explaining how i am only a consumer not an attorney or professional

Why do I need a consumer law attorney?

Start Recording on your phone and hand them your Notice of Discrimination and ask for their business card or begin writing down their name, title, date, location and time of day. Ask them " Is it your intention to discriminate against me?" " Tell them " I do not have to lawfully provide any personal information because I have a right to privacy."

What is the difference between a lawyer and a non lawyer?

Feb 19, 2019 · Clients—not lawyers--now determine what resources and expertise is required to solve problems. They are not concerned with the nomenclature of the provider source (s)—in-house, law firm, law ...

Can a non-lawyer give legal advice?

Apr 19, 2020 · A consumer lawyer or a consumer protection attorney is a lawyer that fights for his or her clients who are individuals (consumers) as opposed to partnerships, businesses, or corporations. Typically the consumer is facing issues with abusive debt collectors, sued by a collector, unsafe products, identity theft, credit reporting issues, or issues related to …

What are some examples of legal information that do not constitute advice?

Finding a few attorneys who practice consumer law is a good start, but it’s just the start. The first thing you want to do is explain your issue and the violation right away and see if it’s an area they handle, says Dan DeLiberty, a Pennsylvania consumer rights attorney. “While consumer law is a niche, there are sub-niches,” says DeLiberty.

What is it called when you don't have a lawyer?

What is a pro bono program? Pro bono programs help low-income people find volunteer lawyers who are willing to handle their cases for free. These programs usually are sponsored by state or local bar associations.

What is an attorney's customer called?

clientClients come in all forms and sizes. A client may be an entity, an individual, or a group of entities or individuals. The attorney's representation of the client is often equally complex, and numerous considerations govern an effective representation. In all cases, the lawyer's duty is to his or her client.

How do you politely decline legal representation?

Tips on How to Say NoBe respectful. ... Make it simple. ... Don't feel you must explain or justify. ... Assign responsibility for your refusal to something else. ... Stand firm. ... Refer, refer, refer.More items...•Aug 15, 2021

What is it called when a lawyer does not do his job?

Legal malpractice is a type of negligence in which a lawyer does harm to his or her client. Typically, this concerns lawyers acting in their own interests, lawyers breaching their contract with the client, and, one of the most common cases of legal malpractice, is when lawyers fail to act on time for clients.

Are emails subject to attorney-client privilege?

Emailed correspondence between attorney and client is privileged. However, the client can take some actions which will waive this attorney client privilege.Apr 28, 2021

What does representing a client mean?

A lawyer retained to represent a client is authorized to act on behalf of the client, such as in procedural matters and in making certain tactical decisions. A lawyer is not authorized merely by virtue of the lawyer's retention to impair the client's substantive rights or the client's claim itself.

What is a letter of non engagement?

In a nonengagement letter, a lawyer documents that the lawyer has not accepted the case and clarifies for the prospective client that the lawyer will not be representing him or her.

What is a non representation letter?

Non-Representation Letter. This form is a non-jurisdictional Non-Representation Letter used to advise the attorney's client and other parties to a transaction or litigation that the attorney represents only the attorney's client and does not represent, and will not provide legal services for, other parties.

How do you tell a client you can't take their case?

Give a reason, but don't go into detail. Justifications and excuses make you look as though you're not telling the whole truth. State your point concisely and professionally. Be clear, and leave no room for interpretation. If the client asks for more information, you can give more detail, but remember to be polite.Jan 29, 2019

What is unethical for a lawyer?

Attorney misconduct may include: conflict of interest, overbilling, refusing to represent a client for political or professional motives, false or misleading statements, knowingly accepting worthless lawsuits, hiding evidence, abandoning a client, failing to disclose all relevant facts, arguing a position while ...

Why do lawyers ignore you?

There's bad news your attorney doesn't want to deliver. If your attorney is not experienced or efficient, they may have missed a deadline or made another mistake and aren't willing to confess their error. There could also be some bad news that is entirely outside of the attorney's control.Mar 29, 2021

What is the most common complaint against lawyers?

Perhaps the most common kinds of complaints against lawyers involve delay or neglect. This doesn't mean that occasionally you've had to wait for a phone call to be returned. It means there has been a pattern of the lawyer's failing to respond or to take action over a period of months.

What is LegalZoom?

LegalZoom (LZ) provides “just resolutions” to millions of individuals and SME’s and enjoys a net promoter score (NPS) significantly higher than white shoe corporate firms. The company has replaced the binary lawyer engagement process--retain counsel, or go without representation-- with a range of options. Different degrees of “lawyer touch” are offered. They include self-serve documents (created and updated by licensed attorneys), subscriptions for phone and/or electronic consultations with attorneys, and access to a referral network that may lead to attorney-client engagements. Lawyers no longer dictate the terms of engagement; clients have choice, price predictability, and easy access to legal services that do not necessarily involve full-blown lawyer engagement.

Is law a multidisciplinary discipline?

