Turning Debt Defense Cases into a Consumer Practice

As advocates representing consumer collection defendants, we have all heard about how to use the FDCPA to turn the tables on debt buyers. But do you know how to turn the tables on other types of collection plaintiffs using other weapons in the consumer arsenal? An auto loan deficiency case, for example, can present a variety of potentially lucrative counterclaims for a consumer defendant.

This webinar will help you look at your consumer debt defense cases from other angles so that you recognize opportunities to bring claims under federal statutes such as the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), as well as state versions of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and state Unfair and Deceptive Practices (UDAP) acts. You will also gain an understanding of the significance of the FTC Holder Notice. By the end of the webinar, you will have expanded your debt defense resources and learned how to win your clients (and yourself) money by going on the offense in debt collection actions.

What You Will Learn

• How to spot a variety of affirmative claims in your client’s collection case.
• How affirmative claims help you and your client make money.
• Whether to bring counterclaims or file an affirmative case.

Speakers

Suzanne 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 going into private practice in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, she was a staff attorney handling consumer matters at Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Durham and Wilson offices. 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 Section. She is a graduate of Duke University and the University of North Carolina School of Law.

Lynne Coleman represents consumers who have debt issues and consumer complaints.  She is a federally designated Debt Relief Agency under the United States Bankruptcy Laws. She is admitted to practice at all levels of the North Carolina court system and all of the United States District Courts and Bankruptcy Courts in North Carolina. She is an active member of the National Association of Consumer Advocates, North Carolina Bar Association, North Carolina Advocates for Justice, and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. She is a graduate of Trinity University and Saint Mary’s University of San Antonio School of Law.