Post-Discharge FCRA Claims: Issue Spotting and Intake

Commercial and consumer bankruptcy filings are steadily rising, according to the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI). Former ABI Executive Director Samuel J. Gerdano has described bankruptcy as providing a “shield for distressed consumers and businesses confronted with rising interest rates and global economic challenges.” Consumer attorneys are well positioned to assure that the right to a “Fresh Start” guaranteed by the bankruptcy code is realized for unfortunate consumers. Unfortunately, for some consumers, this “Fresh Start” is frustrated by credit reporting inaccuracies that continue to plague them after their discharges are granted.

This webinar is geared toward intermediate and advanced practitioners who already have a functional understanding of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. It is not necessary to be a bankruptcy practitioner; however, a basic understanding of the bankruptcy code is helpful.

What You Will Learn

• What to do immediately after a bankruptcy discharge is entered
• How to identify credit reporting issues during the intake process:
• What documents are needed and where to get them
• What the credit report should look like post-discharge
• Common issues related to the reporting of debts included in the bankruptcy
• How to evaluate common credit reporting issues
• How to identify “bad actors” in a post-discharge credit reporting case

Speaker

Michael Rapp is a licensed attorney in the states of Kansas and Missouri. Since graduating law school, Michael has focused his practice exclusively on consumer law with a concentration on Fair Debt Collection Practices (FDCPA), Credit Reporting (FCRA) and Telephone Consumer Protection (TCPA). Michael Rapp graduated from UMKC School of Law, where he served as Research Administrator for Friedman on Leases and was awarded the Sanford B. Ladd Award for his exceptional achievement in Real Estate Law. Prior to attending law school, Michael served his country, was decorated, and was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force.