The "Great Recession" has focused the nation's attention on lenders and borrowers- and their efforts to either collect or forestall collection of consumer obligations such as mortgages and credit card debt. A change in public sentiment toward lenders and their attorneys has accompanied the increased volume of defaults and debt collection activity. "Business-as-usual" debt collection and consumer credit protection practices that have existed for years are quickly becoming outdated as legislatures and courts have sought to extend protection and, in effect, slow down or even stop foreclosure activities and reverse perceived creditor abuses. With the landscape changing so quickly, attorneys of all experience levels need to keep apprised of the most recent changes both in Washington and locally.

Debt collection and consumer protection is a serious business with serious financial and professional consequences for those who get it wrong!