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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220823T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220823T150000
DTSTAMP:20240819T151717Z
CREATED:20220727T142919Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T151717Z
UID:12884-1661263200-1661266800@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Larios V. Specialized Loan Servicing—Why You Should Pick Your Fair Credit Trial Cases Carefully
DESCRIPTION:Not every FCRA case should be on a trial track\, but when you find the right case\, it is definitely worth bringing to trial. Seasoned FCRA trial attorneys Stephanie Tatar and Robert Brennan will describe their successful approaches and strategies in obtaining an FCRA verdict against Specialized Loan Servicing. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n• What the key ingredients are to making a successful FCRA trial\n• What strategies you should employ to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome in an FCRA trial \n\nSpeakers\nRobert F. Brennan\, Esq. has been practicing law for thirty-five years and was one of the very first members of the National Association of Consumer Advocates. He served as the California state chair for NACA for close to a decade in the early 2000s. He is a veteran of over seventy-five civil jury trials with a record of having won a large majority of them. He has been handling Fair Credit Reporting Act cases since the late 1990s. For many years\, his verdict in Park City v. Ford (Superior Court\, Riverside County) was the largest single verdict in a California Song-Beverly “lemon law” case. He has also had noteworthy verdicts in personal injury\, medical malpractice\, legal malpractice\, and commercial real estate jury trials. \nStephanie Tatar has been a consumer advocate since graduating cum laude from DePaul University\, College of Law. Prior to founding The Tatar Law Firm\, Ms. Tatar gained extensive litigation and appellate experience with firms in Chicago and Los Angeles. During her career\, she has successfully fought debt collectors\, credit reporting agencies\, creditors\, manufacturers\, and car dealers.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/larios-v-specialized-loan-servicing-why-you-should-pick-your-fair-credit-trial-cases-carefully/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221012T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221012T150000
DTSTAMP:20240819T151635Z
CREATED:20220916T153626Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T151635Z
UID:13276-1665583200-1665586800@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Solar Fraud: The Tricks and Traps
DESCRIPTION:Door-to-door solar sellers are often experienced fraudsters. They make outrageous promises\, use bait-and-switch\, get signatures on a tablet that are then applied to predatory contracts\, use fake emails to prevent customers from viewing contracts\, put contracts in the name of someone else where the consumer is credit challenged\, and even forge contracts. This webinar is for anyone who wishes to learn how to bring claims against fraudulent sellers and build a strong case. No previous experience with solar fraud issues required.  \n\n What You Will Learn  \n\nWhat claims can be brought in solar fraud cases \nHow to build a case that will ferret out common tricks and traps \n\n\n Speakers  \nAndy Milz is a trial lawyer at Flitter Milz\, PC (PA\, NJ\, NY offices). He tries consumer fraud cases against corporate bad actors and has obtained actual and punitive damage jury verdicts for victimized consumers. Andy has been published in peer-reviewed journals and treatises\, has lectured nationally on consumer law subjects\, and is an active member of the National Association of Consumer Advocates. Andy attended Temple Law School in Philadelphia\, PA\, and is a graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College.   \nRob Treinen is a father\, husband\, skateboarder\, and consumer protection lawyer. He loves all these roles.  He loves living in Albuquerque\, NM. He has been a consumer protection lawyer his whole career\, starting at New Mexico Legal Aid in 1999\, and now running his own one-attorney firm.    
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/solar-fraud-the-tricks-and-traps/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221025T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221025T150000
DTSTAMP:20240819T145822Z
CREATED:20220929T152923Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T145822Z
UID:13360-1666706400-1666710000@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Writing the Story of the Case
DESCRIPTION:Studies by law professors and articles by the likes of Richard Posner illustrate how persuasive stories are in affecting judicial decision-making and how underappreciated the storytelling art is among lawyers. \nGiving judges a reason\, on a human level\, to decide cases in your favor requires briefing grounded in law and logic coupled with a story that evokes an emotional response\, often on an unconscious level. Our typical story highlights people who encounter business misconduct\, fight against the stronger adversary while bucking long odds (the conflict that drives the story)\, and who should ultimately prevail if justice and fairness are honored (the climax and denouement). \nSkillful storytelling takes a brief from the law school writing course instruction of producing a “just the facts” soullessly objective piece of technical writing to the evocative ground of Atticus Finch moving the entire courtroom. Or at least it should. This webinar is geared to attorneys of all experience levels. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n• How to marry the elements of plot and theme to create a coherent and persuasive legal argument\n• How to use deep frames to subtly convey ideas in text and subtext\n• How to distill and recapitulate to reinforce the message of plot and theme \n\nSpeaker\nJohn Roddy represents consumers in class actions challenging unfair and deceptive business practices and serves as relator’s counsel in qui tam “whistleblower” actions. In the last two decades\, the settlements in cases he has litigated have returned more than $1 billion to consumers harmed by marketplace misconduct. John regularly writes and speaks on class action practice and consumer financial services law\, and he has published dozens of articles on these topics. He has co-chaired Practicing Law Institute (PLI)’s Annual Consumer Financial Services Institute for the past twenty-five years. John is also a Fellow of the American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers\, an organization limited to those lawyers who have achieved preeminence in the field of consumer financial services law and who have made repeated and substantial contributions to the promotion of learning and scholarship in consumer financial services law through teaching\, lecturing\, and published writings.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/writing-the-story-of-the-case/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221117T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221117T150000
DTSTAMP:20240819T145740Z
CREATED:20221027T131611Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T145740Z
UID:13480-1668693600-1668697200@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Hiring and Training a Virtual Assistant
DESCRIPTION:Are you interested in increasing your firm’s productivity using a virtual assistant (VA)? There are many factors to consider when using an outsourcing firm\, including how to vet candidates and how to choose a quality firm. You’ll need a training protocol once you hire a VA to get them up to speed and need to set up systems to ensure a smooth transition and working experience. This webinar is geared to private attorneys interested in hiring a virtual assistant. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n• What’s involved in hiring and training a virtual assistant through an outsourcing firm\n• What you should expect as far as costs and onboarding needs\n• How to handle challenges that arise concerning language skills\, competency\, cultural differences\, educational background\, etc. \n\nSpeaker\nRussell Dombrow is an attorney and the owner of the Dombrow Law Firm in Syracuse\, New York. He focuses his practice on dealer fraud\, debt collection defense\, foreclosure defense\, and credit reporting issues throughout New York State and in federal court. Russell is also a 2022 graduate of Joshua Cohen’s Student Loan Law Workshop. He graduated from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center in Fort Lauderdale\, Florida in 2006. Russell has been a member of the National Association of Consumer Advocates since 2018. He has won multiple awards from the American Bar Association\, the New York State Bar Association\, and the Central New York Volunteer Lawyers Project for his role in presenting Continuing Legal Education programs and pro bono legal services.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/hiring-and-training-a-virtual-assistant/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221206T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221206T150000
DTSTAMP:20221207T140906Z
CREATED:20220914T154124Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221207T140906Z
UID:13263-1670335200-1670338800@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:How to Run a High-Volume FCRA Practice
DESCRIPTION:Are you interested in learning how to find and handle high volumes of FCRA cases while learning how to avoid the pitfalls of a high-volume practice? If yes\, this webinar is for you. Even if you do not file a lot of cases\, the guidance applies to all firm sizes. This webinar will be geared to attorneys who already know about the FCRA and are looking to better optimize their firm’s management of these cases.  \n\n What You Will Learn   \n\nWhat types of FCRA claims are good cases for a volume practice \nHow to set up protocols that are designed to be replicated \nHow to create templates (but not copying and pasting) \n\n\n Speaker   \nDavid Chami is the managing partner for the Price Law Group. Under his supervision\, the firm files hundreds of cases each year under the FCRA\, FDCPA\, and Bankruptcy Discharge violations.  In the past two years\, David has argued in front of the 6th Circuit\, 8th Circuit\, and 9th Circuit courts of appeal obtaining reversals of summary judgment or motions to dismiss in five of the seven appeals in addition to the reversal that his firm obtained in Losch v. Experian in the 11th Circuit.    \n 
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/how-to-run-a-high-volume-fcra-practice/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20221207
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20221208
