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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240101
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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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240418T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240418T150000
DTSTAMP:20240816T151945Z
CREATED:20240405T190619Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240816T151945Z
UID:18114-1713448800-1713452400@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:How to Choose Consumer Law Specialties
DESCRIPTION:Are you considering or have you just started your own firm? Are you new to consumer protection law? Are you thinking about transitioning to a new sub-specialty within consumer protection law? In this webinar\, the presenters will discuss the practicalities of choosing specific practice areas in which to grow or expand\, or\, in some cases\, which to leave. \n\nWhat You Will Learn: \n• Techniques to assist you in choosing specific areas of consumer protection law for growing or expanding your practice.\n• Moral\, personal\, financial\, and other practical information on the many different areas of consumer law\, with advice and guidance so you can find the best fit for yourself\, your budget\, and your lifestyle.\n• How to market yourself\, your skills\, and your practice areas to clients and lawyers in your area. \n\nSpeakers\nKristin Kemnitzer is a managing partner at Kemnitzer Barron & Krieg\, LLP. The firm’s practice focuses on protecting consumers from economic injustice through both individual cases and class actions. Kristin brings cases involving solar panel fraud\, lemon law\, auto fraud\, unfair debt collection\, illegal repossessions\, motorcycle finance\, elder abuse\, door-to-door sales scams\, and California’s mortgage anti-deficiency statutes. KBK has represented thousands of consumers in individual cases\, and hundreds of thousands of consumers in class actions. KBK attorneys have been appointed lead counsel over 250 class actions. They have represented over half a million class members\, have obtained recovery of over $500 million for California consumers\, and have extinguished over $3 billion in alleged deficiency balances following the sale of repossessed vehicles. Kristin graduated with honors from Stanford University in 2006 and obtained her law degree from the University of California\, Berkeley\, School of Law in 2011. \nAndy Milz is a trial lawyer at Flitter Milz\, PC with offices in Pennsylvania\, New Jersey\, and New York (www.consumerslaw.com). Andy represents victims of consumer finance fraud\, inaccurate credit reporting\, wrongful repossessions\, and civil rights abuses in individual and class action matters. Andy is a contributing author to Carter\, et al.\, PENNSYLVANIA CONSUMER LAW (Bisel Pub. Co.\, Supp. 2023) and treatises published by National Consumer Law Center (“NCLC”) including REPOSSESSIONS (NCLC 2021)\, the foremost treatise on the subject. He has lectured nationally on consumer law\, and is an active member of the National Association of Consumer Advocates (“NACA”). In 2022\, Community Legal Services of Philadelphia awarded Andy and his firm an Equal Justice Award recognizing their excellence in consumer protection law and history of assistance given to low-income consumers. Andy is a graduate of King’s College (BA)\, the University of Scranton (MA)\, Temple University School of Law (JD)\, and the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College in Wyoming. He teaches Consumer Law and Litigation at Temple Law School.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/how-to-choose-consumer-law-specialties/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses,Upcoming
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240425T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240425T150000
DTSTAMP:20240426T141707Z
CREATED:20240401T175552Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240426T141707Z
UID:18018-1714053600-1714057200@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Suing the Government under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
DESCRIPTION:Like private companies\, federal agencies furnish information about consumers to credit reporting agencies and use consumer reports prepared by credit bureaus. But although consumers can sue private companies for violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)\, courts have been divided for years on whether sovereign immunity precluded FCRA actions against federal agencies. \nEarlier this year\, in Department of Agriculture Rural Development Rural Housing Service v. Kirtz\, the Supreme Court resolved that split by holding that the FCRA waived federal immunity by authorizing consumer actions against federal agencies. This webinar is for consumer attorneys of all experience levels who want an overview of the Supreme Court’s decision in Kirtz\, and of the significance of that decision for bringing FCRA actions against government agencies. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n• What the Supreme Court decided about suing federal agencies under FCRA.\n• What types of FCRA claims can be brought against federal agencies.\n• What the decision means for suing states and other non-federal agencies. \n\nSpeaker\nNandan Joshi is an appellate attorney in the Litigation Group at Public Citizen\, a non-profit consumer advocacy organization located in Washington\, D.C. Before joining Public Citizen\, he spent seven years at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau\, where he defended the agency in various judicial proceedings and served as the director of its amicus program. He previously worked as an appellate attorney at the Federal Communications Commission and at a D.C.-based law firm. He was lead counsel for the consumer in Kirtz in the court of appeals and at the Supreme Court. \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 with full access to the Training Library will have access to the webinar after it has aired. \n 
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/suing-the-government-under-the-fair-credit-reporting-act/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240522T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240522T150000
DTSTAMP:20241115T202038Z
CREATED:20240503T131058Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241115T202038Z
UID:18404-1716386400-1716390000@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:How to Win your Yo-Yo Case in a Jury Trial
DESCRIPTION:Interested in improving your case strategies for yo-yo auto fraud cases?  This webinar will highlight lessons learned from taking a yo-yo (spot delivery) car fraud case to a successful jury trial. The webinar is appropriate for all levels. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n\n\n\nWhat discovery you will need in a yo-yo case and how to get it\nHow to work with credit industry experts\nHow to prep for trial and presentation of the cases\nHow to use other customers as witnesses\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers \nSusan Warren is a partner at Feferman\, Warren & Mattison\, a consumer fraud law firm in Albuquerque\, New Mexico\, where she has worked since 1996.  Her practice includes individual and class action cases brought against pawnbrokers\, predatory lenders\, credit reporting agencies\, and mortgage servicing companies\, but her real\, true love is suing car dealers. After graduating from Harvard law School in 1990\, Ms. Warren did legal aid work for six years on the Navajo Nation\, where she learned first-hand how car dealers can defraud unsophisticated consumers.  Ms. Warren recently got a jury verdict against Reliable Chevrolet.  Past successes include a federal court jury verdict on behalf of a Navajo couple\, who had purchased a used vehicle\, and verdict in New Mexico state court\, for the sale of a used\, damaged vehicle\, as new. \nNicholas Mattison is a partner at Feferman\, Warren & Mattison\, where he has worked since 2013.  His practice includes individual cases and class actions against fraudulent car dealers\, predatory lenders\, abusive debt collectors\, and other businesses that rip off consumers.  He litigates in state and federal court.  Mr. Mattison has won numerous judgments for his clients at trial and in arbitration\, including the jury verdict against Reliable Chevrolet\, a jury verdict in a Human Rights Act jury trial\, and judgment against payday lenders and  abusive debt collector.  He currently serves as the NACA New Mexico State Chair and is the recipient of the NCLC’s prestigious 2020 Rising Star Award.  Mr. Mattison is a 2008 graduate of Harvard Law School.  Prior to joining the firm\, Mr. Mattison worked for four years in the DNA-People’s Legal Services.  Before working for DNA\, Mr. Mattison served as a law clerk for the Honorable Edward L. Chavez on the New Mexico Supreme Court. \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 with full access to the Training Library will have access to the webinar after it has aired. \nIf you have purchased the webinar\, you can click here to watch it on the day of the webinar.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/how-to-win-your-yo-yo-case-in-a-jury-trial/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240612T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240612T150000
DTSTAMP:20241115T202019Z
CREATED:20240521T185524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241115T202019Z
UID:18596-1718200800-1718204400@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Navigating FCRA Issues for Student Loans
DESCRIPTION:Student loans frequently appear on credit reports\, often with significant errors. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) offers essential protections for borrowers with student loan debt\, but navigating these protections involves unique challenges. Join our webinar to learn how to identify common FCRA claims related to student loan debt and effectively address the distinctive issues that arise in these cases. This webinar is designed for beginners\, but a basic understanding of FCRA claims is recommended. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n• What are common credit reporting errors for student loans\n• What are different challenges for federal and private loans\n• What sovereign immunity issues arise in these cases \n\nSpeaker \nCourtney Weiner is a solo practitioner representing consumers primarily in Washington\, DC\, Maryland\, and Virginia in consumer finance matters\, including FCRA\, FDCPA\, RESPA\, TILA\, and student loans. Prior to opening her firm\, Courtney honed her litigation skills in a variety of settings\, ranging from the U.S. Department of Justice to some of the top litigation firms in the country. Courtney is a member of the boards of Tzedek DC\, the DC Bar\, and the DC Bar Pro Bono Center. Courtney graduated from Columbia Law School and Princeton University and is a native of Washington\, DC. \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 with full access to the Training Library will have access to the webinar after it has aired. \n 
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/navigating-fcra-issues-for-student-loans/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240618T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240618T150000
DTSTAMP:20241115T201942Z
CREATED:20240517T131056Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241115T201942Z
UID:18568-1718719200-1718722800@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Residential Rental Debt Collection
