Rudene Mercer Haynes

Rudene’s fascination with numbers and problem solving provides tangible benefits to her structured finance and securitization clients, while her focus on ensuring that diverse attorneys receive real opportunities for growth plays an elemental role in her broader achievements. 

She is co-leader of the firm’s servicer advance financing practice, and has historically represented Ginnie Mae in its Multiclass and Mortgage-Backed Securities programs. Rudene has contributed greatly to the success of this practice that enjoys top rankings in representing issuers and underwriters in US asset-backed securities and mortgage-backed securities. She solves client problems with wit and creativity while always focusing on the client’s particular business needs. The results of her work in the residential mortgage financing industry has helped make homeownership affordable and possible for many Americans.

In addition to her dedication to clients, Rudene is known for her devotion to fostering an environment that embraces differences, promotes equality and engenders mutual respect, and for creating a culture of inclusion where everyone has the opportunity to excel in the legal profession. As a firmwide hiring partner, Rudene is committed to expanding opportunities for diverse candidates. She advocates for diversity and inclusion issues, serving on the goals and metrics subcommittee of the firm’s diversity and inclusion committee, which focuses specifically on encouraging more diverse representation on client matters. She has served as a mentor to many attorneys and works tirelessly to demonstrate that diversity and excellent client service go hand in hand. Numerous awards and accolades are clear evidence of her success and the value of her contributions.

Outside the law firm, Rudene is a recognized leader in the community. Passionate about ending health disparities and racial inequities, Rudene was part of the trio that formed “Facts & Faith Fridays,” a series of weekly calls with the black faith community to provide accurate information on COVID-19, transmission, vaccination and improving outcomes. Dr. Anthony Fauci and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden have joined the discussions to address cancer, COVID-19 and other health-related concerns. The White House noted that the initiative is making strides to reduce health disparities and was cited as a model to be replicated across the country. 

Relevant Experience

• Represented originators, servicers, lenders and placement agents in innovative, first of its kind servicer advance financings of agency and private label advances, and provided advice on regulatory matters including compliance with US Risk Retention Rules.
• Represented Ginnie Mae in connection with its Multiclass Securities Program and Mortgage-Backed Securities Program, including the development of the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage-Backed Securities program and the Multifamily Multiclass Securities Program.
• Represented lenders and investors in MSR and Excess MSR financings.
• Represented issuers, securities guarantors, servicers, trustees and underwriters in securitization transactions; asset types include commercial and residential mortgages, manufactured housing related receivables and trade receivables.