North Carolina Banking Institute Cites Work of National Legal Expert Tina Patterson in Banking Discrimination Cases

Attorney Patterson expands her influence and impact in economic justice and legal advocacy for the next generation of lawyers and policy makers to follow.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The North Carolina Banking Institute (NCBI), a legal journal at the University of North Carolina School of Law, has cited the work of Attorney Tina M. Patterson, a nationally recognized legal authority and Principal Attorney of Patterson Justice Counsel, PLLC in Detroit, Michigan. Patterson's case, Hillery v. Genisys Credit Union, was highlighted in the NCBI's article on racial discrimination in banking interactions. Known for winning high-profile legal battles, Patterson's work has been cited in law journals for its impact on the intersection of race, class, and public policy.

Why it matters

This citation by the NCBI underscores the growing national recognition of Patterson's work in advocating for economic justice and holding institutions accountable for racial discrimination. Her cases have become a key reference point on how issues of race and class continue to inform the need for equitable policies, demonstrating the importance of principled and effective advocacy for future law students, scholars, and policymakers.

The details

The NCBI article, 'Color in Line: Discrimination Against People of Color at the Deposit Window,' highlighted evidence of racial discrimination in banking interactions and cited Patterson's case, Hillery v. Genisys Credit Union, as a prime example. Patterson represents an African American client pursuing a federal racial discrimination claim against the credit union. Known for winning high-profile legal battles, Patterson's work has focused on holding agencies accountable for contractual obligations and property rights, with her cases being cited in law journals as poignant examples on the intersection of race, class, and public policy.

  • The NCBI article was published in March 2025.
  • Patterson's case, Hillery v. Genisys Credit Union, was originally filed in the Eastern District of Michigan in June 2023 and remains in active litigation.

The players

Tina M. Patterson

A nationally recognized legal expert and Principal Attorney at Patterson Justice Counsel, PLLC in Detroit, Michigan, where her work focuses on holding agencies accountable for contractual obligations and property rights, and helping clients protect assets and steward wealth.

North Carolina Banking Institute (NCBI)

A legal journal at the University of North Carolina School of Law in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, that aims to be a leading resource and place for discourse on practical, cutting-edge issues facing attorneys, judges, policymakers, and scholars within the banking industry.

Mark B. Greenlee

The author of the NCBI article 'Color in Line: Discrimination Against People of Color at the Deposit Window,' and a former regulatory attorney for the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.

Genisys Credit Union

The credit union that is being sued by Patterson's client in the Hillery v. Genisys Credit Union case for alleged racial discrimination.

The PuLSE Institute

A nationally renowned independent, anti-poverty think tank headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, where Tina M. Patterson serves as the President and Director of Research.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Known for winning high-profile legal battles against larger entities including public bodies such as the Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA), Attorney Patterson's work has focused on holding agencies accountable for contractual obligations and property rights, with her cases being cited in law journals as poignant examples on the intersection of race, class, and public policy.”

— Patterson Justice Counsel, PLLC (einpresswire.com)

What’s next

The judge in the Hillery v. Genisys Credit Union case will decide on whether to allow the case to proceed to trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing national recognition of Tina Patterson's work in advocating for economic justice and holding institutions accountable for racial discrimination. Her cases have become a key reference point on how issues of race and class continue to inform the need for equitable policies, demonstrating the importance of principled and effective advocacy for future law students, scholars, and policymakers.