DTSTAMP:20230918T171139Z
CREATED:20180308T130041Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230918T171139Z
UID:2337-1670371200-1670457599@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Debt Defense eCourse
DESCRIPTION:Nonmembers need to be verified. Email Rebecca Smolar to start the process.\n\n\nNearly 30 million Americans have a debt in collections. Given that the average American household has approximately $15\,000 in credit card debt\, this trend is likely to remain active for the foreseeable future. Furthermore\, as unpaid debt is sold to third-party debt buyers for pennies on the dollar\, debt buyers use the courts to sue hundreds of consumers in one fell swoop\, often without any knowledge that the debt is still owed or that the amount is correct. Learning how to effectively handle debt defense cases and spot affirmative claims with fee-shifting statutes is an excellent path to start a thriving consumer practice. \n\nAbout the eCourse\nNACA’s Debt Defense eCourse is a self-paced\, beginner course that teaches how to obtain optimal results for debt collection cases while earning a reasonable fee for the legal services. Using four interactive stories and three webinars\, the eCourse teaches how to best litigate based on the fact pattern. \nParticipants will have access to the course for three months and will receive a certificate of completion if they have finished each of the four learning modules by the end of the period. You will receive five CLE credits once you have finished the course. NACA is an approved multi-provider of CLE credits for the State of California and the State of Pennsylvania. All course registrants from California and Pennsylvania will automatically be approved to receive three CLE credits. This course has also been approved for three CLE credits in Minnesota.   \nThe Internet-based course allows participants a personalized experience\, where they set their learning pace\, rather than go at the pace of the group. Learners can focus on elements they need to learn and can skip what they already know. There is no travel time and no associated travel costs. Learn when it is convenient for you. Research shows that advantages to eLearning\, like this eCourse\, include reduced training time and better comprehension and retention. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n\nConduct effective intake that results in litigable cases and fee-generating clients\nDetermine the best strategy to litigate common credit card debt defense cases\nRespond to arbitration clauses defensively and use them offensively\nStrengthen the case through cost-effective discovery\nNegotiate a fair settlement for debt defense cases\nIdentify fact patterns and defenses that are likely help bolster affirmative claims and lead to fee-shifting counter claims\nIn trial\, effectively use an understanding of underlying policies and broader systemic challenges associated with debt collection industry to educate judge (and jury)\nRespond effectively to judicial prejudice\, common defense arguments (unjust enrichment)\, and court annexed arbitration\nUse evidence effectively\, including test-liar affidavits\, and respond to respond to hearsay exceptions and burden of proof arguments\nEnsure attorney fees are paid and client receives compensation\n\n\nCourse Developers\nJudson E. Crump\, a consumer finance attorney\, went to Birmingham-Southern College and got his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. The raison d’etre of his law practice is to protect honest working folks from fraud and financial ruin. He was the 2014 winner of the South Alabama Volunteer Lawyer Program’s Young Lawyer of the Year award and was named a “Rising Star” by Alabama Super Lawyers in 2014 and 2015. \nAdrian Lapas graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1993 with a Juris Doctor degree. Prior to that\, he graduated in 1990 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. He has been practicing bankruptcy law since 1993. Adrian is certified as a specialist in consumer bankruptcy law by the North Carolina State Bar. Additionally\, he is a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and received a Distinguished Service Award. In the spring of 2010\, Adrian testified before the United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law on proposed legislation that would affect private student loans in bankruptcy. \nMatthew Loker earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Toledo\, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Social Thought with a concentration in Spanish. While attending California Western School of Law\, Matthew served as president of the Entertainment & Sports Law Society and vice president of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Society and earned various awards such as the Academic Achievement Award and the Telecommunications Award. Matthew joined the Kazerouni Law Group\, APC in 2011 and served in an of-counsel capacity to the firm. In March of 2013\, Kazerouni Law Group APC took on Matthew as a full time associate. Matthew has been an instrumental litigation attorney on consumer rights cases. Among many honors\, Matthew won the 2015 M&Awards for Best Consumer Rights Lawyer\, Lawyers of Distinction Award—Named in the Top 10% of Consumer Attorneys\, and Super Lawyers Rising Star\, 2017–present. \nJames Renken graduated from the University of California\, San Diego\, and Brooklyn Law School. James is admitted to the bars of Minnesota\, New York\, New Jersey\, and the District of Columbia\, and to the United States District Courts for the District of Minnesota\, the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York\, and the District of New Jersey. His pro bono service to indigent clients in Brooklyn\, New York was repeatedly recognized by the Brooklyn Bar Association and by the New York State Bar Association‘s Empire State Counsel® program. \n\n\n\nNonmembers need to be verified. Email Rebecca Smolar to start the process.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/ecourses/debt-defense-ecourse/
CATEGORIES:eCourses,Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20221207
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20221208
DTSTAMP:20250210T175142Z
CREATED:20200902T120028Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T175142Z
UID:2344-1670371200-1670457599@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:FCRA 101 eCourse
DESCRIPTION:Nonmembers need to be verified. Email us to start the process.\n\n\n\nAccording to the Federal Trade Commission\, approximately 20 percent of Americans have serious mistakes on their credit reports. This impacts their abilities to purchase homes and cars and even to secure jobs. With many Americans currently and projected to be struggling to make ends meet\, the need to access credit is crucial to allow families to stay in their homes and avoid car repossessions. Incorrect credit reporting makes home and car loans unaffordable to those most vulnerable. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) delineates consumer rights regarding reporting of consumer data and responsibilities of Credit Reporting Agencies (CRAs) and furnishers to provide accurate information. \n\nAbout the eCourse\nThe FCRA eCourse is a self-paced primer for attorneys interested in adding FCRA cases to their practice. The goal of the course is to prepare beginner and intermediate practitioners to litigate an FCRA case from the ground up. The eCourse includes information about claims and issue spotting\, navigating the dispute process\, and litigating through settlement and summary judgment. It contains an interactive story\, fifteen webinars\, and key sample documents including complaints and discovery requests. \nParticipants will receive a certificate of completion upon completion of each component of the course\, up to 17 CLE credits. In order to receive the certificate\, you must complete the course. NACA is an approved multi-provider of CLE credits for the State of California and the State of Pennsylvania.\n \nThe Internet-based course allows participants a personalized experience\, where they set their learning pace\, rather than go at the pace of the group. Learners can focus on elements they need to learn and can skip what they already know. There is no travel time and no associated travel costs. Learn when it is convenient for you. Research shows that advantages to eLearning\, like this eCourse\, include reduced training time and better comprehension and retention. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n\nConduct effective intake to determine and identify privately enforceable FCRA violations\nIssue spot damages and other pre-suit factors such as client goals and litigation timeline\, and decide whether the client and case are a good fit for your firm\nDetermine the best strategy to litigate common credit reporting cases against CRAs and furnishers\nIdentify and litigate the following claims: 1681e(b)\, 1681i\, and 1681s-2(b)\nDraft effective Complaints and appropriately respond to motions to dismiss\, motions to strike punitive damages\, and standing/Spokeo motions\nStrengthen cases through cost-effective discovery and respond to pre-settlement demand requests\nEffectively value cases and negotiate fair and reasonable FCRA settlements\n\n\nCourse Developers\nJustin Baxter is a trial attorney with Baxter & Baxter\, LLP. He has obtained jury verdicts in state and federal court under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act\, including Miller v. Equifax ($18.5 million)\, Valentine v. Equifax ($200\,000)\, and Macik v. Chase ($190\,000). He co-counsels cases with NACA members in all fifty states. \nMatthew Loker is the founder of Loker Law\, APC and Professor of Contracts at the San Luis Obispo College of Law. In practice\, 100% of the cases handled by Loker Law\, APC are consumer related. Said cases range from defending consumers who have been sued by creditors or debt collectors to large Multi-District Class Actions. Specifically\, a majority of Matthew’s practice focuses on the FDCPA\, the FCRA\, the TCPA\, California’s Identity Theft Act\, and false advertising claims. \nCraig Marchiando of Consumer Litigation Associates focuses his practice on representing consumers in lawsuits brought under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Litigating mainly class action cases\, Craig has represented thousands of consumers in successfully obtaining benefits under the FCRA’s broad protections and has been appointed class counsel by numerous courts across the country. \nRobert S. Sola is the founding member of Robert S. Sola\, P.C.\, a consumer law firm based in Portland\, OR. He specializes in cases under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and has been handling such cases since 1996. Mr. Sola represents consumers across the country and has litigated FCRA cases in more than twenty-five states. Mr. Sola has obtained large jury verdicts against all three major credit reporting agencies. In 2002\, he was lead counsel in Thomas v. Trans Union\, where the jury awarded the consumer $5.3 million. In 2007\, he was co-counsel in Williams v. Equifax\, which resulted in a judgment of $3.4 million. Mr. Sola was named NACA Trial Lawyer of the Year in 2003. In 2018\, Mr. Sola was a featured speaker at a credit reporting conference in Lagos\, Nigeria. \nAaron M. Swift graduated cum laude from Dickinson College in Carlisle\, PA\, and then attended Stetson University College of Law. In 2012\, Aaron accepted a position at LeavenLaw\, where he managed the Consumer Law department. In October 2017\, Aaron decided to hang a shingle of his own\, and Swift\, Isringhaus & Dubbeld\, P.A. has grown to four attorneys representing consumers throughout Florida. Swift Law is dedicated to fighting debt collectors and credit reporting agencies as well as mortgage\, credit card\, and timeshare companies. \n\n\n\nNonmembers need to be verified. Email us to start the process.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/ecourses/fcra-ecourse/
