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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230816T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230816T150000
DTSTAMP:20230817T123413Z
CREATED:20230731T123119Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230817T123413Z
UID:15898-1692194400-1692198000@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:RESPA 101: Drafting Effective Requests for Information and Notices of Error (2023)
DESCRIPTION:As the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) nears its tenth birthday in January 2024\, it is clear that it has established itself as the most effective tool that any consumer practitioner can use when dealing with mortgage servicers. Requests for Information (RFIs) and Notices of Error (NOEs) are a necessary information tool\, a vital discovery tool\, and a sword to attack a mortgage servicer when errors are made. Most importantly for your clients\, RFIs and NOEs serve as a shield that protects their interests. Now more than ever\, consumer attorneys need to know how to prepare proper RFIs and NOEs and how to use the information gathered. This webinar is geared to beginner attorneys who want to improve their RFIs and NOEs. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n● How to draft Requests for Information and Notices of Error\n● How use Notices of Error as a litigation tool\n● How to use Requests for Information as a discovery tool \n\nSpeaker\nBrian Flick is the managing partner of Dann Law’s Cincinnati Office. He is a tireless advocate for consumers in Ohio\, Kentucky and across the United States. He has litigated RESPA cases in federal and appellate courts across the country including Alabama\, Arkansas\, California\, Colorado\, Florida\, Georgia\, Illinois\, Indiana\, Kansas\, Kentucky\, Michigan\, Missouri\, Nevada\, New Jersey\, New York\, Ohio\, Oregon\, Pennsylvania\, Tennessee\, and Texas. He is a Board Member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and is the Ohio Chair of the National Association of Consumer Advocates.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/respa-101-drafting-effective-requests-for-information-and-notices-of-error-2023/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230914T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230914T153000
DTSTAMP:20240816T152925Z
CREATED:20230817T150839Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240816T152925Z
UID:16021-1694700000-1694705400@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Life Coaching\, Business Coaching & Self-Help Scams: Consumer Rights & Remedies
DESCRIPTION:Life coaching is a $2 billion dollar industry that has grown by over a third since 2015. The global wellness industry is estimated to be worth $1.5 trillion. Online marketing is expected to continue to grow at an estimated nine percent per year. The self-help industry is not going away anytime soon. \nWhile these statistics reflect innovative and legitimate solutions to meet consumers’ needs for more optimal lives\, it’s still a wild west where wellness and coaching businesses are not specifically regulated. \nThis makes it very difficult for even educated consumers to discern legitimate personal development programs from quacks\, grifters\, and price gougers. Consumers are getting ripped off in the tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars and have been groomed to blame themselves when they don’t get their money’s worth. \nNACA lawyers are in the best position to help them\, and today you’ll find out how. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n• What is wrong with the self-help industry and how we got here\n• How to spot common coaching & wellness rip-offs\n• Which claims to plead to best solve your clients’ problems \n\nSpeakers \nSaraEllen Hutchison is a consumer rights trial lawyer and a NACA member since 2011. She stands up for the rights of individuals who are victims of false credit reporting or otherwise have significant emotional and economic injuries\, resulting in significant relief to her clients and the clients of her colleagues and collaborators. Her most notable trial cases include Sedric Ward v. Shelby County\, Western District of Tennessee Case No. 2:20-cv-2407-JPM-cgc; jury finding that Shelby County’s USERRA violations were willfully affirmed by Court. See\, 2:20-cv-2407-JPM-cgc Dkt. 191\, and Brandt v. Columbia Credit Servs.\,Western District of Washington Case No. 2:17-cv-703-RSM (judgment against debt collector Woehler under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act; see also 2018 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 164445). SaraEllen is also a lifelong personal development geek with two life coaching certifications\, and knows the good\, the bad\, and the ugly in the wellness world. SaraEllen is licensed in Washington State and Alaska. She is a December 2004 graduate of Georgia State University College of Law. Law Office of SaraEllen Hutchison\, PLLC is her solo firm based in Tacoma\, Washington. You can find her at lifecoachlawsuit.com and saraellenhutchison.com. \nRachel Bentley has dedicated her practice to advocating on behalf of consumers who have been victims of corporate wrongdoing and scams. Ms. Bentley is an attorney with Gordon and Partners class action team and litigates consumer protection cases\, mass torts\, and complex consumer fraud class action cases. Prior to joining the firm\, Ms. Bentley prosecuted violations of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act as an Assistant Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Division of the Florida Attorney General’s Office. Before serving as an Assistant Attorney General\, Ms. Bentley was the Senior Staff Attorney of the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County\, Inc.’s Consumer Advocacy Unit\, where she protected the rights of disadvantaged members of the community and represented indigent consumers who were wronged by businesses and fraudsters. Ms. Bentley is a Vice-Chair of the Florida Bar’s Consumer Protection Law Committee and serves as Chair of the Palm Beach County Justice Association Young Lawyers Board of Directors.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/life-coaching-business-coaching-self-help-scams-consumer-rights-remedies/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230920T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230920T160000
DTSTAMP:20230921T130046Z
CREATED:20230831T134806Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230921T130046Z
UID:16133-1695218400-1695225600@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Win Your Auto Case Through Written Discovery and Advanced Discovery Topics
DESCRIPTION:Interested in improving your discovery skills in your auto cases? This seminar will address pre- and post-filing discovery techniques and provide tools to maximize the chance of success. This webinar is geared to attorneys with at least an intermediate level of experience in auto cases. \nFollowing the one-hour webinar\, attorneys are invited to join an online discussion on discovery. Meet your fellow attorneys and discuss best practices on auto discovery. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n\nHow to use pre suit discovery and investigation\nWhen to send third party subpoenas\nWhat questions to ask car dealer reps in depositions\nHow to amass pattern and practice evidence and net worth discovery\nWhen to use motions to compel\nHow to time discovery requests\nHow to handle discovery abuse\nHow to seek sanctions\n\n\nSpeakers \nElliot Conn is the founder of Conn Law\, PC\, a California consumer protection law practice headquartered in San Francisco. Elliot has successfully litigated hundreds of consumer cases\, both individual and class actions. Through his class actions and other complex cases\, Elliot has been successful in eliminating over $1 billion in consumer debt on behalf of hundreds of thousands of Californians. Elliot’s cases have also put millions of dollars back in consumers’ pockets nationwide. Elliot is AV Martindale-Hubbell rated. Elliot is a graduate of the University of California\, Berkeley\, School of Law and received his Bachelor of Arts from Colgate University. \nJohn Cole Gayle\, Jr. is a nationally known expert on Consumer Law. His practice primarily involves Lemon Law\, fraudulently induced contracts\, debt settlement\, and the FCRA. He is author of the 1988\, 1990\, 1998\, and 2022 legislative amendments of the Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act (Virginia’s lemon law)\, and he has been involved in amendments to the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. He has authored articles on Virginia’s Lemon Law for various periodicals\, wrote the chapter on Consumer Statutory Remedies in the Virginia Product Liability Treatise (to be published). He was chair of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association Legislative Subcommittee on Consumer Law and is the past Virginia State Chair of NACA. He received his B.A. from Hampden-Sydney College\, cum laude\, and his J.D. from the T. C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond in 1979\, where he was on the National Moot Court team. He is past vestryman of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church\, was instrumental in initiating and developing St. Stephens’ Prison Ministry to the Richmond City Jail\, and he has facilitated adult Christian education classes.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/win-your-auto-case-through-written-discovery-and-advanced-discovery-topics/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230926T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230926T153000
