Economic and Consumer Justice Clinic (YR)

Payday lending, title pawns and debt collectors…they are all part of a larger system of targeting of vulnerable communities which traps those with less in a cycle of poverty that can be impossible to escape. In conjunction with the Legal Aid Justice Center, the consumer law clinic will explore what some call “Poverty, Inc.” through hands on experience with clients, litigation and research. Students will learn basic information about various consumer protection statutes while practicing skills related to the entire range of client representation, such as interviewing clients, investigating complaints, conducting discovery and drafting court pleadings. Students will gather factual information and conduct legal research to analyze their client’s legal rights. Students will represent consumers in negotiations and will participate in court and administrative proceedings to the extent permitted by law. Prior clinics have included two class action lawsuits and several cases in federal court, and participation in impact litigation is likely for this academic year. They will also learn about the role of the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB), a federal agency set up to help protect consumers. Finally, students will be given the chance to identify ways that the rules affecting consumers should be changed and to work on making such changes happen. Students will engage in casework throughout the year.