CATEGORIES:eCourses,Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230215T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230215T150000
DTSTAMP:20230315T155727Z
CREATED:20230207T133341Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230315T155727Z
UID:14479-1676469600-1676473200@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Recovering Motor Vehicle Dealer Surety Bonds
DESCRIPTION:Have you ever turned away a good case against a car dealer because they have gone out of business\, or you fear that it could happen before you are able to collect a judgment?  Fear not!  You may have a remedy through a Motor Vehicle Dealer Surety Bond! \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n\nHow to find a defendant dealer’s surety bond\nWhat losses are covered by surety bonds\nHow to draft a lawsuit against a dealer to maximize bond availability\nHow to implead the surety and satisfy your judgment against a defendant dealer\n\n\nSpeaker \nSince 1981 Jerard Heller has represented Florida automotive consumers against car dealers\, repair shops\, insurance companies\, lenders and other corporate predators.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/recovering-motor-vehicle-dealer-surety-bonds/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230223T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230223T150000
DTSTAMP:20230227T185316Z
CREATED:20230206T184701Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230227T185316Z
UID:14459-1677160800-1677164400@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Spotting FCRA Violations by Reviewing Your Client's Credit Reports
DESCRIPTION:he national credit bureaus maintain credit files for most consumers and issue credit reports to third parties based upon the contents of these files.  That information includes data about credit and collections accounts supposedly associated with a particular consumer\, such as the balances over time\, payment history\, and credit usage.  Consumers have important rights and powerful remedies under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regarding the accuracy of the information published in their credit reports. \nIn this webinar\, you will begin to learn how to spot certain common FCRA violations on your clients’ credit reports.  These skills can be applied beyond credit reports from the Big Three (Equifax\, Experian\, and TransUnion) to other types of “consumer reports” issued by the many specialty consumer reporting agencies relating to a variety of industries such as tenant screening\, employment background checks\, insurance\, banking\, and more. This webinar is geared to beginners\, no prior experience is needed. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n\nWhat are the common causes of credit report inaccuracies\nWhere to look for inaccuracies on a credit report\nWhat is the importance of pursuing claims based only upon objective inaccuracies (as opposed to claims embodying a legal dispute)\n\n\nSpeaker \nAs founder of the Law Office of Adam G. Singer\, PLLC\, Adam has focused his practice on helping consumers enforce their Fair Credit rights.  Most frequently\, Adam’s cases involve the defamatory fallout from negative credit reporting that arises from identity theft or mixed files.   Adam earned a B.A.\, summa cum laude at Washington University and a J.D.\, cum laude at the University of Pennsylvania Law School.  Adam began his legal career as a law clerk to the Hon. Sidney H. Stein\, U.S.D.J. in the S.D.N.Y. and as an associate at the law firms of Skadden Arps and Akin Gump before starting his own consumer practice. \n 
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/spotting-fcra-violations-by-reviewing-your-clients-credit-reports/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230307T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230307T150000
DTSTAMP:20230308T144209Z
CREATED:20230221T185453Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230308T144209Z
UID:14602-1678197600-1678201200@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:SEO Made Simple: How Consumer Protection Law Firms Can Attract New Clients Online
DESCRIPTION:How can you get your firm seen more by consumers looking to hire an attorney? Search Engine Optimization may be the answer. SEO involves more than just adding a few key words to the back-end of your website. Come learn about SEO’s purpose in the context of consumer protection and how to make SEO a part of your marketing system. \nThis webinar will provide practical advice and actionable insights to help your firm get in front of more legal consumers searching for answers online. Not only will you chat with a marketing expert\, but you will also learn about the strategies employed by the Bell Law Firm in its successful consumer protection SEO campaign. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n• How your potential clients search online (keywords they use)\n• How to create content that resonates with potential clients and drives new leads\n• How to position your firm as a trusted resource for your potential clients\n• What are the right and wrong ways to use ChatGPT to write content and research new topics\n• How to track and measure results from SEO and online marketing investments \n\nSpeakers\nBryce Bell is the founder of Bell Law\, LLC\, a law firm dedicated to relentlessly pursuing justice against companies that defraud consumers. Bell Law focuses on auto safety\, landlord/tenant issues\, Fintech\, and other Unfair Deceptive Acts and Practices (UDAAP)\, both individually and as class actions and mass torts across the country. Bryce is the Missouri state chair for NACA. Recent accomplishments for the firm in 2019 include a settlement with Wells Fargo for violations of the SCRA and a $1 million+ data breach settlement for local employees in the Kansas City area whose private information was compromised. \nWill Palmer is a seasoned Internet advertising and marketing specialist with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He holds a Journalism degree with an emphasis in Strategic Communications & Advertising from the University of Kansas and bring a unique blend of creativity\, savvy business sense\, and real world marketing experience to the table. He applies this skill set to help clients reach their short and long-term goals faster and with maximized Return on Investment. In addition to my deep knowledge around the Internet’s role in a changing consumer landscape\, he has nearly a decade of business development consulting exclusively serving the legal industry. Click here to learn more.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/seo-made-simple-how-consumer-protection-law-firms-can-attract-new-clients-online/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230315T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230315T153000
DTSTAMP:20230316T132328Z
CREATED:20230221T193250Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230316T132328Z
UID:14606-1678888800-1678894200@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Fair Debt Collections Practices Act Webinar 101
DESCRIPTION:Do you want to get engaged with FDCPA cases but don’t know where to start? This webinar is for you. This session will provide a general overview of the FDCPA and the parties involved in the debt collection industry. The webinar will address the scope of the FDCPA\, common violations\, and available remedies. \nIt is also a great primer for anyone who represents consumers in other types of cases so you can spot violations of the FDCPA. \n\nWhat You Will Learn:\n• Who is a consumer\n• Who is a debt collector\n• What are common FDCPA violations\n• How to get paid for an FDCPA case \n\nSpeakers \nAbbas Kazerounian is one of the founding partners at Kazerouni Law Group\, APC\, and the Injury Recovery Group. Mr. Kazerounian’s areas of specialty are personal injury\, consumer rights and class actions. Abbas is licensed to practice law in CA\, TX\, IL\, WA\, DC\, NY\, MI and CO. He is also licensed in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals\, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals as well the United States Supreme Court. \nCliff Carlson is a sole practitioner representing consumers in Texas\, Georgia\, and Alabama. His practice focuses primarily on consumer debt. He received his Juris Doctorate from the Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law in 2012. Cliff also received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Mercer University in 2005. He generally limits his practice to consumer rights issues\, such as Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Fair Credit Reporting Act Violations.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/fair-debt-collections-practices-act-webinar-101/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230322T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230322T150000
DTSTAMP:20230323T130233Z
CREATED:20230308T142750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230323T130233Z
UID:14749-1679493600-1679497200@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:FTC Update: Auto Fraud Resources
