Former Bank of America lawyer Gregory Smallwood officially began his new job Thursday as chief legal officer at loanDepot Inc., one of the largest, non-bank retail mortgage lenders in the country.

Gregory Smallwood, chief legal officer for loanDepot. Courtesy photo

Smallwood now reports to loanDepot CEO Frank Martell, who expects his new legal chief to support the company’s so-called “Vision 2025” strategic plan, which was unveiled in July and includes an increased focus on first-time and diverse homebuyers—and mass layoffs.