Claire Barber Appointed to First-Ever Texas Work Group on Blockchain Matters
by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick
Prestigious appointment reinforces Polunsky Beitel Green’s reputation as the state’s most innovative mortgage law firm
SAN ANTONIO – November 3, 2021– Polunsky Beitel Green, LLP is pleased to announce that Claire Barber, an attorney in it’s Houston office, has been appointed by Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick to the state’s first-ever Workgroup on Blockchain Matters. Barber’s appointment is an ideal fit for both the state and the firm. Polunsky Beitel Green has long been on the cutting edge of innovation in mortgage law, while in recent years, Texas has made strides toward becoming a world leader in blockchain and cryptocurrency innovation.
Blockchain technology holds the potential to streamline the mortgage industry by improving the efficiency, accuracy, security, and affordability of the mortgage process
Barber’s appointment is one of only five public member appointments by Lt. Governor Patrick, representing industries that can benefit from the use of blockchain technology. The full group is comprised of 16 members appointed by Governor Greg Abbott; Lt. Governor Patrick; and Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, Dade Phelan.
“Throughout the history of our state, Texas has demonstrated a commitment to economic development through technological innovation,” Barber said. “The forward-thinking legislation that created this work group has positioned Texas to become a leader in blockchain technology and digital currency. I am honored to have been selected by Lt. Governor Patrick to serve on this group and look forward to working with some of our state’s brightest minds to advance the role of blockchain in the Texas economy.”
The Work Group is tasked with developing a master plan for the expansion of the blockchain industry in Texas and recommending policies and state investments in connection with the technology. In developing the master plan, the Work Group will:
- Identify economic growth and development opportunities presented by blockchain technology;
- Assess the existing blockchain industry in Texas;
- Review workforce needs and academic programs required to build blockchain expertise across all relevant industries; and
- Make legislative recommendations that will help promote innovation and economic growth by reducing barriers to and expediting the expansion of the state's blockchain industry.
“For Texas to continue being a hotbed for business, we must be at the forefront of innovation,” said Lt. Governor Patrick. “I am confident that the Work Group on Blockchain Matters will outline a clear path for Texas to be a blockchain heavyweight for decades to come.”
Barber has substantial knowledge and experience in residential mortgage lending, specializing in legal and regulatory compliance and mortgage operations. She represents Polunsky Beitel Green’s clients in residential mortgage originations and provides practical guidance on industry regulatory matters, in addition to building on the firm’s tradition of delivering loan closing documents with speed and accuracy.
About Polunsky Beitel Green
Polunsky Beitel Green is Texas' oldest law firm exclusively dedicated to providing residential mortgage originators with document preparation and review services, as well as legal, regulatory and compliance support. The firm’s principals, Allan Polunsky, Jay Beitel and Marty Green have more than 100 years of combined experience in the specialized field of residential mortgage lending. Polunsky Beitel Green has offices in San Antonio, Dallas and Houston, with firm employees also embedded in clients’ offices throughout Texas and in more than 25 other states. Collectively, the firm serves residential mortgage lenders in all 50 U.S. states.