DTSTAMP:20240816T152415Z
CREATED:20230906T151805Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240816T152415Z
UID:16177-1695736800-1695742200@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Make an Impact as a Conference Speaker
DESCRIPTION:Are you interested in becoming a better presenter for NACA and NCLC conferences?  Do you want people to remember both what you had to say and who you are? Conferences offer a unique moment in time where attendees focus on their career and gain knowledge\, skills and connections that help them succeed as a consumer attorney. Done right\, a conference presentation can be transformative. \nNACA and NCLC want to help.  This webinar is geared to attorneys of all levels who want to improve their conference presentations. \nPlease note that attendance is free to all members of the consumer law community. Non-members will need to get their account verified before they will be able to register for the webinar. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n\n\n\nHow to increase audience engagement\nHow to create a useful PowerPoint presentation\nHow to translate best practices for adult learning into your presentation\n\n\n\n\nSpeaker \nRebecca Smolar is the Associate Director of Education at NACA. She is responsible for partnering with NACA members to develop and strengthen NACA’s education and training offerings and to ensure that members are kept abreast of trends in the field. Before joining NACA\, she created continuing education programs for high school teachers and college professors through the State University of New York and Washington-DC area think tanks. She started her career as an Officer of Public Affairs at the Embassy of Israel where she gave hundreds of speeches about Israel and U.S.-Israel relations. Ms. Smolar received a M.A. in International Communications from American University and her B.S. in Psychobiology from SUNY Binghamton.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/make-an-impact-as-a-conference-speaker/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231102T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231102T150000
DTSTAMP:20231204T160525Z
CREATED:20231025T164050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231204T160525Z
UID:16519-1698933600-1698937200@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:How to Prepare Your Case for Arbitration
DESCRIPTION:As a dedicated consumer advocate\, you know that being well-versed in arbitration can be a game-changer for your practice\, and this webinar is your golden opportunity to deepen your expertise. Arbitration is a preferred method of dispute resolution\, and attending this webinar will assist you with preparing your client\, witnesses\, and case for presentation before an arbitration panel. Whether you’re a seasoned arbitration practitioner or new to the field\, this webinar caters to all levels of expertise. You’ll discover advanced techniques and best practices that can elevate your legal skills. \n\nWhat You Will Learn:\n• How to prep your case for arbitration\n• Determine when to request desk vs. in-person arbitration\n• When is it reasonable to challenge arbitration provision \n\nSpeakers\nFollowing fifteen years of retail auto industry experience\, John Hendrickson found himself displaced in 2008 and began representing consumers in lemon law and dealer fraud disputes in California. Here\, most of the contracts have arbitration clauses\, but he has found that dealerships do not actually like arbitration when used against them. \nTashia Zeigler grew up in Savannah\, Georgia and Charlotte\, North Carolina. She received a degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2001. She obtained her J.D. from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2005. She began her legal career as a staff attorney with the Georgia Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs in Atlanta. Her main passion was (and is) automobile fraud. In 2011\, she was promoted to Director of the Lemon Law and Dispute Resolution Division with the Office of Consumer Protection. In 2016\, Tashia opened The Zeigler Firm\, where she focused on representing consumers against car dealerships\, manufacturers\, and banks. In 2019\, she closed The Zeigler Firm to join Georgia Legal Services Program\, where she focused on elder law issues. In 2020\, Tashia became GLSP’s first Statewide Supervising Attorney. In August 2021\, Tashia joined the firm of Merbaum & Becker\, PC in Alpharetta\, where she focuses on consumer and commercial matters. \n\nPlease note that live webinars are free to all NACA members. After the webinar has aired\, registrants will need to purchase the webinar if they want to view it. Non-members who purchase the webinar will have access to the webinar after has aired.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/how-to-prepare-your-case-for-arbitration/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231109T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231109T150000
DTSTAMP:20231115T143101Z
CREATED:20231019T171505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231115T143101Z
UID:16512-1699538400-1699542000@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:No Surprises Act: What You Should Know About Surprise Billing Protections
DESCRIPTION:Medical bills often arrive unexpectedly and send many families into a financial tailspin. Unanticipated out-of-network medical bills\, which frequently happen during emergencies\, can reach hundreds or thousands of dollars. The No Surprises Act (NSA)\, which passed in 2020 and went into effect in 2022\, broadly prohibits out-of-network bills for emergency and certain non-emergency situations. \nThis webinar will provide a general overview of patients’ rights against surprise medical bills under the NSA\, focusing on privately insured and uninsured patients. Public insurance programs like Medicaid and Medicare have their own surprise billing protections\, but the NSA and a handful of state surprise billing laws offer protection to privately-insured and uninsured patients. While these surprise billing laws have their limitations\, consumer attorneys should be aware of the complaint processes available if they believe a client has been billed in violation of surprise billing protections. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n\n\n\nWhat patient surprise billing protections exist under the federal No Surprises Act\nWhat state surprise billing protections and Medicare/Medicaid surprise billing protections attorneys can use to help clients\nHow to set up a complaint process for these accounts\nHow to leverage surprise billing protections to advocate for clients\n\n\n\n\nSpeaker \nBerneta L. Haynes is a senior attorney who focuses on consumer energy policy and medical debt. At NCLC\, she recently authored Protecting Older Adults from Surprise Medical Bills and The Racial Health and Wealth Gap: Impact of Medical Debt on Black Families. She is also a contributing author to the medical debt chapter of NCLC’s Collection Actions practice manual. Before joining NCLC\, she served as a director at Georgia Watch\, a state-based consumer advocacy organization in Atlanta\, where she worked to make energy programs\, quality healthcare\, financial protection\, and civil justice more equitable and accessible for all. At Georgia Watch\, she led coalitions\, facilitated forums\, steered the passage of crucial medical billing legislation\, and authored consumer-facing educational materials (such as the Georgia Consumer Guide for Medical Bills and Debt) and policy guides on energy equity\, financial protection\, and healthcare billing. Previously\, she practiced law at the Environmental Law and Policy Center in Chicago and Southern Environmental Law Center. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English\, Writing\, and Psychology from Drury University\, her Master’s degree in English from University of Iowa\, and her law degree from University of Iowa College of Law.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-learning/no-surprises-act-what-you-should-know-about-surprise-billing-protections/
CATEGORIES:Online Learning,Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231115T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231115T160000
DTSTAMP:20240819T150600Z
CREATED:20231102T183052Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T150600Z
UID:16550-1700056800-1700064000@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:What Can I Expect If I Take a Solar Fraud Case?
