Consumer Debt Defense
The Consumer Debt Defense Department at the Western New York Law Center offers different legal services to help people fight back against debt-collection lawsuits. They also file lawsuits against debt collectors who break the law when trying to collect money. Additionally, they teach community groups and other helpers about these issues and work on making laws better for consumers.
716.828.8432
assistance@wnylc.net
Services
Consumer Debt Defense
Our office helps people who are being sued for debt in Western New York. Most people can represent themselves with some help from CLARO-Buffalo, which gives limited assistance. This approach allows us to help as many people as possible. However, if a case is complicated, has important legal issues, or if someone has difficulties like a disability or no transportation, we may provide full representation to those individuals.
Affirmative Litigation
We also work on affirmative litigation, which means we help consumers who have been mistreated by debt collectors or businesses. We might take these cases when there are strong legal claims, and people can’t find help from private lawyers.
Systemic Change
The Western New York Law Center is dedicated to making broad changes to help consumers. We represent clients in class action lawsuits against large companies that engage in unfair practices, handle appeals that affect many people, and fight for new laws and regulations at local, state, and federal levels.
The Western New York Law Center runs the Buffalo Civil Legal Advice and Resource Office (CLARO-Buffalo), which offers free self-help legal clinics for people in Western New York. At these clinics, you can get help from volunteer lawyers who advise on your rights and assist with legal paperwork. CLARO-Buffalo also has a program called "Volunteer Attorney of the Morning," where lawyers can represent you at specific court appearances in certain local courts.