Today, leading banking and finance attorney Thomas T. Billings was presented the Distinguished Service Award by the Banking & Finance Section of the Utah State Bar. This prestigious award is given to one attorney each year based on his or her unique contribution to the Utah legal profession, either for a single act of service or cumulative service over many years. Nominations for the Distinguished Service Award are solicited from section members, and the honoree is selected by the Section leadership as a group, based on nominations for that year.
Outgoing Section Chairperson Michael O’Brien who also serves as chief compliance & risk officer and corporate counsel at FinWise Bank says Billings was selected for notable acts, including his significant contributions to Utah banking law through his practice over many years; his volunteer positions within the Bar, such as serving as president of the Park City Bar Association; and serving as chairman of the State Bar’s Character and Fitness Committee as well as his volunteer work for the American Bar Association.
Emily Holt, Parsons’ banking and financial services practice chairperson says, “Tom Billings has extensive experience in the financial institution space. His clients appreciate his depth of knowledge and practical approach to issues. He is a really great mentor as well, and always willing to take time to share and discuss issues and problems. He’s been a great addition to Parsons’ team. This award is very well deserved.”
Billings’ extensive experience in creating financial institutions has made him one of the country’s experts in industrial banks and non-bank banks. An attorney since 1976, he concentrates his practice on banking and financial institutions, including corporate reorganizations; real estate and commercial transactions; working with state and local governments, including on legislative matters; commercial litigation; real estate development; and outdoor advertising.
Parsons’ shareholder and banking attorney Michael Brown says, “Tom is an institution in the banking world. Not only did he create most of the industrial banks that dot the landscape in Utah he also drafted many of the laws and rules that shaped the industry over the last several decades. He remains a trusted advisor to many and is the most collegial and enjoyable colleague and mentor you could ever hope to have on your team.”
Billings is special counsel for a number of FDIC insured institutions in Utah and serves as Utah counsel for a large number of national lenders with respect to consumer finance issues. Billings was a board member of the American Judicature Society and is a member of the governing committee of the Conference on Consumer Finance Law. He has served as a board member for multiple banks and has been heavily involved in the Park City community as a member of the Park City Rotary and Chamber of Commerce; as the past president of the National Ability Center; and as a former chairman of the board of the Kimball Art Center.
“It is an honor to receive this award from my peers. This recognition reflects a long career in the banking and finance industry,” he says.
O’Brien says, “I can say that Tom stands out as one of, if not the preeminent Utah banking lawyer in recent history. He has helped his clients achieve many meaningful goals over a long and distinguished career. His ethics are of the highest caliber, and he’s genuinely enjoyable to work with. It’s not surprising that he freely gave his time and energy to legal and non-legal communities. He is very deserving of the Distinguished Service Award.