DESCRIPTION:Buying a car is one of the biggest investments consumers will make and one that many approach cautiously. This presentation will focus on the FTC’s recent auto enforcement efforts (in particular\, the Napleton and Passport cases)\, the agency’s proposed rule to ban junk fees and bait-and-switch tactics in the car buying process\, and newly available consumer education materials at ftc.gov/MoneyMatters. \n\nWhat You Will Learn: \n\nHow the recent auto enforcement efforts could benefit your auto cases\nHow to use the proposed rule to support your cases\nWhat resource are available on MoneyMatters related to purchasing a car\n\n\nSpeakers \nHelen Clark is a Staff Attorney in the Federal Trade Commission’s Division of Financial Practices.  Ms. Clark investigates and brings enforcement actions challenging unfair or deceptive practices and other violations in the advertising\, sales and financing of automobiles\, among other industries.  She received her law degree from Columbia Law School and her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia. \nColleen Tressler is a Senior Project Manager in the Federal Trade Commission’s Division of Consumer and Business Education. DCBE leads the agency’s education initiatives to give people the tools they need to make informed decisions\, and give businesses the tools they need to comply with the law. Colleen’s career in the consumer affairs and education arena spans more than 35 years. During that time\, she has taken an especially active role in helping to educate consumers about issues that affect their financial well-being. Colleen is responsible for planning\, developing\, and implementing creative\, practical\, plain-language\, mission-related campaigns. She holds an M.S. from the Johns Hopkins University\, Carey Business School in Baltimore\, MD and a B.S. from the University of Maryland in College Park\, MD
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/ftc-update-auto-fraud-resources/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230329T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230329T153000
DTSTAMP:20230330T132832Z
CREATED:20230303T141423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230330T132832Z
UID:14718-1680098400-1680103800@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Ask the FCRA Expert: Leonard Bennett and Chi Chi Wu
DESCRIPTION:NACA continued its Ask the Expert webinar series with two of the nation’s top FCRA advocates: Leonard Bennett and Chi Chi Wu. Chi Chi and Len answered questions on all topics related to the FCRA. \nPlease note there are no written materials associated with this webinar\, so there will be no CLEs awarded for attendance. \n\nSpeakers\nLeonard Bennett has been an FCRA litigator for over 20 years and has successfully brought cases with his firm and with co-counsel in nearly every state in the nation. His recoveries are consistently amongst the largest in the field. Len has successfully tried both individual and class FCRA cases to a jury\, and has been lead counsel in the majority of multi-million dollar FCRA class outcomes. \nChi Chi Wu is a senior staff attorney at NCLC and leading expert on fair credit reporting issues. She also focuses on credit cards\, tax-consumer issues\, and medical debt. Chi Chi is lead author of the seminal treatise in this field\, Fair Credit Reporting Act and a contributing author to Collection Actions\, Consumer Credit Regulation\, and Truth in Lending.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/ask-the-fcra-expert-leonard-bennett-and-chi-chi-wu/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230404T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230404T150000
DTSTAMP:20240816T155115Z
CREATED:20230303T155858Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240816T155115Z
UID:14722-1680616800-1680620400@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:The Military Consumer: Litigating a Case Involving a Service Member Client
DESCRIPTION:When you have the privilege of representing a service member\, there are several pitfalls that can occur during the litigation process. This webinar will review the processes and procedures required to obtain military records and witnesses for cases pending in civilian courts. This webinar is essential for attorneys who are not familiar with the military system but have cases in the civilian courts that require evidence and witnesses from the military. \nThe webinar will highlight the various ways to request a client’s own military records\, records for another service member who is not a client\, the requirements for making a proper request\, and the requirements for obtaining a proper subpoena. \nAdditionally\, the webinar will cover the requirements for obtaining military witnesses and the process for obtaining a military expert or person most knowledgeable. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n• What are potential causes of action that involve service members\n• How to propound discovery on the U.S. Government\n• How to subpoena witnesses that may be Government officials\n• What remedies service members and veterans can obtain\, such as treble damages. \n\nSpeakers\nGary Barthel is the founder of the Military Law Center\, APC. Mr. Barthel is a retired Marine who has 35 years’ experience in the practice of military law. In addition to representing service members and veterans\, Mr. Barthel is also a retained consultant and expert who has been retained by law firms around the country to assist them in a variety of civil cases involving service member related issues. \nNicholas Barthel is the founder of Barthel & Barthel\, APC\, a consumer protection law firm that focuses most of its practice on representing victims of identity theft and other cybercrimes. Barthel & Barthel focuses on litigating under Electronic Funds Transfer Act\, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act\, Fair Credit Reporting Act\, Fair Credit Billing Act\, and each other their California equivalents.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/the-military-consumer-litigating-a-case-involving-a-service-member-client/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230413T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230413T150000
DTSTAMP:20230414T151930Z
CREATED:20230404T152457Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230414T151930Z
UID:15053-1681394400-1681398000@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Practical Considerations in Bringing Your FDCPA Case
DESCRIPTION:Do you want to gain more understanding of how to evaluate an FDCPA case and put together the complaint? This session aims to provide attendees with practical guidance on how to evaluate a case and get a lawsuit on file. \nParticipation in the March 15\, 2023 FDCPA 101 Webinar will be useful but not required. This webinar is geared towards beginners. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n\n\n\nHow to put together an FDCPA complaint\nHow to evaluate the potential risk of an Article III standing challenge as a defense to the lawsuit\nHow to take advantage of parallel state laws regulating debt collection as secondary or alternative claims\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers  \nKristen G. Simplicio is a partner at Tycko & Zavareei LLP\, where she represents consumers in class action lawsuits in the areas of consumer fraud\, unlawful debt collection practices\, and false advertising. Over the last several years\, Ms. Simplicio has secured a number of victories on behalf of homeowners as a result of her work representing plaintiffs in over a dozen cases filed around the country against mortgage loan servicers over fees charged in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and related state statutes. She holds a law degree from American University\, Washington College of Law and an undergraduate degree from McGill University. She is barred in the District of Columbia and California. \nPredrag Filipovic has been a managing partner in solo practice under www.stopripoff.com since 2011. He has extensive experience in FDCPA cases\, at trial court and appellate level. He has procured a favorable\, precedential opinion in Greaves v. Ann Davis Ass.\, paving the way for expansion of definition of “debt collector” to include relators and property managers who regularly collect rent. On a different FDCPA matter\, the Third Circuit ruled to reverse a summary judgment dismissal of a case involving a debt collector law firm’s attempt to improperly invoke res judicata and collateral estoppel\, and in doing so it published Predrag’s oral argument video to the Circuit’s permanent video archive. Predrag is a graduate of University Preparatory HS\, Seattle\, WA\, Drexel University\, and Widener Law School. He is an NCAA athlete and a rowing enthusiast.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/practical-considerations-in-bringing-your-fdcpa-case/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230614T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230614T150000
DTSTAMP:20240816T153252Z
CREATED:20230417T142018Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240816T153252Z
UID:15161-1686751200-1686754800@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Legal Writing eCourse: Become a Better Legal Writer
DESCRIPTION:Most lawyers live by their writing and most of us can become better writers. The goal of this course is to move you along that process. \nPlease note that the course is open to writers of all levels and is available on-demand. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \nFirst\, a refresher on the basics. We will provide a refresher on the basics of persuasion: organization\, effective paragraphs\, effective use of explanatory parentheticals\, proofreading techniques\, and editing tips. \nThe objective for the eCourse is to learn how to write more effectively. \n\nWhat the eCourse Includes \n\n\n\nThree recordings of online sessions on how to make writing more concise\, readable\, and persuasive. Each session will focus on a different theme based on the briefs previously submitted.\nCurated sets of resources\, including checklists\, webinars\, and narrated PowerPoint presentations.