William (Pat) Huttenbach

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When you need a litigator to defend your bank, William (Pat) Huttenbach is the attorney who should be at your side. He has successfully defended banks from lawsuits totaling over $250,000,000; answered over 335 lawsuits involving UCC sections 3, 4 and/or 4A issues; and personally, answered over 2,000 garnishment lawsuits. Because of his extensive experience on issues concerning UCC sections 3, 4 and 4A, Pat is frequently asked to act as an expert witness and develop articles and presentations on the topic. Pat routinely handles many other types of lawsuits against banks including: lender liability claims, FCRA claims, FDCPA claims, Texas Finance Code claims, and other alleged wrongful debt collection claims. Clients seek his advice on construction lending litigation.

Pat has experience with complex commercial litigation, including tortious interference claims, insurance claim litigation, fidelity and surety insurance coverage, DTPA claims, injunctions, employment law, landlord-tenant disputes, probate matters, property disputes, real estate tax litigation, breach of contract, business torts, construction law disputes, defamation, libel and slander, and other general business matters. In addition to banks and financial institution, he has represented many other types of businesses, including hotels, hospitals, restaurants, and various other businesses.

Pat has represented clients in state courts, federal courts, mediations, arbitrations, and other federal and state agencies, including responding to OCC complaints and discrimination claims presented to the EEOC and the City of Corpus Christi Human Relations Commission. He has also written briefs and argued before the Texas Courts of Appeals. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, in the United States District Courts for the Southern, Western, Northern, and Eastern Districts of Texas, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

If you are worried about a threatened or pending lawsuit, please reach out to Pat for a complimentary consultation. Pat prides himself on the reasonableness of his rate.

Defended the United States of America Chess Federation against a $25,000,000.00 lawsuit by some board members against other board members for defamation, libel and slander, tortious interference and various other claims
Successfully defended banks from lawsuits totaling over $100,000,000
Answered over 210 lawsuits involving UCC sections 3, 4 and/or 4A issues
Successfully argued and won a seminal case on banking law issues with Texas Supreme Court in a case styled Compass Bank v. Calleja-Ahedo, 569 S.W.3d 104 (Tex. 2018)

