Consumer Litigation

Interested in litigation or wondering if you might be?

Want experience with drafting pleadings, motions, briefs, and appearing in court?

Looking to join the community of public interest and private lawyers who are enforcing the rights of low-income consumers against unscrupulous merchants, lenders, assignees, and credit reporting agencies?


 

IN THE CONSUMER LITIGATION CLINIC, you will represent consumers in federal, state and local courts against lenders, debt collectors, and merchants. Our clients are often victims of identity theft, are being sued on debt they do not owe, or have had judgments rendered against them in procedurally defective collection suits.  Our clinic advocates for these consumer defendants by raising available defenses under state and federal consumer protection laws.  In addition, some of our clients become plaintiffs in affirmative litigation against debt collectors or merchants who have violated their rights under common law, the federal Truth in Lending Act (TILA), the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the FTC Holder Rule, and other federal and state consumer protection statutes.

Working under the close direct supervision of a full-time attorney professor, students are expected to take primary responsibility for all aspects of their cases --  drafting complaints, answers, replies, motions and briefs; appearing in court to argue motions and appeals and to try cases; interviewing and counseling clients; negotiating with opposing counsel; and conducting legal research to evaluate the merits of claims and defenses.

You will also join volunteer lawyers from throughout New York City (including many Fordham Law alums) to provide advice and assistance to unrepresented consumers at CLARO (Consumer Legal Assistance and Referral Office), located in the Civil Court.

Prof. Marcella Silverman
Clinical Associate Professor of Law
Consumer Litigation Clinic