DESCRIPTION:Millions of consumers owe back rent\, either for properties they long ago vacated or for a current tenancy. Landlords\, large and small\, frequently use debt collectors who specialize in the collection of rental debt to threaten credit reporting of the debt as a means of pressuring payment. Because delinquent rental debt often appears on tenant screening and other credit reports\, that debt may have severe adverse consequences for consumers applying for new housing. Although state law plays a major role in this area (and may offer special remedies)\, both the FCRA and FDCPA also protect consumers from certain improper credit reporting and debt collection practices. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n• How to identify common challenges to the claimed amount of rental debt\n• What is the importance of tenant screening reports\, and how to deal with them\n• What is “debt parking\,” and how does CFPB Regulation F protect consumers from the practice\n• How summary eviction proceedings and claims for back rent interact under typical state procedures\n• What are innovative state law protections for former tenants faced with rental debt collections and credit reporting \n\nSpeakers\nThomas Papson is a Volunteer Staff Attorney in the Consumer Law Unit of Legal Aid DC\, in Washington\, DC\, where he regularly represents former tenants in rental debt collection actions. He was heavily involved in the recent reforms to DC’s debt collection laws\, which imposes strict pleading and documentation requirements on landlords and debt collectors seeking to collect rental debt. Before joining Legal Aid DC in 2013\, Tom was a partner in a national law firm. He obtained his undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania and law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center. \nTyler Hickle is a solo practitioner in Austin\, Texas. His practice focuses on consumer law\, particularly the interactions between landlord-tenant and debt collection. He frequently sues apartment debt collectors for violations of state and federal law. He graduated from Texas A&M University and has a law degree from Indiana University – Bloomington. \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 with full access to the Training Library will have access to the webinar after it has aired. \nIf you have purchased the webinar\, you can click here to watch it on the day of the webinar.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/residential-rental-debt-collection/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240626T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240626T150000
DTSTAMP:20240816T151843Z
CREATED:20240429T174155Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240816T151843Z
UID:18373-1719410400-1719414000@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Building a Better Federal Bench
DESCRIPTION:This webinar is for anyone who is interested in learning more about\, or getting involved in\, the judicial nominations process. If you’ve been frustrated with judges you’re appearing for\, this is your chance to build a better bench! As a note\, this will be a repeat of content presented at Spring Training 2024. This webinar is free to the members and non-members. Non-members will need to be verified to attend the webinar. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n\n\n\nHow the federal judicial nominations process work\nWhat tools and tactics you can use for judicial advocacy\nHow you can start to build your path to the bench.\n\n\n\n\nSpeaker \nRyanne Olsen is the Judicial Campaign Director at the National Association of Consumer Advocates. In that role\, she works to fill judicial vacancies with lawyers with a background in economic justice and experience representing individuals against powerful corporate interests. \nPrior to NACA\, she served as the Training and Curriculum Director at Emerge. In that role\, she spearheaded the creation and implementation of “Gavel In\,” a Judicial Candidate Training Program designed to address the unique needs and challenges faced by judicial candidates\, particularly from underrepresented groups. She has personally trained nearly 5\,000 people to win electoral campaigns\, on topics including campaign strategy\, field\, messaging\, fundraising\, and preparing oneself to run. She also served as the Executive Director of Emerge Massachusetts\, where she trained more leaders in three years than had been trained in the previous eight. She left the organization with a record-high financial surplus. \nPrior to her time at Emerge Massachusetts\, Ryanne worked the Public Policy Field Organizer for Massachusetts Coalition for Adult Education. Ryanne also has a deep history in political campaigns\, serving on races from City Alderman to U.S. Senate. Ryanne graduated from Northeastern University\, summa cum laude with a dual degree in Political Science and Communications.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/building-a-better-federal-bench/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240723T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240723T150000
DTSTAMP:20240724T114158Z
CREATED:20240617T173814Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240724T114158Z
UID:18747-1721743200-1721746800@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Advanced RESPA: What to do after Motions to Dismiss
DESCRIPTION:Are you ready to take your Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) litigation skills to the next level? Our upcoming advanced webinar is designed to equip legal professionals with the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of litigation and trial after motions to dismiss. Learn tips and tricks from seasoned old timers. \nPlease note\, this webinar is geared to intermediate and advanced attorneys with experience with the statute and an understanding of the QWR\, NOE\, and RFI processes. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n\nHow to incorporate recent case law pertaining to HELOCS and RESPA into your case\nHow to you plead and prove pattern and practice damages under RESPA…the trends and recent case law\nWhen do you need experts and if so\, how do you find them\n\n\nSpeakers \nMarc Dann is the Managing Partner of DannLaw. The firm’s focus is on representing clients who have been harmed by banks\, debt buyers\, debt collectors and other financial predators and providing access to legal services for traditionally underserved working class and middle class Americans. Dann has fought for the rights of tens of thousands of consumers and brought class actions lawsuits on behalf of clients in both private practice and as Ohio’s Attorney General. As Ohio Attorney General\, Marc Dann assembled Ohio’s Organized Crime Commission to mobilize Mortgage Fraud Task Forces in Ohio’s major cities to prosecute those engaged in mortgage fraud and predatory lending\, Dann’s office challenged the standing of mortgage servicers to foreclose in cases where the State of Ohio was a party. Dann also worked with former Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Moyer to organize over 1\,200 volunteer lawyers to represent homeowners in foreclosure. Since DannLaw was founded\, it has grown to represent clients facing a range of consumers’ rights issues including in class action. He is a recognized national leader in the use of federal mortgage servicing regulations to hold servicers accountable for their actions. \nBrian Flick advocates for plaintiffs and defendants nationwide in state and federal trial and appellate courts. His practice areas include consumer bankruptcy debtor representation in the areas of Chapter 7\, 12\, and 13\, consumer fraud\, real estate litigation\, foreclosure defense\, student loan debt defense\, bankruptcy litigation\, mortgage servicing litigation under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and the Truth in Lending Act\, and consumer class actions. He is currently a board member with the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. He is the current NACA Ohio State Chair. Brian serves as a facilitator for the SDOH Bankruptcy Mortgage Modification Program and a mediator with the SDOH Bankruptcy Court Mediation Program. \nPhillip Robinson is a solo litigator from Silver Spring\, Maryland. He is a recognized consumer litigator in the areas of mortgage servicing\, foreclosure defense\, and debt collection practices. Currently in private practice at the Consumer Law Center LLC\, Phillip’s state and nationwide practice concentrates in the areas of aiding homeowners with sustainable solutions who have fallen victim to unfair\, deceptive or otherwise illegal consumer practices by mortgage services\, lenders\, and debt buyers. Phillip served as co-trial counsel in a multi-million-dollar jury verdict against LVNV on behalf of a class of 1\,589 Maryland consumers; this case was affirmed as to liability on appeal and a new trial will consider damages.  Previously\, Phillip served as Executive Director for the award-winning Civil Justice Inc. Also\, while at Civil Justice Phillip served as a lead training for Maryland’s Foreclosure Prevention Pro Bono Project where he trained over 2\,000 Maryland attorneys volunteering to aid homeowners. Phillip has been appointed to numerous boards and advisory committees and in 2008 was recognized as the Maryland Consumer Advocate of the Year by the Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition. In 2016 he was also recognized as NACA’s Consumer Advocate of the Year. \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 with full access to the Training Library will have access to the webinar after it has aired.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/advanced-respa-what-to-do-after-motions-to-dismiss/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240724T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240724T150000
DTSTAMP:20240823T183243Z
CREATED:20240819T125807Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240823T183243Z
UID:19110-1721829600-1721833200@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Piercing the Light: E-Sign in Solar Cases
DESCRIPTION:The use of electronic signatures (eSign) in solar contracts has become increasingly prevalent. Many solar companies have adopted eSign to streamline the contract signing process. Unfortunately\, often eSign is not carried out correctly and there is rampant fraud with false signatures. Learn how to identify and challenge fraudulent electronic signatures\, understand the nuances of eSign laws\, and gather robust evidence to support your cases. Using case studies and real examples from actual solar fraud cases\, this webinar will help you examine whether you can use eSign laws (UETA) to help resolve your cases. \nWhat You Will Learn \n\nWhat are the different rules for records and signatures\nWhy is it important to examine the use of eSign in solar fraud cases\nHow to test the validity of signatures made with eSign\nWhat are the requirements of eSign consent\nHow to meet the reasonable demonstration requirements\n\nSpeakers \nMr. Tom Domonoske graduated with honors from Hastings College of Law in 1989 and earned his B.A. from Occidental College in 1985. He practiced law in California before moving to North Carolina to teach at UNC Law School. From 1993 to 1996\, he was a legal aid lawyer in Virginia\, and then a Senior Lecturing Fellow at Duke Law School until 2000\, while maintaining a small consumer law practice. Since 2000\, he has focused on consumer law in Virginia. He was Of Counsel with Dale W. Pittman (1997-2009) and the Legal Aid Justice Center (2009-2016)\, before joining Consumer Litigation Associates in 2016. He has handled hundreds of consumer law cases and specializes in sales practices\, loan originators\, finance companies\, investors\, and state and federal consumer lending regulations. \nMargot Saunders is a senior attorney with the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC)\, where she previously served as managing attorney of NCLC’s Washington\, D.C. office from 1991 to 2005. Margot has testified before Congress more than two dozen times regarding a wide range of consumer law issues\, including predatory mortgage lending\, high cost small loans\, payments law\, electronic commerce\, protecting benefits in bank accounts\, privacy issues\, and robocalls. She was the lead advocate on the passage of the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act\, led the development of the Treasury Rule protecting exempt benefits from debt collectors\, ensured that essential consumer protections were included in the federal E-Sign Act\, and spearheaded many other initiatives. In 1991\, Margot was the second recipient of NCLC’s Vern Countryman Award.  Margot is a co-author of NCLC’s Consumer Banking and Payments Law\, many articles\, and a contributing author to several other NCLC manuals. She has served as an expert witness in over 50 consumer cases in more than 20 states\, and as a consultant to private attorneys and state and federal enforcement agencies on dozens of cases. Margot authored the 2022 report\, Scam Robocalls: Telecom Providers Profit. Prior to joining NCLC\, she was the consumer law specialist for North Carolina Legal Services.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/piercing-the-light-e-sign-in-solar-cases/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240801T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240801T150000
DTSTAMP:20240816T151802Z
CREATED:20240716T190443Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240816T151802Z
UID:19038-1722520800-1722524400@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:UDAP Gold: Lessons to be Learned from the Landmark Decision of Dwyer v. Ameriprise