Bank Fraud 2026 Update, South Central Texas Banker’s Association (SCTBA), 2026
How Banks Should Deal with Sovereign Citizens?, SWABC and TBC Webinar, 2026
UCC Update and Check Fraud Update, Law Practice CLE (LPCLE) Webinar, 2026
Practice Tips for Preparing Bank Executives for Trial Testimony or for a Deposition, Louisiana Bank Counsel Conference, 2025
Bank Fraud Update, SWABC and TBA Annual Legal Conference, 2025
2025 UCC and Bank Fraud Update, Performance Bankers, Inc. Fall Regional Meeting, 2025
UCC, ACH and Wire Transfer Best Business Practices, The Experience 2025, 2025
Wire Transfer Litigation: UCC Article 4A and Legal Liability: Understanding UCC Article 4A and Emerging Fraud Trends and Tactics, MyLawCLE, 2025
Bank Fraud Update, Bank CEO Network Directors Training, 2025
Bank Fraud Update and Case Law Update, East Texas Compliance Group, 2025
Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Obligations for Check Forgeries, Altercations and Counterfeit Checks and Recovery for Check Fraud, Stout Webinar, 2025
Bank Fraud Update, SWABC Webinar, 2025
Fraud, Fraud, and More Fraud-It Doesn’t Magically Disappear, ePayConnect 2025: Payment Renaissance: A New Era of Growth and Transformation, 2025
Bank Fraud Update, Bank CEO Network Annual Forum and CFO Conference, 2025
Check Fraud Training and Case Law Update: Banks Are Suffering Huge Losses on Check Fraud, And This Presentation Provides Examples of How Your Financial Institution May Be Able to Reduce Exposure on Potential Fraud Losses, 2024 LBA Bank Counsel Conference, 2024
Bank Fraud Update, SWABC and TBA, Annual Legal Conference, 2024
Check Fraud Training and Case Law Update: Banks Are Suffering Huge Losses on Check Fraud, And This Presentation Provides Examples of How Your Financial Institution May Be Able to Reduce Exposure on Potential Fraud Losses, ICBA Check Fraud Task Force Meeting, 2024
Catch Them If You Can, 2024 AWBD Conference, 2024
Wire Fraud Issues, Compliance Alliance – A Division of Bankers Alliance Podcast, 2024
Check Fraud Training and Case Law Update: Banks Are Suffering Huge Losses on Check Fraud, And This Presentation Provides Examples of How Your Financial Institution May Be Able to Reduce Exposure on Potential Fraud Losses, Waco Area Compliance Group, 2024
Check Fraud Training and Case Law Update: Banks Are Suffering Huge Losses on Check Fraud, And This Presentation Provides Examples of How Your Financial Institution May Be Able to Reduce Exposure on Potential Fraud Losses, Texas Bankers Association’s Annual Convention, 2024
Check Fraud, SWABC Webinar, 2024
Bank Fraud Update, Louisiana Bankers Association’s Webinar, 2024
Bank Fraud Update, Louisiana Bankers Association’s Conference, 2023
Bank Fraud Update, Gulf Coast Group – Financial Women in Texas, 2023
Check Fraud Panel Discussion, Louisiana Bankers Association’s Executive Management Conference, 2023
Footprints of Financial Fraud, Texas Association of Legal Professionals, 2023
Bank Fraud Update, Banking Matters Podcast, Bankers Alliance, 2023
Fraud Training and Case Law Update: Case Law Updates And Examples Of How Your Financial Institution May Be Able To Replace Exposure On Potential Future Fraud Losses, SWABC, 2023
Bank Wire Fraud 101, SWABC, 2023
Fraud Training for Banks, Brazos Valley Fraud Network, 2023
UCC Basics, 14^th Annual Essentials of Business Law, Texas State Bar, 2023
Practice Tips for Preparing Corporate Representatives for a Deposition, 14^th Annual Essentials of Business Law, Texas State Bar, 2023
2023 Banking Fraud Update: Case Law Updates and Real-World Examples of How Financial Institutions May Be Able to Reduce Exposure on Potential Future Fraud Losses, Dallas Area Compliance Association, 2023
UCC 3,4 and 4A Recent Developments and Managing Check Fraud Risk, Louisiana Bankers Association Conference, 2022
Fraud Training for Banks, Fraud Investigators Association of Texas (FIAT), 2022
Banking Law & UCC Case Law Update: 2022 Case Law Updates and Examples of How Your Bank or Financial Institution May Be Able to Reduce Exposure on Potential Future Losses, SWABC, 2022
How to Revise your Deposit Agreement, SWABC, 2022
Banking Law Update speech including 2022 Case Law Updates and Examples of How a Financial Institution May be Able to Reduce Exposure on Potential Future Losses, Fraud Training to many Banks, 2022
2022 Banking Law Update and Practical Fraud Training Tips in How to Save Your Bank from Losses and Fraud Case Update, Community Bank of Texas, 2022
2022 Banking Law Update and Practical Fraud Training Tips in How to Save Your Bank from Losses and Fraud Case Update, Gulf Capital Bank, 2022
