This training will focus on the recent increase in debt collection cases related to rent arrears. The goals of the training are 1) to give housing attorneys familiarity with consumer debt law in order to fully understand and minimize consumer consequences for tenants unable to pay rent arrears post-judgment or who move out before a lease ends; and 2) to give consumer attorneys a greater understanding of housing law in order to better defend collection actions. The training will consist of an overview of relevant housing and consumer law; litigation strategies; and the attorney’s ethical obligation to provide the client with the information needed to make an informed decision when a housing court judgment could result in a debt collection action.

Faculty:

• Carolyn Coffey, Director of Litigation for Economic Justice, MFY Legal Services
• Robert Gruenwald, Senior Staff Attorney, Legal Services NYC
• Ariana Lindermayer, Staff Attorney, MFY Legal Services
• Mary McCune Speaker, Senior Staff Attorney, Legal Services NYC
• Sateesh Nori Speaker, Attorney-in-Charge of the Queens Civil Practice, Legal Aid Society

Cost

FREE.  

Note that this training is part of the CLARO Advanced Training Series.  CLARO (The Civil Legal Advice and Resource Office) provides limited legal advice to low-income New Yorkers being sued by debt collectors. The CLARO Programs operate through the auspices of the New York City Civil Court, serving consumers in all 5 boroughs. You can learn more about volunteering at CLARO Consumer Debt clinics here, or by joining the Consumer Debt practice area.

Registration

CLICK HERE