DESCRIPTION:Deceptive trade practices claims present a myriad of issues which can confound the practitioner and judges alike. This seminar is geared towards helping you to present successful arguments on why statutory additional (treble) damages should be awarded. You will learn the differences between the award of statutory additional damages and the award of common law damages. Importantly\, you will also learn what to argue to the court regarding what is the extent and limitations of a trial judge’s discretion when considering whether to award statutory additional damages. \nThis program will focus on the recent seminal decision of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in Dwyer v. Ameriprise. What is truly helpful about the Dwyer decision\, (besides the fact that it is clearly written)\, is that in reaching its decision\, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court analyzes various key cases from jurisdictions throughout the United States\, as well as cites to helpful United States Supreme Court precedent. \nAll practitioners who bring deceptive trade practices claims\, should find this seminar to be helpful. A basic understanding of why different types of damages are awarded is helpful\, but not necessary. This seminar will provide valuable insight for attorneys with experience with deceptive trade practices claims and also attorneys new to this area. The level of presentation will cover the necessary background for having an advanced understanding of how to successfully present your statutory damages claims. It is suggested to read the Dwyer majority opinion and the concurrence in advance of the seminar. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n\n\n\nWhat is an ascertainable loss versus actual damages?\nWhat evidence is necessary to prove an ascertainable loss.\nWhat are the three purposes of treble damages?\nWhat evidence should be submitted and what argument should be made to establish why the court should award treble damages?\nDoes the award of common law damages preclude the award of statutory damages?\nIs the award of statutory treble damages independent of any entitlement to common law punitive damages?\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers \nChristina Gill Roseman\, Esq. is the founding attorney of Roseman Law Firm\, PLLC\, where she represents consumers in the areas of dealer fraud\, lemon law and breach of warranty.  Ms. Roseman has successfully tried numerous cases against vehicle manufacturers and dealerships\, including a verdict in 2019 against Winnebago\, a 2021 verdict against Mercedes and a 2020 verdict against Kia.  She is the Chair of the Allegheny County Bar Association Civil Litigation Section Court Rules Committee and is a member of the invitation-only Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County.  Ms. Roseman was the 2010-2012 Co-President of the Women’s Bar Association of Western Pennsylvania and the Co-Chair of the CLE Committee for the WBA from 2012 to 2017.  Ms. Roseman is the West Virginia state NACA Co-chair.  Ms. Roseman is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania\, West Virginia\, Ohio\, Wisconsin and Michigan. Roseman Law Firm\, PLLC has offices in Pittsburgh\, Pennsylvania and Morgantown\, West Virginia. \nWith over 35 years of experience as a civil litigation attorney\, Ken Behrend has established himself at the top of his field\, helping his clients in personal injury\, consumer protection\, insurance company bad faith and civil rights violations. Ken has achieved numerous appellate and supreme court landmark decisions in Pennsylvania\, helping to protect consumers from insurance company deceptive and bad faith sales practices. Having won millions in settlements and verdicts for his clients\, Ken has argued over 50 successful appellate decisions and recently won three emergency temporary injunctions in Federal Court and the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals against school boards. These injunctions protect the safety and rights of medically fragile\, immuno-compromised\, and disabled children under the ADA. Ken established Behrend Law Group\, LLC in 2017 after leaving a 30+ year partnership at Behrend and Ernsberger law firm. \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 with full access to the Training Library will have access to the webinar after it has aired. \nIf you have purchased the webinar\, you can click here to watch it on the day of the webinar.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/udap-gold-lessons-to-be-learned-from-the-landmark-decision-of-dwyer-v-ameriprise/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240807T172500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240807T172500
DTSTAMP:20250129T184048Z
CREATED:20240725T150604Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250129T184048Z
UID:19115-1723051500-1723051500@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Solar Fraud 101 eCourse
DESCRIPTION:Solar power is one of the fastest growing sources of electricity in the United States with one in seven homeowners predicted to have solar panels on their roof by 2030. The booming industry has inevitably attracted bad actors and fraudulent businesses taking advantage of Americans’ good will and desire to slow global warming. The goal of the eCourse is to help attorneys efficiently prepare successful solar fraud cases for litigation and arbitration\, without breaking the bank. \n\nAbout the eCourse\nThis intro-level Solar Fraud eCourse is a self-paced primer for attorneys interested in adding solar fraud cases to their practice. The goal of the course is to prepare beginner and intermediate practitioners to litigate a solar fraud case from the ground up. \nThe eCourse includes eight webinars on the following topics:\n• Seeing the Light: What Is Solar and How Should It Work?\n• Brightening the Light: Potential Experts and Vital Evidence\n• Dim or Bright? Intake and Case Review\n• Shining the Bright Lights: Case Filing\, Target Defendants\, and Causes of Action\n• Piercing the Light: E-Sign in Solar Cases\n• Donning the Shades: Working thru Vexing Issues in Solar Cases\n• What Can I Expect If I Take a Solar Fraud Case?\n• Solar Fraud: The Tricks and Traps \nParticipants will receive a certificate of completion upon completion of each webinar in the eCourse for eight CLE credits. NACA is an approved multi-provider of CLE credits for the State of California and the State of Pennsylvania. \nThe 100% online\, on-demand 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. \nNACA provides members with a dedicated Solar Fraud online community (AKA: listserv) as well as a monthly virtual roundtable discussion on Solar Fraud to help active practitioners connect\, exchange tips and tricks and support each other in their advocacy on behalf of defrauded customers. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n• How to evaluate a potential solar fraud client and case to determine whether to take the case\n• How to spot claims and identify defendants\n• What hardware\, technology\, and capabilities are involved in a solar energy home system\n• Determine when and for what things you would need or want experts\n• How to prepare evidence for solar fraud cases\n• How to prepare your case for filing a lawsuit or arbitration claim\n• How to combat common defense themes\n• How to fight back\, build case value\, and keep the case alive\, including handling solar cases in bankruptcy proceedings \n\nPresenters \nAndrew Connor is the founder of Connor Law and focuses his practice on consumer law and construction defect cases. His consumer clients include victims of timeshare scams\, solar panel fraud\, and other unfair trade practices. He also represents individual homeowners and property associations in cases involving construction defects. Prior to starting Connor Law\, Andrew was a partner at a nationally ranked corporate defense firm. During that time\, he defended large corporations in complex litigation including class actions\, consumer claims\, and construction defect litigation. Now\, Andrew uses that experience to represent individual consumers and homeowners and protect their interests in the face of bad corporate conduct and defective construction. \nLisa Considine specializes in representing consumers in state and federal consumer protection cases. She has led numerous class actions for consumer fraud victims and has been appointed lead class counsel by several New Jersey Courts. Lisa has successfully represented consumers against major companies\, including the world’s largest fast-food chain\, the country’s largest wireless provider\, and a leading consumer credit reporting agency. She was also lead counsel in a landmark patients’ rights case against the State of New Jersey. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Consumer League of New Jersey\, is President of the Worrall F. Mountain Inn of Court\, and is a member of the District IIB Ethics Committee. Lisa graduated from Rutgers College and Seton Hall University School of Law. \nMr. Tom Domonoske graduated with honors from Hastings College of Law in 1989 and earned his B.A. from Occidental College in 1985. He practiced law in California before moving to North Carolina to teach at UNC Law School. From 1993 to 1996\, he was a legal aid lawyer in Virginia\, and then a Senior Lecturing Fellow at Duke Law School until 2000\, while maintaining a small consumer law practice. Since 2000\, he has focused on consumer law in Virginia. He was Of Counsel with Dale W. Pittman (1997-2009) and the Legal Aid Justice Center (2009-2016)\, before joining Consumer Litigation Associates in 2016. He has handled hundreds of consumer law cases and specializes in sales practices\, loan originators\, finance companies\, investors\, and state and federal consumer lending regulations. \nSherry Doyle is a Consumer Law Coordinator and staff attorney on the Consumer Team for Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma\, Inc. She and her team provide free legal assistance to low-income consumers in Oklahoma experiencing a wide variety of consumer issues including foreclosure\, debt collection\, bankruptcy\, garnishment\, repossession\, solar panel issues. Sherry received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Oklahoma and her Master of Education degree from the University of North Texas. Sherry taught for over a decade in the public school system and achieved national board certification before leaving the classroom and attending Oklahoma City University School of Law. After graduation\, Sherry opened a solo practice\, focusing her practice on litigation helping consumers in Oklahoma. Sherry joined Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma\, Inc. in April 2021 where she continues to fight for consumers in all areas of consumer protection. \nKeith Hagan is a Partner at Hofer Hagan LLP\, a consumer rights and commercial litigation firm based out of Indianapolis. Aside from solar issues\, he has litigated complex medical billing disputes for the last eight years as well as commercial lending issues (on the side of the little guy). Keith is a regular contributor\, speaker\, and panelist on issues regarding medical billing defense\, FDCPA\, UDAP\, and other counterclaims. He is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College of Law\, Class of 2008\, and the University of Kansas Class of 2001. \nMargot Saunders is a senior attorney with the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC)\, where she previously served as managing attorney of NCLC’s Washington\, D.C. office from 1991 to 2005. Margot has testified before Congress more than two dozen times regarding a wide range of consumer law issues\, including predatory mortgage lending\, high cost small loans\, payments law\, electronic commerce\, protecting benefits in bank accounts\, privacy issues\, and robocalls. She was the lead advocate on the passage of the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act\, led the development of the Treasury Rule protecting exempt benefits from debt collectors\, ensured that essential consumer protections were included in the federal E-Sign Act\, and spearheaded many other initiatives. In 1991\, Margot was the second recipient of NCLC’s Vern Countryman Award. Margot is a co-author of NCLC’s Consumer Banking and Payments Law\, many articles\, and a contributing author to several other NCLC manuals. She has served as an expert witness in over 50 consumer cases in more than 20 states\, and as a consultant to private attorneys and state and federal enforcement agencies on dozens of cases. Margot authored the 2022 report\, Scam Robocalls: Telecom Providers Profit. Prior to joining NCLC\, she was the consumer law specialist for North Carolina Legal Services. \nTaylor Selby has been in the solar industry for 15 years. He is an owner and Vice President of a successful solar company headquartered in Santa Fe\, New Mexico with over 100 full-time employees. He has overseen the installation of thousands of solar electric systems. He runs the consulting business Solar Expert Witness LLC\, committed to ensuring the solar industry operates under a high standard of ethics for its customers. With a master’s degree in Environment & Community from Antioch University and Technical Sales certification from the North American Board of Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)\, Taylor is a respected professional solar expert who has been involved in over 40 solar cases nationally. \nJacob Subbotin is the Supervising Attorney for the Consumer Protection Team at the Legal Aid Society of San Diego. He and his team provide free legal assistance to low-income clients in San Diego with a wide range of consumer issues. As the Supervising Attorney he oversees staff attorneys handling a variety of cases involving debt collection\, medical debt\, solar fraud\, auto fraud\, and bankruptcy issues. His caseload predominantly focuses on issues related to home solicitation sales\, including solar systems\, home improvements\, and even vacuum cleaners. \nRob Treinen is a father\, husband and lawyer. He has exclusively practiced consumer law since he started at Legal Aid in 1999. Now he runs a small firm — just him and great staff — in Albuquerque. He graduated from Trial Lawyers College in 2016. At work he enjoys helping New Mexicans who were robbed\, cheated or lied to by a corporate defendant. For fun\, he likes skateboarding with his kid and traveling with his family.