2022 Banking Law Update and Practical Fraud Training Tips in How to Save Your Bank from Losses and Fraud Case Update, ePayResources, 2022
Save Your Bank from Losses and Fraud Case Update, American National Bank of Texas, 2022
2022 Banking Update and Practical Fraud Training Tips in How to Save Your Bank from Losses and Fraud Case Update, Texas Capital Bank, 2022
2021 Update, Southwest Association of Bank Counsel, 2021
2021 Banking Law Update and Practical Fraud Training Tips in How to Save Your Bank from Losses and Fraud Case Update, Crain Caton & James, 2021
Analysis of Issues Affecting Banks in Trying to Use E-Signatures on Bank Documents and Analysis of Primary Statutes in Allowing Banks to have Electronic Transactions, Southwest Association of Bank Counsel, 2021
Practical Bank Fraud Training Tips In How To Save Your Bank Losses And Fraud Case Law Update, Southwest Association of Bank Counsel, 2021
Banking Law Update including 2020 Case Law Updates and Examples of How a Financial Institution May be Able to Reduce Exposure on Potential Future Losses, Dallas Area Compliance Association, 2020
Banking Law Update, Corpus Christi Financial Crime Robbery Prevention Group, 2020
Banking Law Update including 2020 Case Law Updates and Examples of How a Financial Institution May be Able to Reduce Exposure on Potential Future Losses, 2020
Banking Law Update and Fraud Training Session for over twenty (20) banks, 2020
Banking Law Update speech including 2020 Case Law Updates and Examples of How a Financial Institution May be Able to Reduce Exposure on Potential Future Losses, Southwest Association of Bank Counsel, 2020
Banking Law Update, Fraud Investigator’s Association of Texas, 2019
Banking Law Update including 2019 Case Law Updates and Examples of How a Financial Institution May be Able to Reduce Exposure on Potential Future Losses, Texas Bankers Association Legal Conference, 2019
Banking Law Update including 2019 Case Law Updates and Examples of How a Financial Institution May be Able to Reduce Exposure on Potential Future Losses, Compass Bank Legal Department, 2019
Banking Law Update including 2019 Case Law Updates and Examples of How a Financial Institution May be Able to Reduce Exposure on Potential Future Losses, American National Bank Texas – Training Session, 2019
2018 Banking Law Trends and Developments in the UCC: What You Need to Know, The Knowledge Group, 2018
Case Law Update, Fraud Investigators Association of Texas, 2018
Banking Law Update speech including 2018 Case Law Updates and Examples of How a Financial Institution May be Able to Reduce Exposure on Potential Future Losses, Southwest Association of Bank Counsel 42nd Annual Conference, 2018
Banking Law Update: Understanding UCC article 9 in the 2018 Landscape: Key Issues and Security Interests, The Knowledge Group, 2018
Banking Law Update, Rio Grande Valley Fraud/Financial Crimes Group, 2018
Banking Deposit Agreements, Texas Bankers Association, 2018
Banking Law Update, Corpus Christi Fraud Prevention Group, 2018
Banking Law Update, Coastal Bend Chapter of Credit Unions, part of the Cornerstone Credit Union League, 2018
Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Minnesota Continuing Legal Education program, 2017
Real Life Practice Tips on How Corporate Representatives Should Best Prepare for a Deposition, Fraud Investigator’s Association of Texas, 2017
Real Life Practice Tips on How Corporate Representatives Should Best Prepare for a Deposition, Texas Association of Bank Counsel, 2017
Banking Law Update, Legislative Update, and Update on Escheatment/Abandonment of Property Law, to the Dallas Area Compliance Association, 2017
Real Life Practice Tips on How Corporate Representatives Should Best Prepare for a Deposition, Compass Bank Fraud Department Annual Meeting, 2017
Fair Credit Reporting Act Update and on Remote Deposit Capture Issues, Texas Bankers Association Legal Conference, 2017
Banking Deposit Agreements, Texas Association of Bank Counsel, 2017
Banking Law Update, Zions Management Services Company, 2017
Fair Credit Reporting Act 2016 Update, Texas Bankers Association, 2016
Banking Law Update, Fraud Investigators Association of Texas, 2016
Banking Deposit Agreements, Texas Association of Bank Counsel, 2016
2016 UCC Update, Texas Bankers Association, 2016
Banking Law Update, Fraud Investigators Association of Texas, 2015
Banking Law Update, Texas Association of Bank Counsel, 2015
UCC Update, Texas Association of Bank Counsel, 2013
UCC Update, Texas Bankers Association, 2013 and 2015

