Fighting
for justice for indigent victims of consumer fraud and abuse
is the
hallmark of Public Counsel’s oldest project,
the Consumer Law Project (“CLP”). Since its inception
in 1977, volunteer lawyers have contributed tens of thousands
of hours to representing poor consumers who have fallen prey
to a
variety of scams.
Consumer Scams
CLP and volunteer attorneys represent our clients, the working poor,
on a wide variety of consumer issues including:
• Homeowners
defrauded by home equity scam
artists, predatory lenders, and/or unscrupulous
home improvement contractors
• Car
buyers scammed by dishonest car dealers
• Debtors
suffering from collection agency
harassment
• Victims
of door-to-door sales scams
• Minority
customers who are provided financial
services on a discriminatory basis
• Unsophisticated
clients tricked by unscrupulous
notarios,typing services,independent
paralegals and the like, claiming to provide
legitimate legal services in the areas of
immigration, eviction defense and bankruptcy
• Victims
of identity theft
• Borrowers
charged usurious rates by payday
lenders
Bankruptcy Pro Bono Project
In
conjunction with the Los Angeles County Bar Association, Public
Counsel’s Debtor Assistance Project (DAP) provides legal assistance
to low-income debtors confronting various legal bankruptcy issues
and concerns. Through the volunteer efforts of attorneys, we assist
debtors with the following: the evaluation of a client’s financial
situation to determine whether a Chapter 7 filing is beneficial,
the preparation of Chapter 7 petitions, representation of debtors
in adversary proceedings, and reaffirmation hearing counseling.
Consumer Education
CLP staff and volunteers make consumer education presentations at
senior centers, high schools, block club meetings, churches and other
community centers on a wide range of topics, including How to Buy
a Used Car, Basic Contract Rights, How to Protect Yourself From Paralegal
Fraud, and How to Avoid Telemarketing Fraud.
Legislative Advocacy
Because CLP staff are experts in many areas of consumer law, they
are often involved in commenting upon and testifying about legislation
affecting consumers in California. In the past, CLP has been instrumental
in the passage of laws providing consumer education in the areas
of vocational school fraud, notario fraud, and home equity fraud.
Free Legal Clinics
In
cooperation with different community organizations, CLP staff and
volunteers
regularly staff clinics for low-income clients throughout
the Los Angeles area, including Compton, Norwalk, and East Los Angeles.
At these clinics, staff and volunteers interview and provide counsel
and advice to clients. More complex matters are litigated in-house
or referred to Public Counsel’s extensive network of pro bono
attorneys.