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/ecourses/solar-fraud-101-ecourse/
CATEGORIES:eCourses,Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240813T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240813T150000
DTSTAMP:20240814T132758Z
CREATED:20240724T145826Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240814T132758Z
UID:19100-1723557600-1723561200@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Exploring Advanced EFTA Strategies\, Tips and Consumer Protection Laws
DESCRIPTION:Given the growth of Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) litigation\, this webinar is a must-attend for attorneys and legal professionals who want to deepen their understanding of this crucial area of consumer protection law. This session will provide a foundation in litigating EFTA cases\, including advanced strategies and practical tips for pursuing claims. This webinar will equip you with the tools and knowledge to effectively handle EFTA and understand its similarities with the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) and intersection with more commonly used statutes such as the FDCPA\, and FCRA.\nPlease note that this webinar requires a basic understanding of consumer protection laws\, particularly EFTA\, FDCPA\, and FCRA. It is geared to beginners and intermediates. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n• Case strategies for advanced EFTA cases\n• How to apply case studies with discovery examples and common arguments\n• What are banks’ best defenses and how to counter them effectively\n• What is the intersection of EFTA and FCBA in unauthorized transaction cases\n• How to prove your case in arbitration and other legal settings. \n\nSpeakers \nDave Maxfield is a consumer protection attorney based in Columbia\, South Carolina. With a career dedicated to representing consumers against banks\, credit reporting agencies\, and insurance companies\, Dave has numerous significant verdicts and settlements\, including a $480\,000 verdict in a furnisher credit reporting case and a $21 million class action settlement. He is the co-author of “The Lean Law Firm” and an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law\, where he teaches Consumer Protection Law and “The Lean Law Firm Lab” classes. \nPeter Barry\, Esq. is a distinguished trial lawyer based in Minneapolis\, Minnesota\, specializing in consumer protection law. With over 27 years of experience\, Peter has dedicated his career to advocating for consumers\, particularly in cases involving the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Electronic Fund Transfers Act (EFTA). As the founder of The Barry Law Office\, Ltd\, Peter has established a nationwide consumer law practice\, focusing on holding banks and debt collectors accountable for unlawful practices. He is known for his expertise in navigating complex consumer law issues and has successfully represented clients in numerous high-stakes litigation cases. Peter is committed to educating both consumers and fellow attorneys about their rights under federal and state consumer protection laws. His work has earned him recognition as a top-rated attorney in the field\, with many endorsements from peers and clients alike. When he is not advocating for his clients\, Peter is actively involved in the legal community and continues to share his knowledge through various platforms\, including webinars and legal seminars. \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 with full access to the Training Library will have access to the webinar after it has aired. \n 
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/exploring-advanced-efta-strategies-tips-and-consumer-protection-laws/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240815T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240815T160000
DTSTAMP:20240816T151626Z
CREATED:20240802T175241Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240816T151626Z
UID:19182-1723734000-1723737600@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Online Q&A Session with Ira on NACA’s Fellowship Programs
DESCRIPTION:Learn about how NACA member firms and organizations can receive summer law student and/ or recent law graduate help through NACA’s fellowship programs.  Ira Rheingold will provide details about NACA’s summer and 2-year consumer law fellowships and answer all your questions including how you can bring a fellow to your firm or organization. These exciting new fellowships create great opportunities for both NACA members and for future consumer lawyers. \n 
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/online-q-a-session-fellowship/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240822T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240822T150000
DTSTAMP:20240823T115515Z
CREATED:20240725T175652Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240823T115515Z
UID:19123-1724335200-1724338800@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Mastering Wrongful Repossession Cases
DESCRIPTION:Car repossessions have been on the rise in 2024 with an estimated 5\,400 occurring daily. As nearly 6.3 million Americans stand at risk of falling behind on their car payments consumer attorneys are needed to help consumers avoid wrongful repossessions and breaches of peace and should consider adding repo cases to their practice areas. \nThis webinar should be attended by any attorney representing consumers who handle wrongful repossession cases. This is intended to be an intermediate level webinar that can benefit practitioners of all levels. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n• How to recognize the categories of wrongful repossession cases (breach of the peace\, not in default\, bad data repos)\n• How to begin your investigation for repo cases\n• How to apply 15 U.S.C. section 1692f(6) to the wrongful repossession.\n• How to select defendants (repo company\, lender\, plate reading company\, police) with consideration of applying the FDCPA and avoiding arbitration\n• What are key differences in state law relating to repossessions and the damages that can be sought for wrongful repos \n\nSpeakers \nDale Pittman is widely regarded as the founder of the consumer protection Bar in Virginia. After graduating from the University of Richmond School of Law in 1976\, he was hired to open the Petersburg Legal Aid Society where he practiced consumer law for 20 years. He opened his own private practice in 1996. His practice focuses primarily on the representation of consumers in debt collection harassment and abuse cases under the FDCPA. He has contributed to numerous NCLC publications. Dale serves on the governing body of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association\, where he Chairs the VTLA’s Consumer Law Section. He was the recipient of the Virginia State Bar Legal Aid Award\, NACA’s Consumer Attorney of the Year Award\, Virginia Poverty Law Center’s Advocate of the Year Award\, and VTLA’s Oliver White Hill Courageous Advocate Award. \nKris Skaar is a partner at Skaar and Feagle and has taught continuing legal education on the topics of the FDCPA and the defense of debt collection suits. Kris earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1983 and a law degree in 1986 from The University of Georgia. He is admitted to all Georgia trial courts\, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. \nYitzchak Zelman\, Esq. is a partner at Marcus Zelman\, LLC. Mr. Zelman graduated from Cardozo Law School in 2012 and has consistently been at the forefront of many emerging consumer protection issues ever since. His practice focuses on individual and class action consumer protection litigation\, specifically including the FCRA. Mr. Zelman is licensed in New Jersey\, New York\, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second\, Third and Ninth Circuits\, as well as countless district courts nationwide\, including the United States District Courts of New York\, New Jersey\, Connecticut\, Texas\, Indiana and Illinois. \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 with full access to the Training Library will have access to the webinar after it has aired. \n 
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/mastering-wrongful-repossession-cases/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240828T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240828T150000
DTSTAMP:20240829T114922Z
CREATED:20240805T132408Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240829T114922Z
UID:19198-1724853600-1724857200@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Tackling Unique Issues in Electric Vehicle Lemon Law Litigation
DESCRIPTION:Are you up to speed on how to handle all the special features included with EV vehicles? Join us to learn how to handle the unique obstacles and challenges consumers face when purchasing new electric vehicles. An understanding of the nuances of EV technology and warranties is needed to tackle these cases and effectively advocate for your clients.\nGain insight on trends\, common pitfalls\, and successful litigation tactics in lemon law cases that involve electric vehicles. Whether you’re a seasoned attorney or new to the world of lemon law\, this seminar will enhance your skills and expand your expertise. \nWhat You Will Learn\n• What are the similarities and differences with EV lemon law cases and standard lemon law claims\n• What are the unique issues and obstacles facing EV lemon owners and their attorneys.\n• What are future trends to expect as the auto industry embraces EV technologies \nSpeakers\nJoseph Kaufman is an experienced trial lawyer who focuses his practice on consumer warranty and lemon law matters. Mr. Kaufman spent most of his career defending car\, motorcycle and trucking companies in breach of warranty matters. He launched Joseph Kaufman & Associates’ Lemon Law Aid with the goal of providing consumers with the same level of representation as the car companies. Mr. Kaufman began his career with a national products liability defense firm that focused on the defense and representation of automobile companies. After a few years\, Mr. Kaufman moved to the Los Angeles office of a preeminent international law firm\, where he was elevated to partner in 2012. He launched Lemon Law Aid as a consumer protection firm in 2016 when he realized he could do more good and better benefit consumers by directly representing them. \nChristina Gill Roseman\, Esq. is the founding attorney of Roseman Law Firm\, PLLC\, where she represents consumers in the areas of dealer fraud\, lemon law and breach of warranty. Ms. Roseman has successfully tried numerous cases against vehicle manufacturers and dealerships\, including a verdict in 2019 against Winnebago\, a 2021 verdict against Mercedes and a 2020 verdict against Kia. She is the Chair of the Allegheny County Bar Association Civil Litigation Section Court Rules Committee and is a member of the invitation-only Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County. Ms. Roseman was the 2010-2012 Co-President of the Women’s Bar Association of Western Pennsylvania and the Co-Chair of the CLE Committee for the WBA from 2012 to 2017. Ms. Roseman is the West Virginia state NACA Co-chair. Ms. Roseman is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania\, West Virginia\, Ohio\, Wisconsin and Michigan. Roseman Law Firm\, PLLC has offices in Pittsburgh\, Pennsylvania and Morgantown\, West Virginia. \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 with full access to the Training Library will have access to the webinar after it has aired. \nIf you have purchased the webinar\, you can click here to watch it on the day of the webinar.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/tackling-unique-issues-in-electric-vehicle-lemon-law-litigation/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240905T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240905T153000