\n\n\n\n\nCourse Instructors\nCarolyn E. Coffey is the Director of Litigation for Economic Justice at Mobilization for Justice\, Inc. (MFJ) and the supervisor of MFJ’s Consumer Rights and Low-Income Bankruptcy projects\, which provide advice\, counsel\, and representation to low-income New Yorkers. She also engages in policy advocacy\, helping to enact pro-consumer laws and regulations at the City\, State\, and Federal levels\, drafts amicus curiae briefs\, has co-authored reports concerning the debt collection industry\, and conducts trainings on consumer law. Ms. Coffey regularly serves as a consumer law expert at the CLARO clinic (Civil Legal Advice and Resource Office); she is actively involved with the state-wide coalition\, New Yorkers for Responsible Lending; she is the co-chair of the New York City Consumer Advocates Taskforce; she is a member of the New York State Department of Financial Services Consumer Protection Taskforce; and she is co-chair of the NACA board. \nSusan L. DeJarnatt is a Professor of Law at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law. She joined the Temple faculty in 1996 after a decade long career at Community Legal Services\, Inc. in Philadelphia\, handling foreclosure defense\, consumer bankruptcy\, and fair debt collection litigation. She has taught the foundational first year legal research and writing course since joining Temple. She has also taught advanced writing seminars and seminars in consumer bankruptcy practice\, public interest law\, appellate advocacy\, and education law. Her academic scholarship has included articles on teaching practice writing through consumer bankruptcy\, the interplay between oral skills and writing skills\, and the teaching of legal research and writing. She is a 1980 magna cum laude graduate of Temple and was a law clerk to the Honorable Joseph S. Lord\, Chief Judge of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania after her graduation. \nJohn Roddy represents consumers in class actions challenging unfair and deceptive business practices and serves as relator’s counsel in qui tam “whistleblower” actions. In the last two decades\, the settlements in cases he has litigated have returned more than $1 billion to consumers harmed by marketplace misconduct. John regularly writes and speaks on class action practice and consumer financial services law\, and he has published dozens of articles on these topics. He has co-chaired Practicing Law Institute (PLI)’s Annual Consumer Financial Services Institute for the past twenty-five years. John is also a Fellow of the American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers\, an organization limited to those lawyers who have achieved preeminence in the field of consumer financial services law and who have made repeated and substantial contributions to the promotion of learning and scholarship in consumer financial services law through teaching\, lecturing\, and published writings.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/ecourses/legal-writing-ecourse-become-a-better-legal-writer/
CATEGORIES:eCourses,Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230621T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230621T150000
DTSTAMP:20230627T184405Z
CREATED:20230523T143649Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230627T184405Z
UID:15446-1687356000-1687359600@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Powerful FDCPA Intake: Taking Great Cases and Making Great Money
DESCRIPTION:Every FDCPA practitioner needs fast\, efficient\, and effective intake strategies to make your consumer practice hum. This webinar will give you the tools you need\, the insights you want\, and the best practices required to pick great FDCPA cases. No prior experience needed to attend this webinar. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n• What questions to ask in the first 30 seconds to decide if this is an FDCPA case you want.\n• What evidence is essential to lock down in that first call.\n• How to apply practical insights into what makes a good FDCPA case\n• How to make the Courts take notice. \n\nSpeaker\nPete Barry is an attorney admitted to practice in the State and Federal courts of Minnesota. He is also admitted in numerous other federal courts including the United States Supreme Court. He is the owner of The Barry Law Office\, Ltd. His national practice is dedicated exclusively to protecting consumers against illegal debt collection activity and training lawyers on ethical strategies to sue debt collectors. He was five times named by his peers as a Super Lawyer® by Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine\, most recently in 2023. The National Association of Consumer Advocates named him its Consumer Lawyer of the Year in 2005. \nPete opened his law practice directly out of law school and has been enjoying his private plaintiff’s practice ever since. His FDCPA Boot Camps have trained thousands of lawyers in all 50 states. Pete has frequently appeared in local and national news stories discussing consumer rights issues. He has appeared in high-profile news stories on NBC\, ABC\, CBS\, MSNBC\, and on numerous local stations discussing abusive consumer collection cases in the New York Times\, Wall Street Journal and dozens of other major newspapers. In 2008\, Pete appeared on the cover of CityPages magazine in a feature story about his life and career suing debt collectors. \nPete was recognized for 12-years as a district ethics investigator and his work as a formal mentor to law students. He has also been appointed as a supervising attorney for disciplined attorneys. For nearly 20-years he volunteered with the High School Mock Trial Program as a judge and maintains an ongoing pro-bono legal practice. He has volunteered with the U.S. District Court and Federal Bar Association’s Pro Se Project\, assisting unrepresented parties in federal civil cases. Since 2003\, Pete has been an adjunct Professor of Law at Mitchell Hamline College of Law where he has taught Consumer Rights Law. He was born in San Jose\, California and lives in Saint Paul\, Minnesota with his wife and five beautiful daughters.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/powerful-fdcpa-intake-taking-great-cases-and-making-great-money/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230712T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230712T150000
DTSTAMP:20230614T150224Z
CREATED:20230614T150100Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230614T150224Z
UID:15580-1689170400-1689174000@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Spotting Viable Impermissible Pull Claims under the FCRA - 2023
DESCRIPTION:Many consumers feel growing concern about their privacy.  As news stories on data breaches emerge almost weekly\, consumers are anxious about which of their information is out there and who can see it. An increasing number of consumers closely monitor their credit report to find out who is looking at their credit. This webinar will teach lawyers to identify when access to a consumer’s credit report is permissible and when such access gives rise to claims under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This webinar is geared to beginner and intermediate attorneys with a basic understanding of the FCRA and who are interested in litigating impermissible claim cases. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n\nWhat types of people or companies can access a consumer’s credit reports\nWhat types of information are contained in consumer credit reports\nHow to recognize violations of the FCRA for unpermitted access to a consumer report\n\n\nSpeaker\nLarry P. Smith is a consumer attorney\, handling matters involving the FCRA\, FDCPA\, EFTA as well as state consumer fraud/UDAP matters for over 18 years.  He is the Managing Partner at SmithMarco\, P.C. which he established in 2005. Mr. Smith has tried dozens of consumer rights cases to verdict in the state and federal courts of Illinois\, Georgia and Wisconsin and has arbitrated over 700 cases. Additionally\, he has amicably resolved over 4000 consumer fraud\, FCRA and FDCPA cases via settlement. \n\nWebinar Access \nPlease note NACA webinars are now free to members. However\, free access is only for the live webinar. Once the webinar has aired\, it can be purchased later in the Training Library.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/spotting-viable-impermissible-pull-claims-under-the-fcra-2023/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses,Upcoming
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230726T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230726T150000
DTSTAMP:20230731T131015Z
CREATED:20230623T160909Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230731T131015Z
UID:15659-1690380000-1690383600@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Defending the Defenders: Representing and Protecting Servicemembers
DESCRIPTION:Nothing is more rewarding than helping servicemembers cheated by auto fraudsters. Because of their age and position in the in the military\, they are frequent targets by auto fraudsters. You don’t need any prior experience\, particularly if you are already an experienced auto fraud attorney. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n• How to identify methods of protecting service members who are more likely to be targeted by or subject to losses due to auto fraudsters \n\nSpeakers\nGregory Babbitt has been a dedicated consumer advocate since he began practicing law in 1998. He has been admitted to practice law in three states by passing bar examinations (California\, Pennsylvania\, and Arizona). He began his practice as a consumer attorney in February 1998 as a Deputy Attorney General with the Bureau of Consumer Protection of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. In March 2002\, Mr. Babbitt began practicing with Rosner\, Law\, & Mansfield (which became Rosner\, Barry & Babbitt\, LLP and now is the Auto Fraud Legal Center\, LLP). Since March 2002\, Mr. Babbitt has litigated\, settled\, tried\, and arbitrated hundreds of actions against car dealers\, lenders\, debt collectors\, and/or manufacturers of vehicles. Mr. Babbitt regularly lectures on Auto Fraud to Navy and Marine Corps Legal Services and at training conferences for attorneys who practice auto fraud throughout the country. \nDrew Sarrett has practiced consumer law since 2011\, focusing heavily on individual and class federal litigation under a range of statutes. He also represents individuals in civil rights\, employment\, and discrimination matters. He has tried cases in multiple courts and argued four successful appeals before the Supreme Court of Virginia. He serves as the Treasurer/President-Elect of the Board of Directors for Virginia Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program and on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Poverty Law Center. He graduated with honors from the George Mason University School of Law in Arlington\, Virginia and with high honors from the Honors College at the College of Charleston in Charleston\, South Carolina.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/defending-the-defenders-representing-and-protecting-servicemembers/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230816T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230816T150000
DTSTAMP:20230817T123413Z
CREATED:20230731T123119Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230817T123413Z
UID:15898-1692194400-1692198000@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:RESPA 101: Drafting Effective Requests for Information and Notices of Error (2023)
