Since joining our firm in 2022, Dallas Partner @Steven Kubik quickly established himself as one of the firm’s emerging leaders, becoming a Partner just two years later and now serving as Managing Attorney of the firm’s Dallas office. Beyond his work with mortgage lenders, Steven is a recognized industry advocate, an active leader in state and national mortgage banking organizations, and a mentor to the next generation of legal professionals.
Steven shares the experiences that shaped his career, his approach to leadership and client service, the regulatory issues keeping him focused, and why he believes the greatest opportunities for the mortgage industry still lie ahead.
- You joined Black, Mann & Graham in 2022 and were named a Partner two years later, making you one of the youngest partners in the firm’s history. What attracted you to BM&G? What made you realize it was the right place to build your career?
I met Tom Black in 2016. We were put in touch by a mutual client and friend. Before I started my own law firm, we went to lunch with Tom Black to discuss whether I could join BM&G and work together. From the outset, it was abundantly clear that Tom was a man of integrity and genuine respect. We also shared much in common, including a passion for Notre Dame football. At the time, the timing wasn’t quite right for me to join the firm, but I have always had the utmost respect for Tom and BM&G.
In 2022, when the timing was right, joining BM&G was a natural decision. I knew my clients would receive the highest level of service and support. I also knew I was joining a firm whose core values were personified by its leaders –not just words on a website.
- As the Managing Attorney for our Dallas office, you oversee several key areas of the firm’s operations while continuing to serve clients. How do you balance the business of running an office with the practice of law?
Some days are easier than others, but the two go hand in hand. Thankfully, I have a stellar team that I can rely on when one demands more focus than the other. Understanding when and what to delegate is often critical. Practically speaking, I also try to get plenty of sleep and a daily workout to keep my head clear.
It also helps that I have a great support system at home. It takes a village to raise children, and between my wife and parents, we are able to make everything work.
- You’ve become known throughout the mortgage banking industry for your leadership in organizations, including the Dallas Mortgage Bankers Association, the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association, and the MBA’s Mortgage Action Alliance. Why is it important for attorneys in our industry to be active outside their own firms?
Mortgage banking has such a vast array of sub-industries, regulations, and nuances. As a result, being active in the industry is critical to understanding how it all fits together. Furthermore, because it is such a highly regulated industry, attorneys are uniquely positioned to communicate and advocate on behalf of our industry. Advocacy (both at the state and federal level) is something our Firm is passionate about. It is also a way we can affect real, positive change for mortgage lenders and borrowers alike.
- Throughout your career, you’ve invested time mentoring younger attorneys and legal professionals. What advice do you share most often with someone just starting their career in real estate finance law?
If a young lawyer is successful in law school, they’re often already independently driven and motivated to succeed. As such, instead of advice on “what” to do, I try to share and invest my own experience, knowledge, and the “why” behind as many issues as possible. I take the time to explain the “why” behind decisions or how we approach issues. In doing so, my hope is they (i) understand I genuinely care about their development as a lawyer and (ii) gain a deeper understanding of the issue and our practice so that they are confident when a similar issue comes up again.
- The legal and regulatory landscape continues to evolve rapidly. What developments or trends are you watching most closely, and how do they shape the counsel you provide clients?
By nature, a lot of developments and trends don’t directly affect counsel we provide clients until they become final rules or law, but these items are often critical to inform what might affect our counsel to clients in the future. Some notable items include:
- The Texas Attorney General’s Proposed Rules to Enforce Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Real Property in 51 Tex Reg 1937. These are proposed rules requiring “facilitating entities” in the real estate industry, including mortgage lenders, title insurance companies, property insurers, appraisers, etc., to report to the Office of the Attorney General any suspected violations of Subchapter H, Chapter 5, Tex Prop. Code. If finalized, this would be cause a significant compliance burden on lenders and other “facilitating entities”. The OAG must adopt or withdraw the rules by September 27, 2026.
- Looking ahead to the 2027 Texas Legislature, I’ll be monitoring for legislation that might affect mortgage lenders. In my capacity as Regulatory and Compliance Committee Chair for the TMBA, we’ve also been discussing some potential items lenders would like to see proposed legislation to address. Among those items, I think there is opportunity to begin advocating for some home equity lending reforms when the time is right, including (but limited to) some exceptions to the location of closing requirements for 50(a)(6) loans.
- Potential CFPB Rulemaking. Lately, there’s been a lot of discussion/developments related to LO Compensation Reform. In addition, recent CFPB RFI on TRID, Rescission, and Reverse Mortgages is also something to watch, and suggests proposed rulemaking is on the horizon.
- Your colleagues describe you as someone who leads through collaboration and service. How would you describe your style, and how has it evolved since the start of your career?
Lead by example. I think I’ve always been an “in the trenches” leader, and that works well in the practice of law. I don’t mind rolling up my sleeves and putting in the work–it is typically necessary to provide great service. It also informs me of process changes that need to be made to continually improve our service levels.
- One of the things clients value most today is having trusted counsel to help them navigate change. What do you believe distinguishes BM&G’s approach to client service?
There’s no doubt – it’s our people. We have a fantastic team of lawyers and staff, and the tone of great service is set from the top. When everyone is service-oriented and understands the goal, it makes a huge difference.
- As you look to the future, what excites you most about the future of the mortgage industry and the opportunity to help guide BM&G’s next chapter?
We’re living in a time of incredible amounts of change for our industry, where housing affordability and supply are on the minds of every legislator. That’s exciting, and with change comes opportunity for those ready to adapt. We’re constantly adapting here at BM&G. I’m excited to help our clients through this time of change and adapt our service and technology as needed to meet our mutual goals.