DESCRIPTION:If you are getting calls about solar fraud but have not yet taken on any cases\, or if you have started taking these cases\, but want to learn more\, this webinar is for you.  The presenters\, one with a significant bulk of his practice in solar fraud and one new to this area\, will discuss the basics about how the solar industry works\, common financing models\, common fact patterns\, common defenses\, and things to watch out for\, both good and bad. \nPlease note that the webinar will be followed by a one-hour online discussion. When you register you will receive two reminders\, one for the webinar at 2pm ET and one for the online discussion at 3pm ET. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n\n\n\nWhy solar fraud cases can be great cases and how you can ease into this area\nWhat are the different types of solar fraud cases that are out there and how to recognize good cases and good clients\nWhat are the potential pitfalls and benefits with solar fraud cases\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers \nRob Treinen has practiced consumer protection law almost exclusively since 1999 when he graduated from University of Minnesota Law School and took his first job at Legal Aid in Gallup\, New Mexico.  For the past 13 years\, he has run Treinen Law Office in Albuquerque where he is the sole attorney but blessed with a great staff.  He has presented at CLEs across the country on consumer law topics.  In 2016\, he graduated from the Trial Lawyers College.  He loves his wife and kid\, loves to travel\, and still loves his job.  Solar fraud cases are his newest passion\, making up about half of his cases for the past few years. \nJohn N. Ellem received his law degree from the WVU College of Law in 1992.  He opened Ellem Law Office\, PLLC in July 2000\, where his focus is on consumer protection law in WV and OH including lemon law\, debt collection abuse\, FCRA violations and now solar panel fraud.  He is also involved in human rights work as President of Human Rights for Kids. Mr. Ellem had the privilege of serving 14 years as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates. Along with his wife and daughter\, he enjoys traveling\, hiking\, and fly-fishing.  He has an active yoga practice and is a registered yoga teacher (RYT 500) through Yoga Alliance and currently teaches yoga at his local YMCA\, and at Snowshoe Resort.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/what-can-i-expect-if-i-take-a-solar-fraud-case/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231206T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231206T150000
DTSTAMP:20231207T141203Z
CREATED:20231115T130318Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231207T141203Z
UID:16645-1701871200-1701874800@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Ask the Experts with Dick Rubin and April Kuehnhoff
DESCRIPTION:NACA and NCLC are hosting an Ask the Expert webinar series with two of the nation’s top FDCPA advocates: Dick Rubin and April Kuehnhoff. \nDo you have an FDCPA practice ? This is your opportunity to advance your practice with questions and answers about the FDCPA. April and Dick will be available for an hour-long online question and answer session on topics such as appellate court FDCPA developments\, other FDCPA litigation and policy developments\, and Regulation F. \nWe welcome questions in advance. Please send questions to training@consumeradvocates.org.\nWritten materials\, including briefs will be provided. \nSpeakers\nDick Rubin\, Of Counsel to Gupta Wessler PLLC\, is a nationally preeminent consumer law expert and appellate advocate whose string of victories in the federal courts of appeals has helped set the contours of current federal consumer protection law\, particularly with respect to debt collection practices and credit reporting. Dick is a founding member of the National Association of Consumer Advocates and is now its Chair Emeritus after serving as Chair for many years. He regularly presents continuing legal education and training programs throughout the country. Dick has taught consumer law at the University Of New Mexico School of Law and is a Contributing Author of the National Consumer Law Center Fair Debt Collection and Fair Credit Reporting legal treatises\, two of the widely praised sixteen-volume Consumer Credit and Sales Legal Practice Series that the American Bar Journal review described as “a monumental undertaking comparable to but more practical than the Restatement of Laws.” In 2000 Dick was the recipient of the Vern Countryman Award — the nation’s highest honor for special contributions to the field of consumer law — and was named in 2006 to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiffs’ Lawyers in America. He is frequently quoted on consumer law issues in the press\, ranging from legal specialty publications such as the National Law Journal and general circulation publications such as Smart Money and the New York Times. Dick has practiced law in Santa Fe\, New Mexico for forty-eight years\, concentrating on consumer protection law. He spent the first five years of his career as a legal services attorney and as its state-wide consumer law trainer. He served a stint as the General Counsel of New Mexico’s Department of Human Services as an appointee of Democratic Governor Toney Anaya and then spent several years as a consumer law practitioner in Santa Fe. For the past twenty-eight years\, Dick has limited his practice to handling federal appeals arising under federal consumer protection statutes. During this period of concentration on appellate advocacy\, Dick has appeared before the court of appeals for almost every federal circuit. \nApril Kuehnhoff is a senior attorney in the National Consumer Law Center’s Boston office\, where she advocates for fair debt collection. She is the co-author of NCLC’s Fair Debt Collection and a contributing author to Surviving Debt. Prior to joining NCLC\, Ms. Kuehnhoff was an associate at Shapiro Haber & Urmy LLP\, a law clerk for the Honorable Justice Gary Katzmann at the Massachusetts Appeals Court\, and a Skirnick Public Interest Fellow at the Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services office of Greater Boston Legal Services. She is a graduate of Wellesley College and Harvard Law School.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-learning/ask-the-experts-with-dick-rubin-and-april-kuehnhoff/
CATEGORIES:Online Learning,Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240101
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240410
DTSTAMP:20240528T173053Z
CREATED:20231011T183914Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240528T173053Z
UID:16429-1704067200-1712707199@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Class Action 101 eCourse
DESCRIPTION:Nonmembers need to be verified. Email Rebecca Smolar to start the process.\n\n\nClass action litigation is one of the most powerful legal remedies available and a powerful tool for you as an attorney. Class actions allow individuals who might otherwise be overlooked and underserved to be compensated for the fraud that hurt them. It allows you\, as a consumer attorney\, to level the playing field. \nLitigating a class action claim requires new skills and provides opportunities to expand your practice. The Class Action 101 eCourse is an Ecourse that will connect you with the knowledge and resources needed to become a class action attorney. Attendees are eligible to receive sixteen CLE credits. \n\nAbout the eCourse\nThe eCourse includes:\n• Recordings of Live Sessions with instruction with top class action attorneys from across the country \n\nIssue Spotting: Finding Individual Cases that would Make Excellent Classes\nWorking with Class Action Clients and Reps\nEthics and Class Actions\nOvercoming Arbitration Hurdles\nVenue and Threshold Challenges\nStanding and Class Cases\nUnique Defenses for a Client and Class Definition\nClass Damages and Discovery\nSettlement Negotiations and Agreements\nWorking with Class Administrators\nGetting Settlement Approved\n\n• written materials\n• webinars and video content \nYou will receive sixteen CLE credits once you have finished the course. NACA is an approved multi-provider of CLE credits for the State of California and the State of Pennsylvania. All course registrants from California and Pennsylvania will automatically be approved to receive sixteen CLE credits.  \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n\nHow to vet a clients and case for class action potential:\nHow to strategize around potential challenges\, such as standing and unique defenses for a client\, and develop a plan to address them\nHow to settle a class case\nHow to address ethical challenges that arise during class litigation\nHow discovery in class cases differs from individual cases\n\n\nCourse Developers\nNACA would like to thank the following members of the Class Action eCourse development team: Alexander Burke\, Heather Kolbus\, Craig Marchiando\, Casey Nash\, Bryan Thompson\, Amy Wells and eCourse Chairs John Albanese and Anna Haac. \nCourse Instructors\nNACA would like to thank the following course instructors: John Albanese\, Alexander Burke\, Blythe Chandler\, Anna C. Haac\, Heather Kolbus\, Eric Lechtzin\, Seth R. Lesser\, Craig Marchiando\, David J. McGlothlin\, Casey S. Nash\, Leah M. Nicholls\, Sophia Rios\, John Soumilas\, Amy E. Tabor\, Bryan Thompson and Amy Wells. \nClick here to learn more them \n\n\n\nNonmembers need to be verified. Email Rebecca Smolar to start the process.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/ecourses/class-action-ecourse/