Best Lawyers in America – Commercial Litigation, BL Rankings, 2024-2027
Texas Super Lawyers – Banking Law, Internet Brands, 2020-2026
Top Lawyer – Business Law, Houstonian Magazine, 2013 and 2015
Martindale and Hubbell, AV rated
AVVO Rating 10
Sons of the American Revolution National Eagle Scout of the Year, 1988
Rice University Builder’s Award winner
Bridge player and won national competition to earn Bridge Scholarship while at Rice University.

Professional

Southwest Association of Bank Counsel, President 2020-2021
Texas Bankers Association Legal Conference, Past Chair
Texas Association of Banking Counsel, Board of Directors 2016-2020
State Bar of Texas, Business Section, UCC Comments Committee member

Community

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Speakers’ Committee from 2000 – present
Association of Rice Alumni, prior Board member
Past Chair of the Rice University Houston Young Alumni and 2.0 Alumni Groups
Meyerland Soccer Club Volunteer In-House Coordinator and volunteer soccer coach
Cub Master for Cub Scout Pack 46 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 2018-2020
Assistant Scout Master of Troop 46 and 1314

Capabilities

Areas of Focus

Education

J.D. magna cum laude, University of Houston Law Center
Attended South Texas College of Law, 1993-1994, won five American Jurisprudence awards, number one in his section
B.A., Rice University

Admissions & Certifications

United States District Courts for the Southern, Western, Northern, and Eastern Districts of Texas
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
Supreme Court of the United States
State of Texas

Testimonials

Pat Huttenbach has been invaluable in guiding our financial institution through a number of fraud-related disputes and litigation matters. His willingness and ability to break down complex regulatory issues into a manner that makes business sense for the Bank has been a major asset. Pat is not just a litigator; he is a partner and friend as we continue to navigate the regulatory compliance and legal matters facing financial institutions today. (Mr. Luke gave us permission to use his name and title only).

Scottie Luke, CFE, CCBIA, CCBCO | Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer

Zelle Fraud

In this educational video on Zelle fraud, banking attorney William “Pat” Huttenbach states that Zelle transactions differ from credit or debit card transactions in that Zelle payments are more similar to wire transfers and are typically instant and irreversible, making it difficult to report fraud after the fact. Unlike other banking transactions, if a Zelle payment is made without your knowledge due to unauthorized access to your phone, there might be a chance of reimbursement. However, if you are tricked into making a Zelle payment, and if you authorize a payment to the wrong person, the bank is unlikely to refund the money, emphasizing the importance of caution when using Zelle to avoid fraud.

Bank Fraud

In this educational video on bank fraud, banking attorney William “Pat” Huttenbach explains why banks and credit unions should update their affidavit forms to require customer cooperation with fraud investigations. Because bank fraud is often committed by family members or friends, customers may seek reimbursement while refusing to involve law enforcement. Updated agreements force customers to decide whether they are willing to cooperate—or handle the matter themselves.

Defending Your Institution

In this educational video Pat Huttenbach discusses defending your bank or credit union in a bank fraud loss. The first step is showing empathy. Customers often believe the bank holds funds to reimburse their loss, when in reality the fraudster has the money. This video explains how reframing the conversation—while exploring recovery options through other banks or insurance—can help manage expectations and guide the response.

Wire Transfer Fraud – Part 1

In this educational video on wire transfer fraud, banking attorney Pat Huttenbach discusses the three primary types of wire fraud: account takeover, business email compromise (BEC), and traditional social engineering schemes that convince customers to initiate or redirect wire transfers. The video explains how these fraud types arise and why understanding the distinctions matters when responding to losses.

Wire Transfer Fraud – Part 2

In this educational video on wire transfer fraud, banking attorney Pat Huttenbach defines wire transfer fraud by account takeover. This type of fraud often begins when a customer clicks a malicious link, allowing a fraudster to alter account controls, add unauthorized users, and intercept communications with the bank—without the customer’s knowledge.