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 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, with workload composition adjusted for individual student interest. Student attorneys meet with clients, 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• Represented homeowner with predatory mortgage loan in federal district court and successfully rescinded the loan under the Truth in Lending Act.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).
• Developed complaint and served as co-counsel in class action case alleging deception in computer pricing. Obtained refunds of over $2 million to approximately 40,000 consumers, Final Approval Order, Ponce v. Lenovo, No.16-1000 (D.Minn. 1/8/18).

NOTE: This course requires certification pursuant to the student practice rule and is open to JD students only.