CATEGORIES:eCourses,Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240110T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240110T150000
DTSTAMP:20240111T145941Z
CREATED:20231218T162824Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240111T145941Z
UID:16957-1704895200-1704898800@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Predatory Lending: Current Trends and Claim Spotting
DESCRIPTION:Almost every state has enacted usury laws that limit the amount of interest that a lender can charge on a loan. Despite these well-established laws\, predatory lenders continue to make blatantly illegal loans that violate state usury laws. Every year\, there are millions of consumers who are victimized by these loans and need our help. Come learn how you can assist\, including through class actions. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n• How to intake a potential case\, including choice-of-law and arbitration considerations\n• What special considerations exist for tribal lenders and rent-a-bank\n• How to couple usury claims with RICO’s prohibition against the collection of unlawful debt\n• What to expect when you file a case\, including special issues related to class actions \n\nSpeaker \nAndrew Guzzo’s practice focuses exclusively on representing consumers\, with an emphasis on litigation against internet lenders\, credit reporting agencies\, and debt collectors. Andrew has litigated more than two dozen cases related to high-cost lending. These cases have involved each of the major players in the industry\, including lenders\, investors\, architects of the rent-a-tribe scheme\, tribal officials\, specialized credit reporting agencies\, and lead generators. Over the past five years\, Andrew has been involved in class actions that have returned more than $100 million dollars to consumers and cancelled more than $1 billion in predatory loans.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-learning/predatory-lending-current-trends-and-claim-spotting/
CATEGORIES:Online Learning,Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T160000
DTSTAMP:20240117T122507Z
CREATED:20230918T140112Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240117T122507Z
UID:16290-1705413600-1705420800@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Credit Repair Organizations Act: Fight Scams\, Do Right in Your FCRA Practice\, Understand Recent Developments
DESCRIPTION:In a post-Covid era\, more consumers are falling prey to scams promising improved credit. Billions of dollars are lost annually by consumers trying to achieve a higher credit rating. The Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA) governs the conduct of those (including lawyers) that provide certain services— including mere promises of such services. With its fee-shifting provisions\, CROA can successfully be used by consumer advocates to pursue fraudulent claims. Please note that the webinar is one-hour and that there will be an optional\, one-hour\, online discussion session following the webinar. \n\nWhat You Will Learn \n\n\n\nHow to spot services that fall within CROA\, as well as the restrictions CROA places on companies\nHow to analyze a defendant for financial viability for purposes of bringing a suit\nHow to avoid running afoul of CROA as a consumer advocate\nHow to avoid having credit bureaus reject disputes\nHow to deal with arbitration provisions\nWhat to do about the authority split regarding non-CRO’s liability under the CROA\nHow to make sense of recent CROA developments\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers \nHeidi N. Miller is a solo practitioner in Milwaukee\, Wisconsin.  She is licensed in both California and Wisconsin.  For over ten years\, she has focused on consumer law\, specifically representing consumers in claims involving improper debt collection actions\, unlawful repossessions\, credit reporting errors\, and auto sales fraud.  In 2015\, she was second chair in a federal jury trial under CROA\, receiving a 37 multiplier on punitive damages.  She enjoys traveling and has visited all seven continents and 99 countries. \nJohn H. Goolsby has litigated FCRA cases for more than twenty years and established the Goolsby Law Office\, LLC\, in 2006. His FCRA practice is focused on individual inaccuracy cases. His practice is relatively small volume\, emphasizing quality case selection and individual attention to each case. Successes include obtaining a six-figure judgment against Freddie Mac in a case that focused on whether government-sponsored enterprises such as Freddie and Fannie can be held liable as consumer reporting agencies under the FCRA. Other practice areas include mortgage servicing\, FDCPA\, ECOA\, banking law\, scams targeting seniors\, and moving company scams. John works and lives in Saint Paul\, Minnesota. \n\nPlease note that live webinars are free to all NACA members. After the webinar has aired\, registrants will need to purchase the webinar if they want to view it. Non-members who purchased the webinar and higher level/firm members will have access to the webinar after it has aired.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-training-courses/credit-repair-organizations-act-fight-scams-do-right-in-your-fcra-practice-understand-recent-developments/
CATEGORIES:Online Training Courses,Upcoming
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240220T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240220T150000
DTSTAMP:20240221T165828Z
CREATED:20240117T132639Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240221T165828Z
UID:17207-1708437600-1708441200@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Tenant Screening – Intro and Updates from the FTC
DESCRIPTION:Join staff from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as they share information about consumer protection issues relating to tenants. This webinar will provide a great introduction for those new to these issues and a good update for those who may be more knowledgeable about the Federal Trade Commission’s work. \nPlease note this webinar is free to all members of the consumer law community. Non-members will need to be verified before they can register. Email training@consumeradvocates.org after you have created an account on NACA’s webpage and you are ready to be verified. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n• What FTC’s TransUnion/TURSS settlement means for legal aid and consumer attorneys and their clients\n• FTC’s Request for Information on Tenant Screening Practices\n• How to take advantage of FTC resources.\n• How to help clients clean up outdated information or errors on their tenant screening reports \n\nSpeakers \nJarad Brown is an attorney in the Division of Privacy and Identity Protection of the Federal Trade Commission\, Bureau of Consumer Protection. He investigates and litigates violations of U.S. laws enforced by the Commission that govern the privacy and security of consumer information. In his decade at the FTC\, Jarad has worked on a variety of topics\, including investigations into tenant screening companies and data security cases. Jarad was also a trial team member for two DPIP litigations. In addition to investigation and litigation\, he has organized and moderated FTC events\, and spoken on topics of cybersecurity\, online behavioral advertising\, privacy by design\, and credit reports. Jarad is also part of the team working on the FTC’s Request of Information on tenant screening. He is a graduate of the University of California\, Berkeley School of Law. \nWhitney Moore has been an attorney in the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection\, in the Division of Privacy and Identity Protection\, since she joined the FTC in 2018. She investigates companies for potential unfair and deceptive business practices as well as potential violations of other consumer protection laws enforced by the FTC. Her recent work has focused on tenant screening issues\, including investigating potential violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act and being part of the team working on the FTC’s Request for Information on tenant screening. Whitney is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/upcoming/tenant-screening-intro-and-updates-from-the-ftc/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240221T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240221T150000
DTSTAMP:20240223T150512Z
CREATED:20240212T182548Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240223T150512Z
UID:17504-1708524000-1708527600@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Picking a Good Session Topic
