Course Details

Description:

Consumer Protection Clinic students represent individuals who are victims of marketplace fraud or who have disputes regarding consumer credit, debt collection, predatory lending, or similar matters. The clinic also partners with local law firms, non-profit organizations, and state agencies to bring broader enforcement actions, draft legislation, or assist with other advocacy projects in the area of consumer protection. Representative cases and projects include the following: defending an elderly woman who fell victim to a home contracting scam and was later sued by a check cashing company related to a check written to the scammer; drafting legislation to amend the Minnesota debt management program law, and bringing suit against a real estate agent who sold a house to a Somali family without disclosing his ownership interest in the home. The clinic is a year-long course open to second-year and third-year students, beginning in the fall semester each year. The first-semester students receive four credits (including three credits for the classroom component). The second-semester students receive three credits. Some cases will be handled by the student individually, while more complex cases will be handled by teams of students. Consumer protection matters are filed in all forums, including federal and state courts. Students are likely to be involved in drafting complaints, discovery, motion practice, and negotiations.