DESCRIPTION:As the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) nears its tenth birthday in January 2024\, it is clear that it has established itself as the most effective tool that any consumer practitioner can use when dealing with mortgage servicers. Requests for Information (RFIs) and Notices of Error (NOEs) are a necessary information tool\, a vital discovery tool\, and a sword to attack a mortgage servicer when errors are made. Most importantly for your clients\, RFIs and NOEs serve as a shield that protects their interests. Now more than ever\, consumer attorneys need to know how to prepare proper RFIs and NOEs and how to use the information gathered. This webinar is geared to beginner attorneys who want to improve their RFIs and NOEs. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n● How to draft Requests for Information and Notices of Error\n● How use Notices of Error as a litigation tool\n● How to use Requests for Information as a discovery tool \n\nSpeaker\nBrian Flick is the managing partner of Dann Law’s Cincinnati Office. He is a tireless advocate for consumers in Ohio\, Kentucky and across the United States. He has litigated RESPA cases in federal and appellate courts across the country including Alabama\, Arkansas\, California\, Colorado\, Florida\, Georgia\, Illinois\, Indiana\, Kansas\, Kentucky\, Michigan\, Missouri\, Nevada\, New Jersey\, New York\, Ohio\, Oregon\, Pennsylvania\, Tennessee\, and Texas. He is a Board Member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and is the Ohio Chair of the National Association of Consumer Advocates.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/respa-101-drafting-effective-requests-for-information-and-notices-of-error-2023/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230914T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230914T153000
DTSTAMP:20240816T152925Z
CREATED:20230817T150839Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240816T152925Z
UID:16021-1694700000-1694705400@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Life Coaching\, Business Coaching & Self-Help Scams: Consumer Rights & Remedies
DESCRIPTION:Life coaching is a $2 billion dollar industry that has grown by over a third since 2015. The global wellness industry is estimated to be worth $1.5 trillion. Online marketing is expected to continue to grow at an estimated nine percent per year. The self-help industry is not going away anytime soon. \nWhile these statistics reflect innovative and legitimate solutions to meet consumers’ needs for more optimal lives\, it’s still a wild west where wellness and coaching businesses are not specifically regulated. \nThis makes it very difficult for even educated consumers to discern legitimate personal development programs from quacks\, grifters\, and price gougers. Consumers are getting ripped off in the tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars and have been groomed to blame themselves when they don’t get their money’s worth. \nNACA lawyers are in the best position to help them\, and today you’ll find out how. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n• What is wrong with the self-help industry and how we got here\n• How to spot common coaching & wellness rip-offs\n• Which claims to plead to best solve your clients’ problems \n\nSpeakers \nSaraEllen Hutchison is a consumer rights trial lawyer and a NACA member since 2011. She stands up for the rights of individuals who are victims of false credit reporting or otherwise have significant emotional and economic injuries\, resulting in significant relief to her clients and the clients of her colleagues and collaborators. Her most notable trial cases include Sedric Ward v. Shelby County\, Western District of Tennessee Case No. 2:20-cv-2407-JPM-cgc; jury finding that Shelby County’s USERRA violations were willfully affirmed by Court. See\, 2:20-cv-2407-JPM-cgc Dkt. 191\, and Brandt v. Columbia Credit Servs.\,Western District of Washington Case No. 2:17-cv-703-RSM (judgment against debt collector Woehler under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act; see also 2018 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 164445). SaraEllen is also a lifelong personal development geek with two life coaching certifications\, and knows the good\, the bad\, and the ugly in the wellness world. SaraEllen is licensed in Washington State and Alaska. She is a December 2004 graduate of Georgia State University College of Law. Law Office of SaraEllen Hutchison\, PLLC is her solo firm based in Tacoma\, Washington. You can find her at lifecoachlawsuit.com and saraellenhutchison.com. \nRachel Bentley has dedicated her practice to advocating on behalf of consumers who have been victims of corporate wrongdoing and scams. Ms. Bentley is an attorney with Gordon and Partners class action team and litigates consumer protection cases\, mass torts\, and complex consumer fraud class action cases. Prior to joining the firm\, Ms. Bentley prosecuted violations of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act as an Assistant Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Division of the Florida Attorney General’s Office. Before serving as an Assistant Attorney General\, Ms. Bentley was the Senior Staff Attorney of the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County\, Inc.’s Consumer Advocacy Unit\, where she protected the rights of disadvantaged members of the community and represented indigent consumers who were wronged by businesses and fraudsters. Ms. Bentley is a Vice-Chair of the Florida Bar’s Consumer Protection Law Committee and serves as Chair of the Palm Beach County Justice Association Young Lawyers Board of Directors.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/life-coaching-business-coaching-self-help-scams-consumer-rights-remedies/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230920T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230920T160000
DTSTAMP:20230921T130046Z
CREATED:20230831T134806Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230921T130046Z
UID:16133-1695218400-1695225600@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Win Your Auto Case Through Written Discovery and Advanced Discovery Topics
DESCRIPTION:Interested in improving your discovery skills in your auto cases? This seminar will address pre- and post-filing discovery techniques and provide tools to maximize the chance of success. This webinar is geared to attorneys with at least an intermediate level of experience in auto cases. \nFollowing the one-hour webinar\, attorneys are invited to join an online discussion on discovery. Meet your fellow attorneys and discuss best practices on auto discovery. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n\nHow to use pre suit discovery and investigation\nWhen to send third party subpoenas\nWhat questions to ask car dealer reps in depositions\nHow to amass pattern and practice evidence and net worth discovery\nWhen to use motions to compel\nHow to time discovery requests\nHow to handle discovery abuse\nHow to seek sanctions\n\n\nSpeakers \nElliot Conn is the founder of Conn Law\, PC\, a California consumer protection law practice headquartered in San Francisco. Elliot has successfully litigated hundreds of consumer cases\, both individual and class actions. Through his class actions and other complex cases\, Elliot has been successful in eliminating over $1 billion in consumer debt on behalf of hundreds of thousands of Californians. Elliot’s cases have also put millions of dollars back in consumers’ pockets nationwide. Elliot is AV Martindale-Hubbell rated. Elliot is a graduate of the University of California\, Berkeley\, School of Law and received his Bachelor of Arts from Colgate University. \nJohn Cole Gayle\, Jr. is a nationally known expert on Consumer Law. His practice primarily involves Lemon Law\, fraudulently induced contracts\, debt settlement\, and the FCRA. He is author of the 1988\, 1990\, 1998\, and 2022 legislative amendments of the Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act (Virginia’s lemon law)\, and he has been involved in amendments to the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. He has authored articles on Virginia’s Lemon Law for various periodicals\, wrote the chapter on Consumer Statutory Remedies in the Virginia Product Liability Treatise (to be published). He was chair of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association Legislative Subcommittee on Consumer Law and is the past Virginia State Chair of NACA. He received his B.A. from Hampden-Sydney College\, cum laude\, and his J.D. from the T. C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond in 1979\, where he was on the National Moot Court team. He is past vestryman of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church\, was instrumental in initiating and developing St. Stephens’ Prison Ministry to the Richmond City Jail\, and he has facilitated adult Christian education classes.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/win-your-auto-case-through-written-discovery-and-advanced-discovery-topics/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230926T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230926T153000
DTSTAMP:20240816T152415Z
CREATED:20230906T151805Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240816T152415Z
UID:16177-1695736800-1695742200@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Make an Impact as a Conference Speaker
DESCRIPTION:Are you interested in becoming a better presenter for NACA and NCLC conferences?  Do you want people to remember both what you had to say and who you are? Conferences offer a unique moment in time where attendees focus on their career and gain knowledge\, skills and connections that help them succeed as a consumer attorney. Done right\, a conference presentation can be transformative. \nNACA and NCLC want to help.  This webinar is geared to attorneys of all levels who want to improve their conference presentations. \nPlease note that attendance is free to all members of the consumer law community. Non-members will need to get their account verified before they will be able to register for the webinar. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n\n\n\nHow to increase audience engagement\nHow to create a useful PowerPoint presentation\nHow to translate best practices for adult learning into your presentation\n\n\n\n\nSpeaker \nRebecca Smolar is the Associate Director of Education at NACA. She is responsible for partnering with NACA members to develop and strengthen NACA’s education and training offerings and to ensure that members are kept abreast of trends in the field. Before joining NACA\, she created continuing education programs for high school teachers and college professors through the State University of New York and Washington-DC area think tanks. She started her career as an Officer of Public Affairs at the Embassy of Israel where she gave hundreds of speeches about Israel and U.S.-Israel relations. Ms. Smolar received a M.A. in International Communications from American University and her B.S. in Psychobiology from SUNY Binghamton.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/make-an-impact-as-a-conference-speaker/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231102T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231102T150000