DTSTAMP:20240906T111633Z
CREATED:20240820T142637Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240906T111633Z
UID:19331-1725544800-1725550200@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Consumer Protection Issues Affecting Older Adults’ Financial Security: A Primer on Housing Issues (CFPB)\, Scams and Resources (FTC)
DESCRIPTION:Join staff from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to learn about fraud and consumer issues affecting older adults’ financial security. The speakers will cover housing issues older adults face as they age\, the most commonly reported frauds and scams\, agency policy updates\, and available consumer-facing resources that you can share with your clients for free. The webinar will both provide a great introduction for people new to the FTC’s and CFPB’s work as well as provide a good update for everyone interested in issues facing older adults. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n• What scams are affecting older adults and practical tips to help clients who have been scammed\n• What issues older adult homeowners face as they age\n• How to take advantage of the FTC’s and CFPB’s free resources for consumers. \n\nSpeakers\nPatty Hsue is senior attorney in the Division of Marketing Practices of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. She has investigated and filed cases against health insurance scams\, charity frauds\, and government imposters. She has also led multiple program areas including the FTC’s technical initiatives on robocalls\, the Telemarketing Sales Rule\, and is currently leading the FTC’s efforts to address fraud against older adults. As part of the older adults program area\, Patty is also the Stop Senior Scams Act Coordinator and is overseeing the agency’s implementation of the Act’s mandates. \nCora Hume is an Attorney with the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection’s Office for Older Americans. Prior to joining the CFPB in 2012\, Cora was the Legislative Director at the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA). Cora has over twenty years of advocacy and legal experience including serving as a legal aid attorney in Maryland\, practicing voting rights law during the 2004 Presidential election\, working as an associate at a plaintiff-side labor law firm\, and serving as an Honors Attorney at the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development’s Fair Housing Division. Cora is a graduate of Williams College and Northeastern University School of Law. \nBridget Small is a writer\, educator\, and speaker in the Federal Trade Commission’s Division of Consumer and Business Education. For more than 30 years\, she has contributed to fraud prevention education\, community-based programs\, and research related to older adults and fraud. She is an experienced advocate\, who has spoken at conferences and with media\, managed a telemarketing fraud prevention campaign\, and coordinated a grant-funded research program to contact at-risk older adults. She holds a JD from George Washington University Law School. \n 
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/consumer-protection-issues-affecting-older-adults-financial-security-a-primer-on-housing-issues-cfpb-scams-and-resources-ftc/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240918T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240918T150000
DTSTAMP:20241115T201952Z
CREATED:20240822T123412Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241115T201952Z
UID:19340-1726668000-1726671600@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Successfully Litigating Class Action Cases as Solo Practitioners
DESCRIPTION:Solos\, learn how you can make class action litigation more approachable and how to spot potential class-worthy claims in your case files. This webinar shows how state-based classes and the benefits of partnering with co-counsel can allow you to successfully prosecute class action cases. Solos will also learn how to build their resumes to arm themselves with the tools necessary to develop cases and be certified as adequate class counsel. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n\n\n\nHow to select the right cases to proceed as putative class actions\nHow to develop a class action resume\nHow to work with co-counsel and experts\nHow to minimize costs with discovery and class administration tactics\nHow to plan for cost expenditures and class administration\n\n\n\n\nPresenters  \nStacy Bardo has dedicated her law practice for the last 20+ years to the protection of everyday people. Based in Chicago\, Stacy files suits for consumers who have been the victims of unlawful business practices\, consumer fraud\, wrongful repossessions\, automobile fraud\, identity theft\, and false credit reporting. She has been appointed class counsel in numerous national and statewide class actions certified in IL\, NY\, CA\, MI\, MN\, and WA. Stacy is a past co-chair of NACA’s Board of Directors and currently serves on the NCLC/NACA Conference Steering Committee. Stacy is a graduate of Northwestern University and Loyola University Chicago School of Law. \nAmy Wells provides legal consulting to other firms and practitioners. She offers guidance on complex litigation\, case development\, and project management of mass actions\, building on her 20 years of consumer advocacy with a focus on class and multidistrict litigation with an emphasis on TCPA\, FCRA\, and product defect cases. Amy has served the legal community through various leadership positions in her home base of Chicago and Ohio\, where she got her start; these include having served as state chair for both NACA and OAJ\, presidency of the local trial lawyers association\, appointment to the Ohio Attorney General’s Advisory Committee\, and several board positions. \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 with full access to the Training Library will have access to the webinar after it has aired. \n 
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/successfully-litigating-class-action-cases-as-solo-practitioners/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240920T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240920T150000
DTSTAMP:20240923T121325Z
CREATED:20240819T144642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240923T121325Z
UID:19321-1726840800-1726844400@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Using AI to Improve Your Presentations
DESCRIPTION:Your ability to quickly create compelling multi-media presentations is getting easier and easier with new tools like generative AI. Join NACA’s Education Director\, Rebecca Smolar and NCLC Senior Attorney Andrea Bopp Stark for a demonstration and conversation about how generative AI apps like Chat GPT and Gemini can give you ideas that you can use to improve your presentation. \nWhether in the courtroom or classroom\, we are best able to learn new information through the use of multiple communication modalities. One of the hardest components to add to a presentation is the action component when learners apply the knowledge and skills being taught to them. With the help of AI\, you can create an interactive activity that will help the attendees apply lessons learned and transform your presentation from ordinary to extraordinary. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n\n\n\nHow to create prompts in Generative AI to get the results you want\nHow to use Generative AI to critique your presentations\nHow to use Generative AI responsibly\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers \nRebecca Smolar is the 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. \nAndrea Bopp Stark is a senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center Boston office focusing on writing and teaching about fair debt collection practices and mortgage servicing issues. Andrea is the Conference Curriculum Coordinator and  is also involved in advocating for foreclosure prevention and fair debt collection policies on the state and federal level. Andrea is a contributing author to NCLC’s Fair Debt Collection\, Home Foreclosures\, and Mortgage Servicing and Loan Modifications legal manuals. \n 
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/using-ai-to-improve-your-presentations/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses,Upcoming
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240925T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240925T150000
DTSTAMP:20240926T125429Z
CREATED:20240904T125739Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240926T125429Z
UID:19454-1727272800-1727276400@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Bring the FCRA into Your Legal Services Practice
DESCRIPTION:Your clients are being subjected to more and more background screening reports – for private rentals\, jobs\, and subsidized housing programs – and this has made the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) a crucial tool for legal services attorneys. High error rates in these reports often lead to inaccurate or outdated information\, which can significantly impact your client’s access to housing\, credit\, employment\, or public benefits. \nLearn how to integrate the FCRA into your practice\, starting with introductory steps for issue spotting and case development. This webinar will be geared to beginners and to those thinking about integrating the FCRA into their legal aid practice. \n\nWhat You Will Learn:  \n\nHow to use or adapt your existing intake process to screen for and issue spot potential cases under the FCRA that fit within traditional legal aid priorities\nHow to assist clients with first steps in addressing inaccurate\, incomplete\, or misleading information in a consumer report\nHow to identify key elements of an FCRA claim\, including the legal standards for accuracy and completeness.\nHow to develop partnerships with private lawyers to refer and co-counsel FCRA cases.\n\n\nSpeakers \nAdam Thoresen is the Division Chief of the Consumer Advocacy and Litigation Unit at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid\, Inc. (JALA). He has a passion for credit reporting and background check issues and currently works in JALA’s main office in downtown Jacksonville. Adam joined JALA in 2009 shortly after his graduation from law school. He currently represents consumers and tenants in state and federal litigation and is a member of the National Association of Consumer Advocates. In addition\, Mr. Thoresen is an active participant with the Florida Legal Services Housing Umbrella Group. \nJohn Ukegbu is a senior staff attorney at Northeast New Jersey Legal Services\, where he represents low-income consumers. He has served as a member of the District Ethics Committee and as a trustee for the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection. He served as a member of the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Special Civil Part Practice and is the second vice-president of the Hudson County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Western New England University School of Law. \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 with full access to the Training Library will have access to the webinar after it has aired.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/bring-the-fcra-into-your-legal-services-practice/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241113T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241113T150000
DTSTAMP:20241115T184849Z
CREATED:20241021T130511Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241115T184849Z