DESCRIPTION:There are hundreds of topics that one could choose to present at a conference on consumer rights. The CRLC attracts more than 900 consumer attorneys from legal aid\, private practice\, public interest\, regulatory agencies\, and governments attorneys. NACA and NCLC webinars can potentially reach hundreds of attorneys who are seeking to learn new skills and knowledge. While it is difficult to please everyone\, you can please many by starting with a good topic and keeping your audience in mind. \nThis webinar and online conversation is geared towards attorneys who are interested in submitting a proposal for a session at the Consumer Rights Litigation Conference or submitting a session proposal for online learning through NACA and NCLC. This webinar can be paired with Make an Impact as a Conference Speaker if you are interested in being a presenter for the webinar you propose. \n \n\nWhat You Will Learn: \n\nWhat questions to ask to formulate the best session for your target audience\nHow to think about your presentation in terms of skills and not just knowledge\nHow to make your proposal (and session) more engaging so that the content will be memorable\n\n\nPresenters \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. She also collaborates with the National Consumer Law Center to improve the quality of joint NCLC-NACA education programs.  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 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. Previously\, Andrea was a partner at Molleur Law Office in Biddeford\, ME\, and worked as an attorney for Northeast Legal Aid in Lawrence\, Massachusetts where she was one of NCLC’s first recipients of the John G. Brooks fellowship. Andrea holds a B.A. from the University of Vermont and obtained her JD and Masters of Social Work from Boston College. She is admitted to practice law in Massachusetts\, Maine\, and New Hampshire. \n\nPlease note that this webinar is co-sponsored with the National Consumer Law Center. This webinar is free to the community. If you are not a member of NACA and do not already have a verified account\, you need to get your NACA account verified before you can purchase the webinar. \n 
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-learning/picking-a-good-session-topic/
CATEGORIES:Online Learning,Online Training Courses
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240229T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240229T160000
DTSTAMP:20240301T142024Z
CREATED:20240214T150508Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240301T142024Z
UID:17525-1709215200-1709222400@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Refining and Developing Your Identity Theft Practice 2024
DESCRIPTION:Identity theft is a growing problem in the U.S.\, and attorneys need to be fully aware of all civil legal avenues that are available to assist consumers who are victims of identity theft. This presentation will go into detail regarding pre-filing case preparation\, we will discuss facts from litigated cases\, and provide insight into the defense’s most likely course(s) of action to derail legitimate consumer identity theft cases.   \nThis webinar is designed to assist consumer lawyers who are familiar with civil identity theft laws in refining their pre-litigation and litigation strategies.   \nPlease note this webinar will be followed by an hour-long conversation on ID theft. All who register for the webinar are welcome to attend both events. \n\nWhat You Will Learn  \n\nHow to select cases and prepare for litigation  \nHow to develop a dispute strategy \nHow to effectively structure complaints and litigation approaches for ID theft cases against CRAs and Furnishers \nWhat are CRA and Furnisher Defense tactics and how to prepare for and counter them  \n\n\nSpeaker  \nLauren Veggian is a senior associate at The Cardoza Law Corporation. She is licensed in both New York (2015) and California (2016)\, and primarily practices in California. Her practice is focused on representing consumers in claims involving credit reporting errors\, identity theft\, and debt collection violations. Lauren is a 2010 graduate of Princeton University and a 2014 graduate of Hofstra University Law School.  
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-learning/refining-and-developing-your-identity-theft-practice-2024/
CATEGORIES:Online Learning,Online Training Courses
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240301T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240301T152700
DTSTAMP:20241206T154118Z
CREATED:20231121T152747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241206T154118Z
UID:16691-1709251200-1709306820@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:FCRA Discovery eCourse Part 1
DESCRIPTION:Mastering discovery challenges is the most important skill attorneys need to get the evidence to succeed at trial and settlement negotiations. Knowing what to ask for and when is one hurdle. Getting those documents is not always easy and may involve negotiations and protective orders. Understanding the documents and testimony you receive is another challenge. Finally\, combing through the evidence to create your case narrative is yet another skill you need to gain to make the whole process worthwhile. \nThe FCRA Discovery eCourse will help you with all these challenges and more! Please note that the majority of the content in this eCourse is new and is not available for purchase in any other product. This eCourse is self-paced and access never expires. \nThe FCRA Discovery eCourse Part 1 contains videos on the following discovery challenges:\n• Understanding Tools in Your Toolbox\n• Using Discovery to Tell Your Client’s Story\n• Creating an Early Discovery Plan\n• Informal Discovery: Good\, Bad\, and the Ugly\n• Initial Written Disclosures\n• Protective Orders and Confidentiality \nRegistrants that complete the course will be eligible to receive seven CLEs. \n\nWhat You Will Learn\n• What resources can you use to improve your discovery and get the case moving\n• How to address the elements of your claim\n• How to tell the client’s story with the documents\n• How reach your evidentiary burden\n• What initial discovery you need for your factual story\n• What documents and evidence you can collect without protective orders\n• What information you will be sharing in the initial discovery stage\n• How to tell story through disclosures\n• How to serve disclosures based on location\n• How to utilize when client information is the subject of the documents (protect clients)\n• How to use protective orders and confidentiality to move the case along \nWhat the Course Includes:\n• Original\, recorded\, video conversations among top practitioners from across the country\n• Microlearning videos with tips and best practices\n• Sample documents\n• Checklists for Equifax\, Experian\, TransUnion\, ACVDs\, and Furnishers \nClick here to purchase a discounted package of both the FCRA Discovery eCourse and FCRA Case Valuation eCourse ($100 off).  \n\nSpeakers\nUnderstanding Tools in Your Toolbox \nCasey S. Nash has represented consumers for her entire 10-year legal career. She has litigated a variety of issues\, including credit reporting errors\, inaccurate background reports\, illegal debt collection\, mortgage servicing errors and payday loans in more than 450 federal cases. While she practices mostly in Virginia and Washington\, D.C.\, Casey has a national practice and has represented consumers in Maryland\, California\, Florida\, Pennsylvania\, New York\, Georgia\, North Carolina and Tennessee. She litigates both individual and class action cases\, and her exceptional performance in many complex consumer lawsuits has earned her numerous “Rising Star” and “Super Lawyer” recognitions from Super Lawyers in both Virginia and Washington\, D.C. She contributed to the 10th edition of NCLC’s Consumer Class Action Treatise\, and she serves on the Legal Aid Justice Center’s Advisory Committee. \nJed Nolan has devoted his career to protecting West Virginia consumers from predatory lenders and unfair debt collectors. He worked in non-profit organizations focused on protecting the vulnerable at Legal Aid of West Virginia and Mountain State Justice. Jed also worked at a private firm where he advocated consumer rights against aggressive debt collectors and unfair credit reporting practices.\nRobert S. Sola is the founding member of Robert S. Sola\, P.C.\, a consumer law firm based in Portland\, OR. He has been handling FCRA cases since 1996. He represents consumers across the country and has litigated FCRA cases in twenty-five states as co-counsel with many NACA members. Mr. Sola has obtained large jury verdicts against all three major credit reporting agencies. In 2002\, he was lead counsel in Thomas v. Trans Union\, where the jury awarded the consumer $5.3 million. In 2007\, he was co-counsel in Williams v. Equifax\, which resulted in a judgment of $3.4 million. Mr. Sola was named Trial Lawyer of the Year in 2003 by NACA. \n\nUsing Discovery to Tell Your Client’s Story\n\nSaraEllen Hutchison is a consumer rights trial lawyer and a NACA member since 2011. She stands up for the rights of individuals who are victims of false credit reporting or otherwise have significant emotional and economic injuries\, resulting in significant relief to her clients and the clients of her colleagues and collaborators. SaraEllen’s unique approach to litigation and trial brings the emotional stories of her clients to life. Her most notable cases include Sedric Ward v. Shelby County\, Western District of Tennessee Case No. 2:20-cv-2407-JPM-cgc and Brandt v. Columbia Credit Servs.