DTSTAMP:20231204T160525Z
CREATED:20231025T164050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231204T160525Z
UID:16519-1698933600-1698937200@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:How to Prepare Your Case for Arbitration
DESCRIPTION:As a dedicated consumer advocate\, you know that being well-versed in arbitration can be a game-changer for your practice\, and this webinar is your golden opportunity to deepen your expertise. Arbitration is a preferred method of dispute resolution\, and attending this webinar will assist you with preparing your client\, witnesses\, and case for presentation before an arbitration panel. Whether you’re a seasoned arbitration practitioner or new to the field\, this webinar caters to all levels of expertise. You’ll discover advanced techniques and best practices that can elevate your legal skills. \n\nWhat You Will Learn:\n• How to prep your case for arbitration\n• Determine when to request desk vs. in-person arbitration\n• When is it reasonable to challenge arbitration provision \n\nSpeakers\nFollowing fifteen years of retail auto industry experience\, John Hendrickson found himself displaced in 2008 and began representing consumers in lemon law and dealer fraud disputes in California. Here\, most of the contracts have arbitration clauses\, but he has found that dealerships do not actually like arbitration when used against them. \nTashia Zeigler grew up in Savannah\, Georgia and Charlotte\, North Carolina. She received a degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2001. She obtained her J.D. from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2005. She began her legal career as a staff attorney with the Georgia Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs in Atlanta. Her main passion was (and is) automobile fraud. In 2011\, she was promoted to Director of the Lemon Law and Dispute Resolution Division with the Office of Consumer Protection. In 2016\, Tashia opened The Zeigler Firm\, where she focused on representing consumers against car dealerships\, manufacturers\, and banks. In 2019\, she closed The Zeigler Firm to join Georgia Legal Services Program\, where she focused on elder law issues. In 2020\, Tashia became GLSP’s first Statewide Supervising Attorney. In August 2021\, Tashia joined the firm of Merbaum & Becker\, PC in Alpharetta\, where she focuses on consumer and commercial matters. \n\nPlease note that live webinars are free to all NACA members. After the webinar has aired\, registrants will need to purchase the webinar if they want to view it. Non-members who purchase the webinar will have access to the webinar after has aired.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/how-to-prepare-your-case-for-arbitration/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231109T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231109T150000
DTSTAMP:20231115T143101Z
CREATED:20231019T171505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231115T143101Z
UID:16512-1699538400-1699542000@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:No Surprises Act: What You Should Know About Surprise Billing Protections
DESCRIPTION:Medical bills often arrive unexpectedly and send many families into a financial tailspin. Unanticipated out-of-network medical bills\, which frequently happen during emergencies\, can reach hundreds or thousands of dollars. The No Surprises Act (NSA)\, which passed in 2020 and went into effect in 2022\, broadly prohibits out-of-network bills for emergency and certain non-emergency situations. \nThis webinar will provide a general overview of patients’ rights against surprise medical bills under the NSA\, focusing on privately insured and uninsured patients. Public insurance programs like Medicaid and Medicare have their own surprise billing protections\, but the NSA and a handful of state surprise billing laws offer protection to privately-insured and uninsured patients. While these surprise billing laws have their limitations\, consumer attorneys should be aware of the complaint processes available if they believe a client has been billed in violation of surprise billing protections. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n\n\n\nWhat patient surprise billing protections exist under the federal No Surprises Act\nWhat state surprise billing protections and Medicare/Medicaid surprise billing protections attorneys can use to help clients\nHow to set up a complaint process for these accounts\nHow to leverage surprise billing protections to advocate for clients\n\n\n\n\nSpeaker \nBerneta L. Haynes is a senior attorney who focuses on consumer energy policy and medical debt. At NCLC\, she recently authored Protecting Older Adults from Surprise Medical Bills and The Racial Health and Wealth Gap: Impact of Medical Debt on Black Families. She is also a contributing author to the medical debt chapter of NCLC’s Collection Actions practice manual. Before joining NCLC\, she served as a director at Georgia Watch\, a state-based consumer advocacy organization in Atlanta\, where she worked to make energy programs\, quality healthcare\, financial protection\, and civil justice more equitable and accessible for all. At Georgia Watch\, she led coalitions\, facilitated forums\, steered the passage of crucial medical billing legislation\, and authored consumer-facing educational materials (such as the Georgia Consumer Guide for Medical Bills and Debt) and policy guides on energy equity\, financial protection\, and healthcare billing. Previously\, she practiced law at the Environmental Law and Policy Center in Chicago and Southern Environmental Law Center. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English\, Writing\, and Psychology from Drury University\, her Master’s degree in English from University of Iowa\, and her law degree from University of Iowa College of Law.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-learning/no-surprises-act-what-you-should-know-about-surprise-billing-protections/
CATEGORIES:Online Learning,Online Training Courses
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231115T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231115T160000
DTSTAMP:20240819T150600Z
CREATED:20231102T183052Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T150600Z
UID:16550-1700056800-1700064000@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:What Can I Expect If I Take a Solar Fraud Case?
DESCRIPTION:If you are getting calls about solar fraud but have not yet taken on any cases\, or if you have started taking these cases\, but want to learn more\, this webinar is for you.  The presenters\, one with a significant bulk of his practice in solar fraud and one new to this area\, will discuss the basics about how the solar industry works\, common financing models\, common fact patterns\, common defenses\, and things to watch out for\, both good and bad. \nPlease note that the webinar will be followed by a one-hour online discussion. When you register you will receive two reminders\, one for the webinar at 2pm ET and one for the online discussion at 3pm ET. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n\n\n\nWhy solar fraud cases can be great cases and how you can ease into this area\nWhat are the different types of solar fraud cases that are out there and how to recognize good cases and good clients\nWhat are the potential pitfalls and benefits with solar fraud cases\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers \nRob Treinen has practiced consumer protection law almost exclusively since 1999 when he graduated from University of Minnesota Law School and took his first job at Legal Aid in Gallup\, New Mexico.  For the past 13 years\, he has run Treinen Law Office in Albuquerque where he is the sole attorney but blessed with a great staff.  He has presented at CLEs across the country on consumer law topics.  In 2016\, he graduated from the Trial Lawyers College.  He loves his wife and kid\, loves to travel\, and still loves his job.  Solar fraud cases are his newest passion\, making up about half of his cases for the past few years. \nJohn N. Ellem received his law degree from the WVU College of Law in 1992.  He opened Ellem Law Office\, PLLC in July 2000\, where his focus is on consumer protection law in WV and OH including lemon law\, debt collection abuse\, FCRA violations and now solar panel fraud.  He is also involved in human rights work as President of Human Rights for Kids. Mr. Ellem had the privilege of serving 14 years as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates. Along with his wife and daughter\, he enjoys traveling\, hiking\, and fly-fishing.  He has an active yoga practice and is a registered yoga teacher (RYT 500) through Yoga Alliance and currently teaches yoga at his local YMCA\, and at Snowshoe Resort.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/what-can-i-expect-if-i-take-a-solar-fraud-case/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231206T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231206T150000
DTSTAMP:20231207T141203Z
CREATED:20231115T130318Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231207T141203Z
UID:16645-1701871200-1701874800@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Ask the Experts with Dick Rubin and April Kuehnhoff