UID:19873-1731506400-1731510000@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Helping Transgender Consumers under the FCRA
DESCRIPTION:Credit and background reporting problems can be frustrating for any consumer to resolve. But transgender consumers face unique challenges when confronting these problems. They often encounter common issues with the way consumer reporting agencies deal with their gender transition. Further\, the effects of those practices can be especially harmful to transgender consumers\, as they impose crushing emotional burdens and may even open them up to discrimination. This webinar will help you advise transgender clients proactively\, and it will also arm you with the tools to litigate these claims when necessary. Some basic knowledge of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) would be helpful. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n• What are common issues confronting the transgender community regarding credit/background reporting\n• How to proactively advise transgender clients on ways to mitigate and/or be aware of common problems\n• How to litigate FCRA claims involving issues specific to transgender consumers \n\nSpeakers\nKari Rudd has been part of the consumer rights team at Bay Area Legal Aid since 2012\, working with low-income clients and community members to advance consumer rights around credit reporting\, debt collection\, and other consumer financial issues. They do this work at monthly pro per Consumer Rights Clinics throughout the San Francisco Bay Area\, in litigating cases\, and engaging in all sorts of other advocacy in between. \nErika Heath fights for economic justice on behalf of consumers and employees\, with a particular focus on erroneous credit/background reports\, unlawful debt collection practices\, bank fraud\, ID theft\, and other unfair trade practices. Erika is particularly passionate about assisting fellow members of the LGBTQ+ community through those employment and consumer legal challenges. She is currently Of Counsel to Francis Mailman Soumilas\, P.C.\, and a Lecturer at Berkeley Law.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/transgender-reporting-and-the-fcra/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241119T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241119T160000
DTSTAMP:20241122T155426Z
CREATED:20241030T143752Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241122T155426Z
UID:19978-1732024800-1732032000@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Successors in Interest Cases 2024
DESCRIPTION:What happens when a borrower dies or a home is transferred through divorce\, transferring the home to an owner who is not the original borrower? A ripple effect of the Great Recession of 2009 is a large population of borrowers with refinanced and extended-term mortgage loans that will remain unsatisfied until late in their lives. How can attorneys help their clients protect home equity and retain possession of a home subject to a mortgage that has gone into arrears following death or divorce? \nThis webinar will be taught at an intermediate level. Prior knowledge of RESPA mortgage-\nservicing regulations and a familiarity with your state wrongful-foreclosure and probate laws is\nhighly desirable. This webinar will be followed by office hours from 3-4 pm ET. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n\n\n\nWhat legal protections exist for successors in interest after death or divorce who want\nto prevent foreclosure\, continue to pay the mortgage\, or pursue mortgage-assistance\noptions have traditionally been limited\nWhat regulations the CFPB has enacted under RESPA that now provide more\nopportunities to try to save the old homestead and preserve painstakingly preserved\nequity\nHow to take advantage of limited bankruptcy options.\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers \nRick Alembik is the Principal at the Law Offices of Richard S. Alembik\, PC\, in Decatur\, Georgia.  Since 1991\, after earning his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law\, he has focused his practice on real estate-related litigation\, and the representation of borrowers in mortgage-servicing and wrongful foreclosure cases. Rick has first-chaired more than seventy jury trials and arbitration proceedings in state and federal courts\, and arbitration fora. He has been recognized as a “leading authority on foreclosure defense\,” and an “advocate for victims of wrongful foreclosure.” In 2020\, to mark its 50th anniversary\, the National Consumer Law Center recognized Alembik as one of 40 people “at the heart of NCLC’s Network of Consumer Champions.” Rick has lectured live to legal audiences across the United States\, made numerous TV appearances as a legal commentator\, and provided consultation on state legislation to Georgia legislators and study groups. Rick is also an active member of the National Association of Consumer Advocates\, the Lawyers Club of Atlanta\, and the Real Estate Section of the State Bar of Georgia. \nSarah Bolling Mancini is Co-Director of Advocacy at the National Consumer Law Center focusing on foreclosures\, mortgage lending\, and credit reporting issues. Sarah previously worked in the Home Defense Program of Atlanta Legal Aid\, and has represented homeowners in litigation in state\, federal district\, and bankruptcy courts. She also clerked for the Honorable Amy Totenberg\, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. Sarah is a member of the Georgia Bar. She received her B.A. in public policy from Princeton University and her J.D. from Harvard Law School. \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 with full access to the Training Library will have access to the webinar after it has aired.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/successors-in-interest-cases-2024/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241212T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241212T150000
DTSTAMP:20241213T135911Z
CREATED:20240117T161414Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241213T135911Z
UID:17216-1734012000-1734015600@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Beating Back Experian's Attempts to Compel FCRA Claims into Arbitration
DESCRIPTION:Over the past few years\, Experian has started aggressively moving to force FCRA claims out of court and into arbitration. To many\, this might seem surprising. After all\, Experian doesn’t enter into contracts with consumers\, so how could it force consumers into arbitration–which is a right created by contract? The answer is that Experian relies on contracts between consumers and affiliated companies that provide credit monitoring services. It argues that broad language in those contracts allows it to compel unrelated FCRA claims into arbitration. That argument has found some purchase with federal courts around the country. But there are strategies–both legal and factual–that you can use to defeat Experian’s attempts to force your client’s claim out of court. This webinar will focus on those strategies and discuss in detail the arguments and approach you should consider when confronting an Experian motion to compel arbitration. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n• How to understand an Experian motion to compel arbitration\n• What legal arguments may be available to you when opposing such a motion\n• How to develop a factual record and lay the groundwork to successfully oppose a motion to compel \n\nSpeaker\nMatt Wessler is a principal at Gupta Wessler LLP\, where he focuses on public interest and plaintiffs’-side appellate and complex litigation. Matt handles high-profile cases at all levels of both state and federal court and regularly appears before the U.S. Supreme Court. In recent years\, he has argued and won significant class-action\, workers-rights\, and consumer-protection appeals in multiple federal courts of appeal on issues including arbitration\, payday lending\, antitrust\, civil procedure\, class-action practice\, and preemption. He has substantial expertise handling significant FCRA appeals. For his “excellence in appellate advocacy in America\,” Matt was awarded the 2020 Pound Civil Justice Institute Appellate Advocacy Award. \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 with full access to the Training Library will have access to the webinar after it has aired. \n 
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/beating-back-experians-attempts-to-compel-fcra-claims-into-arbitration/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241218T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241218T150000
DTSTAMP:20241219T144038Z
CREATED:20241122T140812Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241219T144038Z
UID:20346-1734530400-1734534000@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Stop the Insanity! – Learn how TCPA Can Turn Spam into Cases
DESCRIPTION:How would you like to collect $1\,500 every time your phone rang with yet another fake solicitation to update non-existent warranties\, or buy health care coverage? The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) provides victims $500-$1\,500 per violating call. Learn how you can help your clients stop the insanity and get compensated for the harassment they have endured. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n\nWhat types of cases can (still) be brought under the TCPA:\n\n\nPrerecorded Message and VOIP/ Ringless voicemails\nText Message\nDo Not Call Registry\nInternal Do Not Call (a.k.a. “company specific DNC”)\nFaxes\n\n\nHow to spot the issues\, using (mostly) real-world hypotheticals\nHow to choose the right plaintiffs … and find the right defendants\nHow to prepare for expected changes in the year ahead.\n\n\nSpeakers \nAlex Burke graduated from Colgate University in 1997 (B.A. International Relations)\, and from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 2003 (J.D.). Alex has lived in Chicago\, Manhattan\, Washington DC and Buenos Aires (among others). Alex has focused on individual and class action TCPA cases since approximately 2008\, has nearly 200 TCPA decisions on Westlaw and enforced the TCPA to obtain more than $300\,000\,000 in aggregate relief for his clients and class members. Alex lives in Evanston\, Illinois (just north of Chicago) with his family\, and when he’s not on discovery meet-and-confer calls\, he enjoys fishing\, hiking\, boating\, cycling and – more than anything – travel. \nTav Gomez graduated from Florida State University in 1997 (B.A. Political Science and History)\, and from Florida State University School of Law in 2000 (J.D.). Tav was born in Colombia but has lived in Florida for the last 30 years.  Tav was the Head of the Consumer protection for Morgan & Morgan specializing in the TCPA\, FDCPA\, FCRA and FCCPA. He has appeared in over one thousand lawsuits filed in Federal Court alone\, nearly all of them Consumer related and over 650 of them being TCPA cases. Tav has been involved with numerous large nationwide TCPA class action settlements resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in recovery for Plaintiffs. Tav currently owns his own firm and lives in Tampa\, Florida with his family\, and enjoys not eating pickles.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/stop-the-insanity-learn-how-tcpa-can-turn-spam-into-cases/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250113T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250422T140000
DTSTAMP:20250606T190956Z
CREATED:20241114T201652Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250606T190956Z
UID:20213-1736776800-1745330400@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:NACA’s Business Development eCourse 101: Build a Successful Consumer Law Practice
DESCRIPTION:Your success as a small law firm is just as dependent on your skills as a litigator as it is on your ability to successfully manage your small business. It’s time to change your mindset from being an attorney to an entrepreneur. \nLearn how to build the business systems to set your practice up for sustainable success. This brand new eCourse helps you organize your priorities\, establishing goals and creating an achievable action plan. \nThe eCourse includes: \n\nNine webinars given by experts in the field\n Instructional materials\, including videos\, handouts and readings\n\nPlease note that this course is available at no cost to former and current federal attorneys. Email trainining@consumeradvocates.org to learn more. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n• How to align your finances to achieve your firm goals\n• How to define your target audience for marketing efforts\n• How to create a sales system\n• How to create an intake system\n• How to optimize your office workflows and integrate AI solutions \n\nCourse Topics:  \nThe Cases: Selecting Winners  \nLearn how to identify the types of cases you want to accept and determine which cases to decline. \nInstructor: Christina Roseman \nMarketing 101: Who Are Your Clients? \nDetermine who you want your client(s) to be and create a communications and marketing plan to reach these clients that conveys how you could assist them. \nInstructor: Russell Dombrow \nSales: Turning Interest into Intake \nLearn how to develop a pitch system that will turn prospectives into clients. \nInstructor: Michael Cardoza \nOptimizing Your Intake System \nLearn how to optimize your intake system once you have your ideal client and a case you want to take. \nInstructors: Christine Anderson Ferraris and Melissa Huelsman \nWorkflow Optimization 101 \nLearn how to create systems to serve your clients with top-notch representation without burning out yourself and your team. \nInstructor: Dave Maxfield \nUsing AI to Increase Optimization \nLearn how to identify specific areas where AI can add value (e.g.\, document review\, legal research\, client communication. \nInstructors: Sarah Ritchie and Subhan Tariq \nUsing Financial Metrics to Drive Your Goals  \nDiscuss what finances you need to make your vision a reality. \nInstructors: Suzanne Iazetta and Matthew Vocci \n\nCourse Instructors \nMichael F. “Mike” Cardoza is a California Consumer Financial Protection Attorney who helps people regain control of their financial lives by getting the upper hand on creditors\, debt collectors and credit reporting agencies. Trained as a trial attorney in the U.S. Marine Corps\, Mike Cardoza has tried countless cases in federal and state courtrooms. Mike founded The Cardoza Law Corporation in order to share the truth about consumer credit and finance with clients and to be their “partner in prosperity.” \nFor over eighteen years\, founder Christine A. Ferraris has worked relentlessly in the legal arena to help those hurt by fraud. As a business owner herself for most of those eighteen years\, she understands the challenges small-business owners face. \nMelissa A. Huelsman is the principal of Law Offices of Melissa A. Huelsman\, P.S. Her practice involves plaintiffs’ civil litigation in the areas of predatory lending and mortgage loan servicing\, foreclosure defense\, fraud\, and foreclosure rescue scams. Ms. Huelsman is a founder and vice chair of the board of directors\, Northwest Consumer Law Center\, a nonprofit dedicated to the representation of consumers on financial issues and she sits on the board of CENTS\, financial literacy nonprofit. She was named King County Bar Association’s Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year in 2006 and was previously recognized by VLS as one of its Volunteers of the Year. She has been interviewed by foreign and domestic journalists regarding predatory lending\, mortgage loan servicing\, foreclosure rescue scams\, and wrongful foreclosures\, including the New York Times\, Wall Street Journal\, Business Week\, and others. Ms. Huelsman received her B.A. in English from California State University at Fullerton in 1993 and her J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles in 1997. \nSuzanne Iazzetta is the Directing Attorney for the Consumer Law Unit. Suzanne is also an adjunct law professor at University of California at Irvine\, teaching a course/clinic in Consumer Law.  Suzanne has been practicing since 2005\, and is licensed to practice law in New York\, New Jersey\, North Carolina\, and California.  She previously clerked for Judge Katharine S. Hayden of the United States District Court\, District of New Jersey\, and practiced civil litigation and bankruptcy at Lowenstein Sandler PC in New Jersey for many years. While at Lowenstein Sandler\, Suzanne was granted a fellowship to work at Legal Services of New Jersey at the Newark\, NJ office\, which re-sparked her interest in working in Public Interest. While at LSNJ\, Suzanne worked in the housing unit\, assisting low-income clients obtain section 8 vouchers and defending voucher holders against HUD’s attempts to terminate the vouchers. Some of the areas of law that Suzanne has worked on in her career are consumer law\, bankruptcy (business and personal)\, housing/eviction matters\, foreclosure defense\, FDCPA\, FCRA\, TCPA\, and UDAAP claims\, and debt collection defense. Suzanne also was a staff attorney for a chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee in New Jersey\, and has had her own solo practice since 2012. \nDave Maxfield runs a boutique consumer protection practice in Columbia\, South Carolina. He has represented thousands of individual consumers in cases against banks\, credit reporting agencies\, and insurance companies\, obtaining a verdict of over $480\,000 in a furnisher credit reporting case exclusive of fees\, numerous six-figure settlements\, and in 2019 concluded a vehicle churning class action with total settlement value exceeding $21 million. A self-described “Systems Geek\,” Dave became obsessed years ago with how law firms might use Lean methods and technologies pioneered by the manufacturing world to run more profitable practices. In 2018\, with co-author Larry Port\, Dave wrote the ABA top-selling book\, The Lean Law Firm\, a manual for translating lean and agile methods into a simple\, month-by-month template that law firms can use to become more profitable. Besides co-hosing The Lean Law Firm podcast\, Dave consults with other law firms to help them transform their practices through Lean methods.  As an Adjunct Professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law\, Dave teaches both Consumer Protection Law and “The Lean Law Firm Lab” classes. \nSarah Ritchie serves as the Paralegal and Office Manager of John Steinkamp & Associates\, bringing over a decade of experience\, particularly in lawsuits under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). As the firm’s national footprint has expanded\, Sarah has taken on a liaison role\, coordinating with law firms and clients across the country\, bridging complex legal communication with a tech savvy approach. An innovator in legal technology\, she recently spoke at the Consumer Rights and Litigation Conference on the ethics of AI tools in litigation. Sarah combines her extensive legal expertise with cutting-edge technological solutions\, helping her team navigate the evolving landscape of legal practice. \nChristina Gill Roseman\, Esq. is the founding attorney of Roseman Law Firm\, PLLC\, where she represents consumers in the areas of dealer fraud\, lemon law and breach of warranty.  Ms. Roseman has successfully tried numerous cases against vehicle manufacturers and dealerships\, including a verdict in 2019 against Winnebago\, a 2021 verdict against Mercedes and a 2020 verdict against Kia.  She is the Chair of the Allegheny County Bar Association Civil Litigation Section Court Rules Committee and is a member of the invitation-only Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County.  Ms. Roseman was the 2010-2012 Co-President of the Women’s Bar Association of Western Pennsylvania and the Co-Chair of the CLE Committee for the WBA from 2012 to 2017.  Ms. Roseman is the West Virginia state NACA Co-chair. \nSubhan Tariq regularly handles complex commercial litigation\, with particular experience in consumer finance litigation in individual and class action cases in the areas of federal and state consumer protection laws. Mr. Tariq has successfully helped thousands of consumers exercise their consumer rights against large institutional banks\, debt collectors\, and consumer reporting agencies. Subhan also consults with other lawyers and law firms on blockchain automation\, working towards a streamlined efficient network of client files\, document automation\, and cost-effective workflows. \nMatt Vocci is a partner at Santoni\, Vocci & Ortega\, LLC. The majority of his work relates in some way to housing. He represents tenants against landlords and property managers on a variety of cases\, such as consumer protection and consumer debt collection issues\, habitability\, Fair Housing Act violations\, illegal evictions\, and personal injuries. Matt has served as class counsel on several class actions\, including a recent case that resolved favorably for tenants against a large\, out-of-state property management company. He is a member of the MSBA’s Delivery of Legal Services Committee Council and the ACLU of Maryland Committee on Litigation and Legal Priorities. Matt deeply believes in Santoni\, Vocci & Ortega’s mission to provide high-quality legal representation to low-income Marylanders. He graduated cum laude from Temple University\, Beasley School of Law in 2006. \n\nNACA would also like to thank the following members of the eCourse Development team: Ron Burdge\, Michael Cardoza\, Ian Chowdury\, Russell Dombrow\, Christine Anderson Ferraris\, Melissa Huelsman\, Suzanne Iazetta\, Sarah Ritchie and Joseph Sternberg.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/ecourses/nacas-business-development-ecourse-101-build-a-successful-consumer-law-practice/
CATEGORIES:eCourses,Online Training Courses,Upcoming
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250116T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250116T153000
DTSTAMP:20250117T135427Z
CREATED:20241212T202931Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250117T135427Z
UID:20689-1737036000-1737041400@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:How to Effectively Search the CFPB’s Consumer Complaint Database
DESCRIPTION:The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)\, a federal government agency\, collects consumer complaints about credit cards\, mortgages\, bank accounts\, student loans\, consumer loans\, credit reporting\, money transfers\, debt collection\, and other financial problems. Each week it sends about 50\,000 complaints about these financial products and services to companies for response. After companies respond\, either confirming a commercial relationship with the consumer or after 15 days\, complaints are published on CFPB’s Consumer Complaint Database. Join us for a discussion with CFPB about their public database which contains nearly five million consumer complaints. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n\nHow to search the public database to find emerging trends among populations you care about\nHow improve your search by examining sample search threads and database features so you can find information on financial products important to you\nWhat are best practices for searching the public complaint database\n\n\nSpeakers \nChris Bernstein is a Program Manager for Complaint Policy in the Division of Consumer Response and Education. He has worked with CFPB for four years. In various roles at the bureau he has supported engagement with statutorily assigned underserved communities\, outreach on consumer savings\, and supported CFPB’s consumer complaint function. \nGreg Evans is a Regulatory Compliance Program Manager in the Consumer Response Investigations section. He has been with the Bureau since early 2012\, working primarily with Consumer Response. Through complaint reviews he plays a key role in sharing consumer challenges in the financial marketplace with Bureau stakeholders. Before joining the Bureau in 2012\, Greg worked as an attorney focused on complex civil litigation. \nKelly Byrne is a Regulatory Compliance Program Manager in the Consumer Response Investigations section. She has been with the Bureau since its founding in 2011\, working primarily with Consumer Response. Through complaint reviews she plays a key role in sharing consumer challenges in the financial marketplace with Bureau stakeholders. Before joining the Bureau in 2011\, Kelly served as an Examiner with the Office of Thrift Supervision. \n\nPlease note this webinar is free to the whole community. If you are not a member and have not previously verified your account\, you will need to verify your account to register for the webinar. All registrants will have access to the webinar recording after the webinar has aired.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/how-to-effectively-search-the-cfpbs-consumer-complaint-database/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250121T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250121T150000
DTSTAMP:20250122T130456Z
CREATED:20250109T175355Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250122T130456Z
UID:21160-1737468000-1737471600@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:What to Do with Solar Panels in Bankruptcy