\,Western District of Washington Case No. 2:17-cv-703-RSM. SaraEllen is licensed in Washington State and Alaska. She is a December 2004 graduate of Georgia State University College of Law. Law Office of SaraEllen Hutchison\, PLLC is her solo firm based in Tacoma\, Washington. When SaraEllen is not practicing law\, she is singing and songwriting with her band\, Plaid Lion\, and at local jazz jams. You can find her at lifecoachlawsuit.com and saraellenhutchison.com. \nTony Love founded Love Consumer Law (LCL) to provide Georgia consumers with the legal protection and representation they are entitled to and deserve. He has over 28 years of litigation experience in state and federal courts throughout the United States. He represented one of the country’s largest consumer reporting agencies in several thousand Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) cases over twenty years. He was a member of the trial practice groups of several major law firms\, including over fourteen years with King & Spalding. Tony has represented clients in FCRA and personal injury jury trials through verdict. In addition to his decades-long experience in the credit reporting field\, Tony has also handled personal injury cases for both plaintiffs and defendants and served as in-house counsel for a mortgage servicing company. Tony received his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and his law degree from Georgia State College of Law. \nRonald Wilcox has been a consumer protection attorney since 1995\, with an office in San Jose. Ron is a graduate of Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College and has tried consumer protection cases in federal and state court\, as well as JAMS and AAA. He is a member of the CAOC\, CAALA\, and NACBA. He has presented webinars and spoken at national conferences on consumer law and arbitration. He was awarded Santa Clara University’s Community Law Center’s Community Service Award. Ron is the author of “Conducting Individual Arbitrations” in NCLC’s Consumer Arbitration Agreements. \n\nCreating an Early Discovery Plan\n\nBarry S. Balmuth was lead counsel for the plaintiffs in cases that resulted in the largest recovery in an inverse condemnation action in Florida ($42 million after a successful liability trial) and the third-largest individual verdict under the FCRA ($3.55 million). He is board certified by the Florida Bar in both civil trial law and business litigation. He obtained JD and MBA degrees from Emory University in 1990. He focuses his practice on property rights\, consumer rights\, and other civil litigation. \nAnthony Chester was born just outside of Washington D.C.\, moved around a bit as a kid\, and then spent most of his early life in Michigan. Anthony went to college at Michigan State University and received two bachelor’s degrees: one in political theory and constitutional democracy\, and the other in philosophy. After college\, Anthony attended Michigan State University College of Law and graduated with his J.D. in 2013. Anthony moved to Minnesota in 2014 and began practicing consumer law in 2015 when he opened a Minneapolis branch of a firm based out of California. In October 2022\, Anthony opened his own firm\, Chester Law. \nAdam Thoresen is a division chief\, Consumer Advocacy and Litigation at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid. He graduated from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2008. Consumer cases are very often document intensive and\, likewise\, defense counsel are\, more often than not\, more receptive to damages provable through written communications such as adverse action notices\, housing denials\, denials of credit\, and the like. This makes written discovery crucial to nearly any consumer case to both prove your claims and successfully try or settle a case. He has experience with written discovery in individual and class cases under the FDCPA (and FCCPA)\, FCRA\, TILA\, UDAP claims\, title loans\, foreclosures\, evictions\, auto cases\, credit card and debt collection cases. He is most proud of\, in recent memory\, favorably settling an FCRA case for a cancer survivor and Section 8 Voucher holder for an illegitimate housing debt. Currently\, he is finalizing two separate class actions related to security deposit “theft” and code violations for a large Florida multi-family property owner. Of course\, he is also proud of being awarded the NCLC Rising Star award\, which he humbly accepted but knows so many more deserving consumer advocates. \n\nInformal Discovery: Good\, Bad\, and the Ugly\n\nRobert S. Sola is the founding member of Robert S. Sola\, P.C.\, a consumer law firm based in Portland\, OR. He has been handling FCRA cases since 1996. He represents consumers across the country and has litigated FCRA cases in twenty-five states as co-counsel with many NACA members. Mr. Sola has obtained large jury verdicts against all three major credit reporting agencies. In 2002\, he was lead counsel in Thomas v. Trans Union\, where the jury awarded the consumer $5.3 million. In 2007\, he was co-counsel in Williams v. Equifax\, which resulted in a judgment of $3.4 million. Mr. Sola was named Trial Lawyer of the Year in 2003 by NACA. \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. Subhan 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. \n\nInitial Written Disclosures\n\nJustin M. Baxter is with Baxter & Baxter\, LLP\, in Portland\, OR. Justin’s practice focuses on consumer litigation with an emphasis on credit reporting and unlawful debt collection cases. In 2007\, he obtained a verdict against Equifax for violations of the FCRA. In 2013\, he obtained a verdict against Equifax for $18.5 million for violations of the FCRA. In 2016\, he obtained a $190\,000 verdict against JP Morgan Chase Bank for violations of the FCRA. \nGetting her start in the trenches as a legal aid attorney\, Erika Heath has years of experience in seeking justice for employees and consumers against unfair practices. She has fought off debt collectors\, obtained justice for wrongfully terminated employees\, and untangled thorny credit reporting issues. She has a J.D. from Northeastern University. \n\nProtective Orders and Confidentiality \nCraig Rothburd practices law in Tampa\, FL\, where he devotes a considerable amount of his complex civil litigation practice to consumer law and litigation\, with a special focus on class action litigation\, including insurance\, mortgage loan servicing\, truth in lending\, deceptive practices\, and consumer statutory violations. He is AV Martindale-Hubbell rated and recently received the Judge Don Castor Justice Award (2019)\, and the Consumer Protection Lawyer of the Year award by the Florida Bar (2017). Craig graduated from the University of Florida Levin College of Law with honors and received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida. \nStephanie Tatar has been a consumer advocate since graduating cum laude from DePaul University\, College of Law. Prior to founding The Tatar Law Firm\, Ms. Tatar gained extensive litigation and appellate experience with firms in Chicago and Los Angeles. During her career\, she has successfully fought debt collectors\, credit reporting agencies\, creditors\, manufacturers\, and car dealers. \n\nMicroLearning Videos \nNamed a “Leader in the Law” by Virginia Lawyers Weekly in 2014\, Kristi Kelly has successfully litigated hundreds of individual cases and class actions as a credit attorney. She assists consumers with credit reporting and employment background check mistakes\, mortgage servicing errors and abusive debt collection practices – unafraid to take on banks\, brokers\, debt collectors\, credit card companies and scammers alike. \nAlexis Lehmann was an attorney at Francis Mailman Soumilas\, P.C.\, who represented individual consumers’ rights under the FCRA and the FDCPA. Alexis is also an active member on the Executive Board for the Justice Rising Advocates. Prior to joining the firm\, Alexis worked as a civil litigator for local and state law enforcement officers handling cases under Title VII\, The Americans With Disabilities Act\, The Age Discrimination in Employment Act\, and the First Amendment Free Speech and Petition clause. \nMatt Loker is the founder of Loker Law\, APC and Professor of Contracts at the San Luis Obispo College of Law. Originally from Ohio\, Matt moved to California after meeting his wife—a California native—while studying abroad in Alicante\, Spain. These days Matt enjoys exploring the Central Coast along with his two daughters\, Charley and Hazel. \nRobert S. Sola is the founding member of Robert S. Sola\, P.C.\, a consumer law firm based in Portland\, OR. He has been handling FCRA cases since 1996. He represents consumers across the country and has litigated FCRA cases in twenty-five states as co-counsel with many NACA members. Mr. Sola has obtained large jury verdicts against all three major credit reporting agencies. In 2002\, he was lead counsel in Thomas v. Trans Union\, where the jury awarded the consumer $5.3 million. In 2007\, he was co-counsel in Williams v. Equifax\, which resulted in a judgment of $3.4 million. Mr. Sola was named Trial Lawyer of the Year in 2003 by NACA.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/ecourses/fcra-discovery-ecourse-part-1/
CATEGORIES:eCourses,Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240301T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240301T170000
DTSTAMP:20240318T165001Z
CREATED:20231201T181012Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240318T165001Z
UID:16793-1709280000-1709312400@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:FCRA Case Valuation eCourse Part 1: What is my Credit Reporting Case Worth?
DESCRIPTION:Your time is precious and limited. Whether you take only a handful of credit reporting cases a year or if you see a high volume of cases\, having a strong grasp of the value of a credit reporting case can make or break your practice. With the proper valuation system in place\, you can make the decision whether to spend your time litigating a case or whether it’s time to make a quick settlement and move to the next case. \nDetermining the value of your Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) case can be very challenging. The value of your case depends on many factors\, such as liability\, the number of disputes\, the number and type of errors\, the length of time the incorrect information appeared on the credit reports\, the plaintiffs\, the defendants\, the damages\, the jurisdiction and more! Furthermore\, the value of an FCRA claim is not static\, it changes throughout the course of litigation. \nThe FCRA Case Valuation eCourse Part 1 will provide you with the tools to determine the proper value range for your credit reporting cases. Please note this eCourse is self-paced and access never expires. It includes:\n•    Original webinars and video content on the different factors that will play a role in case valuation.\n•    Checklists used by experienced practitioners when entering settlement negotiations.\n•    Twenty fact pattern case studies that are valued by a diverse group of practitioners. \nRegistrants that complete the course will be eligible to receive five CLEs. \nClick here to purchase a discounted package of both the FCRA Discovery eCourse and FCRA Case Valuation eCourse ($100 off) \n\nWhat You Will Learn: \n\nWhat are the factors that will determine the value of a credit reporting case\nWhether your case is an “A”\, “B” or “C” case (High Value\, Mid-Value\, Low Value)\nHow to evaluate the value of the following credit reporting case types:\no    Mixed File Cases\no    Identity Theft Cases\no    Status Cases\no    Deceased Cases\no    Tenant and Employment Screening Cases\no    Impermissible Pull Cases\no    Post-Bankruptcy Cases\n\n\nWebinar and Video Content Presenters\nJustin M. Baxter is with Baxter & Baxter\, LLP\, in Portland\, OR. Justin’s practice focuses on consumer litigation with an emphasis on credit reporting and unlawful debt collection cases. In 2007\, he obtained a verdict against Equifax for violations of the FCRA. In 2013\, he obtained a verdict against Equifax for $18.5 million for violations of the FCRA. In 2016\, he obtained a $190\,000 verdict against JP Morgan Chase Bank for violations of the FCRA. \nSuzanne Begnoche represents plaintiffs in matters involving identity theft\, security breaches\, the Fair Credit Reporting Act\, the Fair Debt Collection Practice Act\, and North Carolina’s fair debt collection laws. Prior to opening her solo practice in Chapel Hill\, she was a staff attorney handling consumer matters at Legal Aid of North Carolina under a Clifton W. Everett\, Sr. Community Lawyer Fellowship. She is a past Chair of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice-Consumer Areas of Practice Section. She is also an active member of the National Association of Consumer Advocates and the North Carolina Bar Association’s Bankruptcy and Privacy and Data Security Sections. She is a graduate of Duke University and the University of North Carolina School of Law \nPenny Hays Cauley (Samford University\, J.D.) has been representing consumers for twenty years. In 2006\, she opened Hays Cauley\, P.C.\, a law firm dedicated to representing consumers\, with a particular focus in fair credit reporting\, fair debt collection practices\, and TCPA claims. She was lead counsel in Jamon Brim v. Midland Credit Management\, Inc.\, a §1681s-2(b) claim\, which resulted in a jury verdict of $100\,000 in compensatory damages and $623\,180 in punitive damages for violations of the FCRA.\nDavid Chami is the managing partner for the Price Law Group. Under his supervision\, the firm files hundreds of cases each year under the FCRA\, FDCPA\, and Bankruptcy Discharge violations.  In the past two years\, David has argued in front of the 6th Circuit\, 8th Circuit\, and 9th Circuit courts of appeal obtaining reversals of summary judgment or motions to dismiss in five of the seven appeals in addition to the reversal that his firm obtained in Losch v. Experian in the 11th Circuit. \nJared Lee was the managing partner at Jackson Lee. He’s served as the chair of Florida’s Consumer Protection Committee. Jared attended Florida State College of Law. He’s had the privilege to represent consumers in obtaining sizable recoveries through trial\, arbitration\, and settlement\, including multiple seven-figure outcomes. Jared serves as an adjunct professor for the Florida State University College of Law Juris Master program. \nAlexis Lehmann was an attorney at Francis Mailman Soumilas\, P.C.\, who represented individual consumers’ rights under the FCRA and the FDCPA. Alexis is also an active member on the Executive Board for the Justice Rising Advocates. Prior to joining the firm\, Alexis worked as a civil litigator for local and state law enforcement officers handling cases under Title VII\, The Americans With Disabilities Act\, The Age Discrimination in Employment Act\, and the First Amendment Free Speech and Petition clause. \nMatt Loker is the founder of Loker Law\, APC and Professor of Contracts at the San Luis Obispo College of Law. Originally from Ohio\, Matt moved to California after meeting his wife—a California native—while studying abroad in Alicante\, Spain. These days Matt enjoys exploring the Central Coast along with his two daughters\, Charley and Hazel. \nHans Lodge is senior counsel at Berger Montague\, leading the firm’s individual FCRA practice. Hans has litigated numerous individual and class cases throughout the country. Hans is a zealous advocate and is dedicated to protecting the rights of consumers in and out of court. Hans assists consumers who have been denied jobs or housing due to inaccurate criminal history information reporting in their employment and tenant screening background check reports. Hans also assists consumers who have been denied credit due to inaccurate information reporting in their credit reports. Hans is an aggressive and strategic litigator who has a reputation of working tirelessly to get favorable outcomes for his clients. \nTony Love founded Love Consumer Law (LCL) to provide Georgia consumers with the legal protection and representation they are entitled to and deserve. He has over 28 years of litigation experience in state and federal courts throughout the United States. He represented one of the country’s largest consumer reporting agencies in several thousand Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) cases over twenty years. He was a member of the trial practice groups of several major law firms\, including over fourteen years with King & Spalding. Tony has represented clients in FCRA and personal injury jury trials through verdict. In addition to his decades-long experience in the credit reporting field\, Tony has also handled personal injury cases for both plaintiffs and defendants and served as in-house counsel for a mortgage servicing company. Tony received his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and his law degree from Georgia State College of Law. \nMark D. Mailman has concentrated his practice in consumer protection litigation since co-founding his firm\, Francis & Mailman\, P.C. in 1998. Mark has litigated thousands of FCRA and FDCPA cases. He has been certified to serve as class counsel by state and federal courts in both contested and settlement class actions. In October 2018\, Mark was awarded the 2018 Consumer Attorney of the Year award from NACA. \nCraig Marchiando focuses his practice on representing consumers in lawsuits brought under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Litigating mainly class action cases\, Craig has represented thousands of consumers in successfully obtaining benefits under the FCRA’s broad