DESCRIPTION:NACA and NCLC are hosting an Ask the Expert webinar series with two of the nation’s top FDCPA advocates: Dick Rubin and April Kuehnhoff. \nDo you have an FDCPA practice ? This is your opportunity to advance your practice with questions and answers about the FDCPA. April and Dick will be available for an hour-long online question and answer session on topics such as appellate court FDCPA developments\, other FDCPA litigation and policy developments\, and Regulation F. \nWe welcome questions in advance. Please send questions to training@consumeradvocates.org.\nWritten materials\, including briefs will be provided. \nSpeakers\nDick Rubin\, Of Counsel to Gupta Wessler PLLC\, is a nationally preeminent consumer law expert and appellate advocate whose string of victories in the federal courts of appeals has helped set the contours of current federal consumer protection law\, particularly with respect to debt collection practices and credit reporting. Dick is a founding member of the National Association of Consumer Advocates and is now its Chair Emeritus after serving as Chair for many years. He regularly presents continuing legal education and training programs throughout the country. Dick has taught consumer law at the University Of New Mexico School of Law and is a Contributing Author of the National Consumer Law Center Fair Debt Collection and Fair Credit Reporting legal treatises\, two of the widely praised sixteen-volume Consumer Credit and Sales Legal Practice Series that the American Bar Journal review described as “a monumental undertaking comparable to but more practical than the Restatement of Laws.” In 2000 Dick was the recipient of the Vern Countryman Award — the nation’s highest honor for special contributions to the field of consumer law — and was named in 2006 to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiffs’ Lawyers in America. He is frequently quoted on consumer law issues in the press\, ranging from legal specialty publications such as the National Law Journal and general circulation publications such as Smart Money and the New York Times. Dick has practiced law in Santa Fe\, New Mexico for forty-eight years\, concentrating on consumer protection law. He spent the first five years of his career as a legal services attorney and as its state-wide consumer law trainer. He served a stint as the General Counsel of New Mexico’s Department of Human Services as an appointee of Democratic Governor Toney Anaya and then spent several years as a consumer law practitioner in Santa Fe. For the past twenty-eight years\, Dick has limited his practice to handling federal appeals arising under federal consumer protection statutes. During this period of concentration on appellate advocacy\, Dick has appeared before the court of appeals for almost every federal circuit. \nApril Kuehnhoff is a senior attorney in the National Consumer Law Center’s Boston office\, where she advocates for fair debt collection. She is the co-author of NCLC’s Fair Debt Collection and a contributing author to Surviving Debt. Prior to joining NCLC\, Ms. Kuehnhoff was an associate at Shapiro Haber & Urmy LLP\, a law clerk for the Honorable Justice Gary Katzmann at the Massachusetts Appeals Court\, and a Skirnick Public Interest Fellow at the Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services office of Greater Boston Legal Services. She is a graduate of Wellesley College and Harvard Law School.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-learning/ask-the-experts-with-dick-rubin-and-april-kuehnhoff/
CATEGORIES:Online Learning,Online Training Courses
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240101
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240410
DTSTAMP:20240528T173053Z
CREATED:20231011T183914Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240528T173053Z
UID:16429-1704067200-1712707199@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Class Action 101 eCourse
DESCRIPTION:Nonmembers need to be verified. Email Rebecca Smolar to start the process.\n\n\nClass action litigation is one of the most powerful legal remedies available and a powerful tool for you as an attorney. Class actions allow individuals who might otherwise be overlooked and underserved to be compensated for the fraud that hurt them. It allows you\, as a consumer attorney\, to level the playing field. \nLitigating a class action claim requires new skills and provides opportunities to expand your practice. The Class Action 101 eCourse is an Ecourse that will connect you with the knowledge and resources needed to become a class action attorney. Attendees are eligible to receive sixteen CLE credits. \n\nAbout the eCourse\nThe eCourse includes:\n• Recordings of Live Sessions with instruction with top class action attorneys from across the country \n\nIssue Spotting: Finding Individual Cases that would Make Excellent Classes\nWorking with Class Action Clients and Reps\nEthics and Class Actions\nOvercoming Arbitration Hurdles\nVenue and Threshold Challenges\nStanding and Class Cases\nUnique Defenses for a Client and Class Definition\nClass Damages and Discovery\nSettlement Negotiations and Agreements\nWorking with Class Administrators\nGetting Settlement Approved\n\n• written materials\n• webinars and video content \nYou will receive sixteen CLE credits once you have finished the course. NACA is an approved multi-provider of CLE credits for the State of California and the State of Pennsylvania. All course registrants from California and Pennsylvania will automatically be approved to receive sixteen CLE credits.  \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n\nHow to vet a clients and case for class action potential:\nHow to strategize around potential challenges\, such as standing and unique defenses for a client\, and develop a plan to address them\nHow to settle a class case\nHow to address ethical challenges that arise during class litigation\nHow discovery in class cases differs from individual cases\n\n\nCourse Developers\nNACA would like to thank the following members of the Class Action eCourse development team: Alexander Burke\, Heather Kolbus\, Craig Marchiando\, Casey Nash\, Bryan Thompson\, Amy Wells and eCourse Chairs John Albanese and Anna Haac. \nCourse Instructors\nNACA would like to thank the following course instructors: John Albanese\, Alexander Burke\, Blythe Chandler\, Anna C. Haac\, Heather Kolbus\, Eric Lechtzin\, Seth R. Lesser\, Craig Marchiando\, David J. McGlothlin\, Casey S. Nash\, Leah M. Nicholls\, Sophia Rios\, John Soumilas\, Amy E. Tabor\, Bryan Thompson and Amy Wells. \nClick here to learn more them \n\n\n\nNonmembers need to be verified. Email Rebecca Smolar to start the process.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/ecourses/class-action-ecourse/
CATEGORIES:eCourses,Online Training Courses
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240110T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240110T150000
DTSTAMP:20240111T145941Z
CREATED:20231218T162824Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240111T145941Z
UID:16957-1704895200-1704898800@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Predatory Lending: Current Trends and Claim Spotting
DESCRIPTION:Almost every state has enacted usury laws that limit the amount of interest that a lender can charge on a loan. Despite these well-established laws\, predatory lenders continue to make blatantly illegal loans that violate state usury laws. Every year\, there are millions of consumers who are victimized by these loans and need our help. Come learn how you can assist\, including through class actions. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n• How to intake a potential case\, including choice-of-law and arbitration considerations\n• What special considerations exist for tribal lenders and rent-a-bank\n• How to couple usury claims with RICO’s prohibition against the collection of unlawful debt\n• What to expect when you file a case\, including special issues related to class actions \n\nSpeaker \nAndrew Guzzo’s practice focuses exclusively on representing consumers\, with an emphasis on litigation against internet lenders\, credit reporting agencies\, and debt collectors. Andrew has litigated more than two dozen cases related to high-cost lending. These cases have involved each of the major players in the industry\, including lenders\, investors\, architects of the rent-a-tribe scheme\, tribal officials\, specialized credit reporting agencies\, and lead generators. Over the past five years\, Andrew has been involved in class actions that have returned more than $100 million dollars to consumers and cancelled more than $1 billion in predatory loans.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-learning/predatory-lending-current-trends-and-claim-spotting/
CATEGORIES:Online Learning,Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T160000
DTSTAMP:20240117T122507Z
CREATED:20230918T140112Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240117T122507Z
UID:16290-1705413600-1705420800@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Credit Repair Organizations Act: Fight Scams\, Do Right in Your FCRA Practice\, Understand Recent Developments
DESCRIPTION:In a post-Covid era\, more consumers are falling prey to scams promising improved credit. Billions of dollars are lost annually by consumers trying to achieve a higher credit rating. The Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA) governs the conduct of those (including lawyers) that provide certain services— including mere promises of such services. With its fee-shifting provisions\, CROA can successfully be used by consumer advocates to pursue fraudulent claims. Please note that the webinar is one-hour and that there will be an optional\, one-hour\, online discussion session following the webinar. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n\n\n\nHow to spot services that fall within CROA\, as well as the restrictions CROA places on companies\nHow to analyze a defendant for financial viability for purposes of bringing a suit\nHow to avoid running afoul of CROA as a consumer advocate\nHow to avoid having credit bureaus reject disputes\nHow to deal with arbitration provisions\nWhat to do about the authority split regarding non-CRO’s liability under the CROA\nHow to make sense of recent CROA developments\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers \nHeidi N. Miller is a solo practitioner in Milwaukee\, Wisconsin.  She is licensed in both California and Wisconsin.  For over ten years\, she has focused on consumer law\, specifically representing consumers in claims involving improper debt collection actions\, unlawful repossessions\, credit reporting errors\, and auto sales fraud.  In 2015\, she was second chair in a federal jury trial under CROA\, receiving a 37 multiplier on punitive damages.  She enjoys traveling and has visited all seven continents and 99 countries. \nJohn H. Goolsby has litigated FCRA cases for more than twenty years and established the Goolsby Law Office\, LLC\, in 2006. His FCRA practice is focused on individual inaccuracy cases. His practice is relatively small volume\, emphasizing quality case selection and individual attention to each case. Successes include obtaining a six-figure judgment against Freddie Mac in a case that focused on whether government-sponsored enterprises such as Freddie and Fannie can be held liable as consumer reporting agencies under the FCRA. Other practice areas include mortgage servicing\, FDCPA\, ECOA\, banking law\, scams targeting seniors\, and moving company scams. John works and lives in Saint Paul\, Minnesota. \n\nPlease note that live webinars are free to all NACA members. After the webinar has aired\, registrants will need to purchase the webinar if they want to view it. Non-members who purchased the webinar and higher level/firm members will have access to the webinar after it has aired.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/credit-repair-organizations-act-fight-scams-do-right-in-your-fcra-practice-understand-recent-developments/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses,Upcoming
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR