judicial, meaning they involve the courts and a skilled lawyer is needed to keep the case moving forward. Legal guidance helps credit unions assess timing, documentation, and risk before moving forward.
Timelines vary depending on the matter and jurisdiction. Collections litigation, bankruptcy proceedings, and foreclosure actions can range from months to longer, depending on complexity and court schedules. A credit union attorney can help set realistic expectations based on the specific situation.
Outside litigation counsel is often needed when disputes escalate beyond routine resolution or carry regulatory, financial, or reputational risk. Credit unions in Florida and Georgia may benefit from litigation support when matters require court representation or strategic guidance.
Legal consulting and training are especially useful for collections procedures, bankruptcy response, foreclosure preparation, and compliance-related processes. For credit unions, proactive guidance can reduce errors, improve consistency, and prevent issues from escalating into litigation or regulatory oversight.
The decision often depends on volume, complexity, and internal resources. Credit unions with recurring legal needs may benefit from an ongoing relationship, while others may need support for specific matters. A conversation with a credit union attorney can help clarify the right approach.
Not necessarily. Credit unions can work with one law firm licensed in Florida and Georgia who use technology to manage matters statewide. This approach allows consistent representation while maintaining familiarity with state-specific rules and procedures.
An introductory call is typically a short conversation focused on understanding your situation and determining fit. Credit union leadership can ask questions, outline concerns, and discuss next steps. It’s a practical way to decide whether legal involvement makes sense at that stage.
Start a Conversation
Use this form to tell us a bit about your credit union and the issue you’re working through. We’ll follow up to discuss your situation and outline potential next steps.