DESCRIPTION:More and more there are bankruptcies of solar panel installers. Also\, there are increasing numbers of individuals who want to get rid of their solar panels through the bankruptcy process. This webinar will address both sides of the issue. This webinar will be helpful for practitioners who are navigating a consumer dealing with bankruptcy filed by their solar panel installer or represent a debtor in bankruptcy with solar panel debts. \nWhat You Will Learn \n\n What to look for in installer contracts and their implications in bankruptcy\n How to navigate the bankruptcy system for your client\, including obtaining relief from the automatic stay\, appearance in out-of-state bankruptcies\, filing of a Proof of Claim and when to commence an Adversary Proceeding\nHow to assist a consumer debtor through filing their own bankruptcy to successfully deal with solar panel debts\, including:\n\nThe fundamentals of UCC-9\nTreatment of solar panels in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13\nNegotiations with solar panel lenders.\n\n\n\nSpeaker:  \nEdward Boltz is the managing partner at the Law Offices of John T. Orcutt\, P.C.\, where he has represented clients in not only Chapter 7 and 13\, but also in related consumer rights litigation\, including fighting abusive mortgage practices and developing solutions for student loans. Mr. Boltz received his B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis in 1993 and his J.D. from George Washington University in 1996. He is a member of the NC State Bar\, where he has been certified as a specialist in consumer bankruptcy law. He is admitted to practice before the Districts Courts in both the Eastern and Middle Districts of North Carolina. Mr.  Boltz served as the President of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) from 2013 through 2016\, and remains on its Board of Directors\, co-chair the Legislative Committee.   Mr. Boltz was a commissioner on the American Bankruptcy Institute’s Consumer Bankruptcy Commission from 2017-2019.  He also served on the Bankruptcy Council for the North Carolina Bar Association\, where he co-chaired the Committee which created a Mortgage Modification Program for the North Carolina bankruptcy courts. Mr. Boltz is also the President of the Monti\, a North Carolina organization that produces live storytelling shows and recordings of his and others tales can be heard at www.themonti.org. \nAs founder of The Consumer Protection Attorney\, PA\, and with over a decade of litigation experience\, Bryant Dunivan practices across multiple federal jurisdictions\, including Florida’s Northern\, Middle\, and Southern Districts. His expertise spans consumer protection litigation nationwide\, with particular emphasis on solar panel financing disputes. A respected voice in consumer advocacy\, he regularly presents at NACA conferences and serves on the Florida Bar’s Consumer Protection Law Committee. He has secured numerous judgments against solar panel lenders and installers\, establishing significant precedent in consumer protection matters. Mr. Dunivan is admitted to practice in Florida (2013) and Michigan (2021)\, with pro hac vice admissions across multiple federal districts. He holds a J.D. with litigation concentration from Western Michigan University – Thomas M. Cooley Law School (2012). \n\nThis webinar is being co-sponsored by NACBA. The live webinar is free to NACBA members. If you are a member of NACBA\, please create an account on NACA’s website and email training@consumeradvocates.org to get your account verified and to receive the registration code. All NACA members will already be able to register for the live webinar at no cost.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/what-to-do-with-solar-panels-in-bankruptcy/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250130T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250130T150000
DTSTAMP:20250131T133809Z
CREATED:20250117T133422Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250131T133809Z
UID:21471-1738245600-1738249200@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Fighting against Fraudulent Practices in Reverse Mortgage Servicing
DESCRIPTION:Some mortgage companies exploit seniors through deceptive reverse mortgage practices\, including improper charges or payments related to tax payments\, homeowners’ insurance and occupancy certifications. This webinar will explore potential breaches of contract and violations of state and federal consumer protection laws\, offering valuable insights to address these injustices. \nBy attending\, you’ll gain knowledge of how these breaches and violations may occur and the devastating effects they have on elderly homeowners. You’ll leave equipped with tools to identify potential violations and take action\, making a difference in the fight against fraudulent practices in reverse mortgage servicing. \n\nWhat You Will Learn: \n\n\n\nHow a reverse mortgage compares to a conventional mortgage\nHow to identify potential breaches of contract\nHow to identify potential statutory violations to hold bad actors accountable and protect elderly homeowners\, such as Florida’s UDAP and the FDCPA\n\n\n\n\nSpeaker \nGeoff Stahl is a part of a select group of attorneys who have been declared Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyers by the Florida Bar\, and has just joined the Gordon & Partners team! Geoff has extensive litigation experience in both class actions as well as representation of individuals. Geoff handles complex civil and commercial litigation\, banking and finance disputes\, consumer fraud and protection issues\, insurance denials (including homeowner’s and health insurance) as well as statutory and contractual violations\, to name a few. Geoff also works very closely with appellate lawyers for cases appealed. \n\nPlease note that all live webinars are free to NACA members. If you are a non-member who purchased this webinar or a higher level member\, you will be able to access the webinar recording at no additional cost.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/fighting-against-fraudulent-practices-in-reverse-mortgage-servicing/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250205T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250205T153000
DTSTAMP:20250206T151538Z
CREATED:20250116T141306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250206T151538Z
UID:21438-1738764000-1738769400@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Bankruptcy may be the Best Choice for Student Loan Relief Post Election
DESCRIPTION:Have you been wondering how the new ED guidelines for discharging federal student loan debt in bankruptcy may help in your practice?  This webinar will explore potential relief for student loan debt in the next administration. \nPlease note that there will be a 30-minute online conversation following the webinar for those who want to stay on and chat about students loans and bankruptcy. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n\n\n\nWhat is the new Attestation Process in bankruptcy?\nWhat do you need to do in advance of filing?\nWhat can you expect after the election?\n\n\n\n\nSpeaker \nChristie Arkovich has been an AV rated Florida licensed attorney for more than 25 years since graduation from Stetson College of Law in 1992 with honors. In addition to Law Review\, Ms. Arkovich gained practical experience by an internship with the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office and a clerkship with the Florida Bar. Thereafter\, she worked in commercial litigation for three years for private law firms until starting her own consumer practice in 1995. Whenever possible\, Ms. Arkovich takes the opportunity to share her knowledge about student loans gained from prior work as trial counsel for Sallie Mae\, ECMC and other student loan servicers or guarantors\, and from her practice now on the consumer side of things. She recently served on the Student Loan Committee for the new Student Loan Management Program in the Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida. \n\nPlease note that all live webinars are free to NACA members. If you are a non-member who purchased this webinar or a higher level member\, you will be able to access the webinar recording at no additional cost. \nIf you have registered for the webinar\, you can access it here.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/bankruptcy-may-be-the-best-choice-for-student-loan-relief-post-election/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250207T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250207T170000
DTSTAMP:20250226T155906Z
CREATED:20250210T162744Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250226T155906Z
UID:22030-1738915200-1738947600@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Introduction to Consumer Law Package
DESCRIPTION:Webinars\n– Spotting FCRA Violations by Reviewing Your Client’s Credit Reports\n– Developing an Auto Practice Part: Issue Spotting Auto Claims\n– Debt Defense\n– Fair Debt Collections Practices Act 101\n– Loss Mitigation 101\n– RESPA 101: Drafting Effective Requests for Information and Notices of Error\n– Introduction to Student Loan Cases\n– To be or not to be Practical: Strategies and Best Practices in Negotiating and Litigating Your Fees\n– How to Prepare your Case for Arbitration\n– Discovery Planning and Alternatives to Formal Discovery \n\nWhy These Videos Are Helpful\nThis professional development package includes a series of 101 webinars that introduce consumers attorneys to the FDCPA\, FCRA\, RESPA and other consumer statutes. This is a great resource to learn how to spot consumer law violations. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n\nWhat are the common causes of credit report inaccuracies\nHow to find viable auto fraud cases\nWhat are common FDCPA violations\nHow to litigate debt defense cases\nHow to draft Requests for Information and Notices of Error for RESPA cases\nWhat the options are for home retention and other foreclosure prevention alternatives\nWhat the key differences are between Federal and Private loans
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/webinar-bundles/introduction-to-consumer-law-package/
CATEGORIES:Curated Webinar Bundles,Online Training Courses
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250213T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250213T150000
DTSTAMP:20250214T135504Z
CREATED:20250124T153748Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250214T135504Z
UID:21604-1739455200-1739458800@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Consumer Protection Issues in Real Estate After the National Association of Realtors Settlement
DESCRIPTION:Real estate brokers have enjoyed decades of freedom from regulation and accountability\, resulting in commission levels about twice that of comparable nations. The NAR settlement exposed the underlying anti-competitive practices\, but the industry is adapting its model to maintain inflated commissions. This webinar will discuss opportunities available to consumer protection attorneys– whether representing individual consumers or bringing class cases– to make a difference for home buyers and sellers. \n\nWhat You Will Learn:\n• What the NAR lawsuit was all about and the terms of the settlement.\n• How realtors are doing work arounds and potential causes of action\n• How to represent consumers who are working with realtors \n\nSpeakers \nDoug Miller is Executive Director of Consumer Advocates in American Real Estate (CAARE) and the foremost advocate for American consumers engaged in real estate transactions. He is originating attorney in Moehrl v. NAR\, et. al.\, the original case in the NAR lawsuit. Doug also is an attorney (Real Property Law Specialist certified by Minnesota State Bar Association) and a real estate broker. \nPrentiss Cox is a Professor of Law at the University of Minnesota Law School. He previously was an Assistant Attorney General\, and currently is a Special Assistant Attorney General\, in the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. He has litigated numerous well-known cases involving mortgage lending and real estate. \n\nPlease note that all live webinars are free to NACA members. If you are a non-member who purchased this webinar or a higher level member\, you will be able to access the webinar recording at no additional cost. \nClick here to join the live webinar.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/consumer-protection-issues-in-real-estate-after-the-national-association-of-realtors-settlement/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
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