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FROM OUR DESK A New Year: Hitting the Restart Button default servicing | in print and online for me rly PUBLISHER magazine Mark Hulme Blind optimism isn't guiding this notion—almost all of the reports on economic indicators that came out at the end of 2012 point to recovery ahead—slow and steady, but recovery nonetheless. This is positive news for the default servicing industry, which has taken its licks through the past two years of post-recession recovery. Throughout 2012, the industry worked together to endure the challenges presented. The industry has shown a level of teamwork and togetherness that has at times had to hold certain members accountable and responsible for maintaining a standard of excellence and other times has shown liberal enthusiasm at tackling the issues the industry faces with dogged diligence and determination. This is especially evident in the legal professionals who have worked side-by-side with servicers, lenders, and investors to ensure business is handled professionally and efficiently. The truth is, it's tough work and not everyone can handle the ups and downs the market has sustained. Good news, there are a few standouts in the field committed to providing the most comprehensive legal representation and the highest quality of service to each and every client. All of this is reason why this month's issue is important. This month DS News presents the 2013 Black Book—our annual directory of the industry's leading default servicing law firms, available as a resource to those primed and ready to be a part of the recovery. It is these thought leaders and stakeholders who will lead the charge to move the industry forward. Their investment in and commitment to ensuring the industry not only survives but also thrives in this period of economic rehabilitation is tantamount to the recovery effort as a whole. This effort cannot happen in a vacuum—it requires constant and consistent feedback, workshopping, and collaboration. That's where you come in. We strive to serve as the voice of the industry, so share with us what issues need to be addressed and what challenges need to be brought to the forefront of the collective industry conscience. Drop a line at editor@ dsnews.com. We're eager to hear your feedback, questions, and suggestions. We want to work with you to keep that positive feeling the new year brings going throughout the year, so that new transforms to productive and prosperous. From the DS News Editorial Team EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Carrie Bay MANAGING EDITOR Few things beat the pristine, fresh feeling that a new year brings. On January 1, Americans press restart and jump into a year full of promise and possibility. This year, in particular, is ripe with the possibility that now the economy, and the housing market especially, will turn around and the country will be back on a path to prosperity. vol. 11 no. 1 Ashley Harris DSNEWS.COM EDITOR STAFF WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS COPY EDITORS EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD DESIGN DIRECTOR OF SALES Esther Cho Tory Barringer Michael J. Barker, Sandra Lane, Eric Lichtenheld, Dave Liniger, Andy Beth Miller, James E. Moon, Ivy Zelman Heather Hill, Alison Rich, Cassie Smith, Emily White Youree Gerald B. Alt, LOGS Network Amy Crews Cutts, PhD, Equifax Ed Delgado, Wingspan Portfolio Advisors Jeffrey Jaffee, CitiMortgage Rick Sharga, Carrington Mortgage Holdings David A. Trott, Esq.,Trott & Trott P.C. Jonathon Won Pete Stanton: 214.525.6751 ADVERTISING Andi Zimmerman: 214.525.6700 Jason Myers: 214.525.6760 Thomas Griffin: 214.525.6754 Ryan McLemore: 214.525.6723 Robyn Clayton: 214.525.6716 CIRCULATION Chasity Clary DS NEWS BLACK BOOK AND LEGAL LEAGUE 100 SOCIAL MEDIA CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING Kelli Snowgren: 214.525.6786 Melissa Martin, Leon McKenzie Mark Hulme John Harrison Rick Creel Ernest Gillespie MARKETING Travis Bogdon Matt Hulme Sheila Raper DESIGN Sean Walker Jason Stone Jonathon Won PRODUCTION Chris McKee Daniel Meeks TECHNOLOGY Brandon Shangraw ECONOMIST Mark Lieberman Follow DSNewsDaily on No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. ©2012 REO Publishing LLC All Rights Reserved This publication is intended to provide accurate, authoritative, and detailed information in regard to the subject matter covered. All written materials are disseminated with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal advice or other professional services. Under no circumstance should the information contained herein be relied upon as legal advice as it is designed to be a source of information only. strongly encourages the use of qualified attorneys or other qualified experts with regard to the subject matter covered. does not guarantee the accuracy of the information and is not liable for any damages, losses, or other detriment that may result from the use of these materials. 2

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