Legal Division
The Legal Division provides the Bureau with legal
advice about the work and operations of the agency.
The Division includes a front office and three program
offices: (1) Office of General Law and Ethics, (2) Office of Law and Policy, and
(3) Office of Litigation and Oversight.
Mary McLeod, General Counsel
The general counsel serves as the CFPB's chief legal officer and principal legal advisor to the director and CFPB's divisions and offices. The general counsel is the head of the Legal Division and oversees its four offices.
Richard Lepley, Principal Deputy General Counsel
The principal deputy general counsel assists the general counsel, serves on inter-office boards and committees, and manages the front office, which provides operations support to the Legal Division.
Division offices
General Law & Ethics
Sonya White, Deputy General Counsel
The Office of General Law and Ethics advises the Bureau on legal issues related to all areas of general and administrative law and represents the Bureau in administrative litigation in labor, employment, and procurement bid protests. The Ethics Office within GLE manages the Bureau’s government ethics program.
Law & Policy
Stephen Van Meter, Deputy General Counsel
The Office of Law and Policy advises the CFPB on authorities and jurisdiction, the interpretation of federal consumer financial statutes and regulations, and matters of administrative law.
Litigation & Oversight
John Coleman, Deputy General Counsel
The Office of Litigation and Oversight represents the CFPB in all defensive and appellate litigation and advises the Director and the Bureau components on issues presenting legal and other risks. The office also helps to manage the Bureau’s responses to oversight authorities.