protections and has been appointed class counsel by numerous courts across the country. In 2019 alone\, Craig’s cases yielded more than $5 million in relief to nationwide classes of consumers. Craig has also handled all aspects of individual FCRA cases\, from client intake to discovery and motions practice\, to trials and post-trial proceedings. \nEvan S. Rothfarb is an accomplished litigator whose complex litigation experience includes both class action lawsuits and multi-district litigation. Evan is a graduate of Cornell Law School. He began his legal career as an associate in a small New York City litigation firm\, specializing in commercial litigation and class actions. Subsequently\, he founded a litigation firm\, where he represented individuals and businesses in a variety of commercial actions. In 2017\, Evan brought his considerable litigation skills to Schlanger Law Group\, putting his extensive experience to work in the consumer protection\, identity theft\, and consumer class action arenas. \nAs founder of the Law Office of Adam G. Singer\, PLLC\, Adam has focused his practice on helping consumers enforce their Fair Credit rights. Most frequently\, Adam’s cases involve the defamatory fallout from negative credit reporting that arises from identity theft or mixed files. Adam earned a B.A.\, summa cum laude at Washington University and a J.D.\, cum laude at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Adam began his legal career as a law clerk to the Hon. Sidney H. Stein\, U.S.D.J. in the S.D.N.Y. and as an associate at the law firms of Skadden Arps and Akin Gump before starting his own consumer practice. \nStephanie Tatar has been a consumer advocate since graduating cum laude from DePaul University\, College of Law. Prior to founding The Tatar Law Firm\, Ms. Tatar gained extensive litigation and appellate experience with firms in Chicago and Los Angeles. During her career\, she has successfully fought debt collectors\, credit reporting agencies\, creditors\, manufacturers\, and car dealers. \nCourtney Weiner is a solo practitioner representing consumers primarily in Washington\, DC and Maryland 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.
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/ecourses/fcra-case-valuation-ecourse-part-1-what-is-my-credit-reporting-case-worth/
CATEGORIES:eCourses,Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240305T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240305T150000
DTSTAMP:20240816T152316Z
CREATED:20240221T181031Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240816T152316Z
UID:17587-1709647200-1709650800@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Ask Ira: NACA Tax Update
DESCRIPTION:As another tax season begins\, more and more consumer clients are receiving 1099s for income they did not receive (your attorney fees). During the Q and A Session\, Ira will discuss how to handle this issue with your consumer clients and the steps you and they can take before\, during\, and after litigation to minimize and mitigate the potential tax risk they might face.  \nSpeaker  \nIra Rheingold is executive director and general counsel of the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA). 
URL:https://www.consumeradvocates.org/events/online-learning/ask-ira-naca-tax-update/
CATEGORIES:Online Learning,Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240306T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240306T150000
DTSTAMP:20240307T162341Z
CREATED:20240205T161100Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240307T162341Z
UID:17412-1709733600-1709737200@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Introduction to Buy Here Pay Here Cases 2024
DESCRIPTION:The current judicial environment makes it a great time to help clients who have been harmed by car dealers and make money too. These businesses often take advantage of consumers and fail to comply with regulations. There are plenty of clients\, and often not enough lawyers. This webinar is for newer consumer attorneys or experienced attorneys who are new to used car cases and assumes a basic familiarity with civil litigation and consumer statutes. Please note that the webinar will be followed by an online conversation for those interested in exploring how to bring these cases in their practices. \n\nWhat You Will Learn:\n• How to select good cases to maximize your chances of winning and collecting\n• How to spot the claims and damages that you can prove \n\nSpeaker\nGreg Reichenbach is a consumer trial attorney representing poor and working-class Ohio consumers. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Toledo\, College of Law\, in 2004. He focuses on bringing individual and class claims against used automobile dealers\, financial institutions\, debt collectors\, and other businesses who engage in unfair and deceptive acts. He has written articles for the public and presents CLE trainings for attorneys on consumer litigation topics. He has helped recover millions of dollars for Ohioans\, and helped wipe out over $150 million in debts. \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-learning/introduction-to-buy-here-pay-here-cases-2024/
CATEGORIES:Online Learning,Online Training Courses
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240320T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240320T150000
DTSTAMP:20240321T121035Z
CREATED:20240311T175924Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240321T121035Z
UID:17789-1710943200-1710946800@www.consumeradvocates.org
SUMMARY:Electronic Funds Transfer Act: What to Know
DESCRIPTION:The Electronic Funds Transfer Act (“EFTA”) is an old statute that is getting some new attention. Since the COVID-19 Pandemic\, electronic fraud has been on the rise. Over the last five years\, the FBI has received an average of 652\,000 complaints of cyber-crimes per year.   \nThis webinar will discuss how consumer protection attorneys can utilize EFTA as a tool to get some of these victims their money back from a financial institution. The webinar will dive into the types of transfers that fall under the statute; what steps a consumer needs to take to properly bring a dispute under EFTA; the limits on consumer liability for unauthorized transfers; and what damages the consumer is entitled under EFTA.  \nThis webinar is vitally important for those who are unfamiliar with EFTA\, and also makes a great resource for those who may need a refresher.  \n\nWhat You Will Learn  \n\n\n\n               What types of transactions apply\n               How to dispute fraudulent transactions\n               What the financial institution is required to do in response\n               What limitations on damages to the consumer are in place\n               What remedies a consumer can receive\, including treble damages\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers  \nNicholas Barthel is the founder of Barthel Legal\, APC\, a consumer protection law firm that focuses most of its practice on representing victims of identity theft and other cybercrimes. Barthel Legal focuses on litigating under Electronic Funds Transfer Act\, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act\, Fair Credit Reporting Act\, Fair Credit Billing Act\, and each other their California equivalents.   \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. She is currently Of Counsel to Francis Mailman Soumilas\, P.C.\, and a Lecturer at Berkeley Law.   \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.” \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-learning/electronic-funds-transfer-act-what-to-know/
CATEGORIES:Online Learning,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
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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
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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
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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
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