Consumer Protection Clinic – 7030

The Consumer Protection Clinic represents individuals who are victims of marketplace fraud or who have disputes regarding consumer credit, debt collection, motor vehicle fraud, predatory lending or similar matters. The Clinic also assists legislators, regulators, and advocacy groups in policy matters, such as drafting consumer protection legislation. The Clinic also participates in impact legislation by initiating and acting as co-counsel in class action or related matters.

Additional Commitments: None

What to expect when working on cases and with clients: Students typically will work on at least 2 individual client cases and at least 1 policy or impact litigation project. The balance between these types of work can be adjusted for individual student interest. Student attorneys will meet with clients (in person and on the phone), develop case facts, conduct legal research on consumer protection laws that may apply to a client's case, and engage in federal and state court litigation. Examples of cases/projects include the following: • Represented homeowner with predatory mortgage loan in federal district court and successfully rescinded the loan under the Truth in Lending Act. • A team of three students drafted legislation amending the payday lending statute in Minnesota, and testified before Minnesota House and Senate committees hearing the legislation. • Prevailed on summary judgment in issue of first impression under the Fair Debt Collections Practice Act, Hagen v. Messerli & Kramer, 85 F.Supp.3d 1028 (2015) (and awarding $23,000 in attorney's fees).

Students also advise clients who have unresolved complaints filed with the United States Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).