Consumer Advocacy Group Joins Forces with Law Firm

23 May 2005

The United Consumers Advocacy Network (UCAN) announced today an alliance with Apex Law Group and its national network of attorneys to offer legal support to clients of debt relief companies that subscribe to UCAN’s services.

The alliance will offer a broader range of services ranging from basic advocacy to legal representation in court if a client is sued by a creditor or if a creditor violates a client’s consumer rights. Apex will also offer bankruptcy solutions to clients whose financial situation worsens and are unable to continue their debt relief program.

UCAN executive Dave Leuthold says that there is a growing need to protect consumers enrolled in debt relief programs against abusive collection practices and creditor lawsuits.

“As a third-party advocacy firm, creditors are usually willing to work with us once we get involved in a case,” explains Leuthold. “However, cases do arise that necessitate legal intervention and this new alliance gives us greater access to attorneys to safeguard clients from lawsuits and violations of consumer protection laws, such as the FDCPA.”

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was passed in 1977 because of the tremendous volume of complaints the Federal Trade Commission received from consumers and consumer advocacy groups about unethical debt collection practices. Violations can be costly for debt collectors as each carries a potential $1,000 civil penalty in addition to actual damages suffered by the consumer. A class action lawsuit for FDCPA violations could cost a collection agency up to half a million dollars.

“Clients of debt relief companies can barely afford to repay their debts, much less an attorney to defend against creditor-initiated lawsuits,” explains Dharma Naik, lead consumer rights attorney for Apex. “This alliance provides legal assistance to clients who would otherwise fall victim to default judgments because they simply did not have access to an affordable attorney.”

UCAN services are available to clients of debt relief agencies who subscribe to UCAN’s services.

About UCAN: The United Consumer Advocacy Network was formed in 2001 by experienced industry veterans to offer advocacy support and services for clients of debt relief agencies. UCAN serves the needs of debt relief companies and their clients as they face the growing problem of abusive, harassing and unfair practices of creditors and their collection efforts. For more information, please call 1-877-462-UCAN or visit their website at www.ucan.net.

About Apex:
Apex Law Group, LLC, is a law firm based in Columbia, Maryland, that offers bankruptcy, civil litigation and debt resolutions services. For more information, please call 1-877-502-2739 or visit their website at www.apexlawgroup.com.

Source: PR Web

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