Much's Shocking New Initiative: Will This Change the Future of Financial Regulation Forever?

Much Law Firm Expands Horizons with New Tech Innovation and Financial Regulation Practice

In a strategic move that underscores the increasing intersection of technology and law, Much Law announced the launch of its new Tech Innovation, Data & Financial Regulation practice on April 7, 2026. This initiative arrives at a critical juncture as businesses grapple with the complexities of emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and the evolving regulatory landscape.

Leading this pioneering practice is Dara Tarkowski, a former Managing Partner at Actuate Law, who joins Much as a principal and chair of the new division. She's joined by a formidable team of four attorneys from Actuate Law—Andrea Halverson, Stacy Rodriguez, Maureen Ryan, and James Ward—who will be based in both Chicago and Miami. This expansion not only fortifies Much's presence in Florida but also enhances the firm's capabilities across critical sectors such as financial services, fintech, data privacy, and security.

As businesses increasingly adopt innovative technologies, they face heightened compliance challenges and regulatory risks. Tarkowski and her team aim to provide comprehensive legal support that spans the entire spectrum of client needs—from daily compliance and regulatory strategy to complex transactions and high-stakes litigation. "What excites me most about this move is the benefit for clients on both sides," Tarkowski stated. "As our clients grow and mature, they require more sophisticated guidance in complex M&A and other corporate transactions."

Much's Managing Partner, Courtney Mayster, emphasized the significance of finding the right talent as a cornerstone of the firm's growth strategy. "This new practice isn't just a response to where our clients are today; it's built for where they're going. It reflects our commitment to provide counsel that embraces innovation and positions our clients at the forefront of their industries," she explained.

This venture into tech-focused legal services aligns seamlessly with Tarkowski's vision of creating a more efficient and entrepreneurial approach to legal services. Since co-founding Actuate Law in 2018, Tarkowski has been on a mission to break away from traditional legal models, which she argues are often cost-prohibitive for clients. "I knew Much's entrepreneurial nature was the perfect match for my team and the evolving needs of my clients," she said. Her sentiments were echoed by her appreciation for Much's leadership, particularly highlighting Mayster's role as a strong female leader in a predominantly male industry.

Notably, this is not the first time Much has expanded its expertise through strategic hiring. In October 2025, the firm welcomed attorneys from Fenton Jurkowitz Law Group, bolstering its industry-leading health care practice and establishing a new office in Los Angeles. With the addition of Actuate Law's Miami office, Much is poised to enhance its offerings and provide innovative solutions to clients navigating the complexities of the tech and financial sectors.

The launch of the Tech Innovation, Data & Financial Regulation practice serves as a clear signal to the market: Much is committed to staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing legal environment. With increased scrutiny on data privacy and security, alongside the integration of AI in business processes, clients will require not just legal counsel but strategic guidance that anticipates future challenges.

As businesses evolve, so too must the legal frameworks that support them. Much's new practice aims to fulfill this need, ensuring that clients are not just compliant but are also positioned to leverage technology and innovation for competitive advantage. With a dedicated team of experts focused on these critical areas, Much is ready to navigate the complexities of a digital age that demands both agility and foresight.