Patton Boggs and The Collingwood Group have joined forces to provide mortgage finance clients increased legal and advisory services. The Washington-based firms hope the partnership will give clients an “unprecedented approach to navigating industry hurdles, on both the legal and operational fronts.” Financial terms of the pact weren’t disclosed, and the companies will remain independent of each other. Patton Boggs’ mortgage banking group, headquartered in Dallas, will lead the teaming arrangement as the firms collaborate on client-focused written materials, events and media outreach. “With Patton Boggs’ legal proficiency and Collingwood’s expertise in both the public and private-sector mortgage and financial service industries, there now exists a new and exciting opportunity for both our organizations and most importantly for our clients,” Collingwood Chairman Joe Murin said. Murin, former president and CEO of Ginnie Mae, and Brian Montgomery, former assistant secretary for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, played major roles in the government’s efforts to address the financial crisis and restore stability and liquidity to financial markets, according to Patton Boggs. Write to Jason Philyaw.