Law has become multidisciplinary; it is not solely about lawyers. The Big Four, for example, are leveraging their brands, deep C-Suite ties, range of professional services expertise, technology, and deep war chests to make increasing inroads into the "legal" space. The boundaries between law and other disciplines are blurred. Even within the "legal" space, there is growing recognition that "practice" (what the Brits call regulated activities reserved for licensed attorneys) requires different skillsets than the business of delivering legal services.

Is law about lawyers anymore?

Law is not solely about lawyers anymore. This is equally true in the retail (individuals/small and mid-sized businesses) and corporate market segments. Certainly, the two segments are different in several respects—buyer sophistication, familiarity with the legal system and lawyers, financial resources, etc.. As Derek Bok famously observed, “There is far too much law for those who can afford it and far too little for those who cannot.'' But there are also elements of convergence linking retail and corporate legal buyers and the providers they are migrating to. Both market segments have been receptive to new customer -centric models where lawyers are one of an expanding pool of resources—human and technological—to solve client challenges. Lawyers work with process and project management experts, technologists, data analysts, and a slew of other professionals and paraprofessionals.

Is access to justice restricted?

Today, access to justice is restricted: only some people, and only some kinds of justice problems, receive lawful resolution. Access is also systematically unequal….Traditionally, lawyers and judges call this a “crisis of unmet legal need.”. It is not.

What questions should I ask an attorney?

A few questions you could ask when interviewing attorneys are: 1 How long have you been practicing law, and how long have you worked on consumer cases? 2 What percentage of your cases involve consumer protection? 3 How many similar cases have you handled? 4 Of those, how many did you win? 5 Will I have to pay up-front fees or have to pay if we lose our case? 6 Do you offer a free consultation? 7 Are you a member of any consumer protection associations? 8 Are you a member of your state or county bar association’s consumer division (if there is one)?

What is consumer protection?

Consumer protection attorneys specialize in helping consumers who’ve been wronged by a business. Consumer protection can cover a wide range of issues, including: Debt collectors harassing you. A creditor that won’t report correct information about you to the credit bureaus. A company breaking a contract it had with you.

What is MMI housing?

Department of Housing and Urban Development. MMI is certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide consumer housing counseling. The mission of HUD is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.

Who is Louis DeNicola?

Louis DeNicola is a personal finance writer with a passion for sharing advice on credit and how to save money. In addition to being a contributing writer at MMI, you can find his work on Credit Karma, MSN Money, Cheapism, Business Insider, and Daily Finance. Learn more. Visit our blog. Browse our budget guides.

Do you have to pay attorney fees if you lose a case?

That also means that if you lose the case, you may have to pay your attorney’s fees. However, DeLiberty says some firms may agree ahead of time to waive the fee if you don’t win, but expect them to closely review your case before agreeing to take it on. It isn’t always free, either.

Is bankruptcy free?

It isn’t always free, either. “There are a few areas that fall under consumer law where the consumer should expect to pay a fee,” says DeLiberty. “These include debt defense (when you’re sued over a debt) and bankruptcy.”. The cost and arrangements can vary depending on your case, where you live, and the firm.

Hiring a consumer law attorney will ensure your interests are protected as you file a variety of consumer complaints against a company

Consumer law involves regulations and statutes that create a safe marketplace for consumers.

What Is Consumer Law

Consumer law is the regulation in place to provide consumer protection.

Lemon Law

The “ Lemon law ” enables consumers to get a refund or replacement of a car that was purchased with a major mechanical defect, usually one covered by warranty.

Debt Collection

The debtor-creditor law refers to the relationship between creditors and debtors, but not involving bankruptcy. If you have a problem with paying a debt, an attorney will try to keep you out of bankruptcy court. It is possible that your credit can be extended. If not, you are protected in the way your debt can be collected.

Product Liability

When a consumer buys a product, there is an assumption that the product works as advertised and is inherently safe to use as intended. This an implied warranty.

Commercial law vs. business law

Commercial law and business law are different but related areas that are often covered by the same attorney or law firm. A business that sells goods or services to consumers would probably have attorneys that cover both specialties.

How to Proceed With Your Complaint

There are different ways to proceed with a consumer complaint. You can start with the manufacturer or retailer who caused the problem. If you aren’t happy with the resolution, you can file a formal complaint with the appropriate government agency or consumer organization. You can also go to small claims court.

What to do if you think a seller is dishonest?

If you think a company or seller has been dishonest, contact your state attorney general or consumer protection office. Tell the Federal Trade Commission too, at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC doesn’t resolve individual complaints, but your report helps law enforcement detect patterns of wrongdoing and may lead to an investigation.

What does "on date" mean?

On [date], I [bought, leased, rented, or had repaired/serviced] a [name of the product, with serial or model number or service performed] at [location and other important details of the transaction].

What is an underwriter's job?

An underwriter’s job is to assess your risk and decide whether you’re a good candidate for a home loan. The information the underwriter sees doesn't always tell your entire financial story. An underwriter may request a letter of explanation from you if they’re unsure about something they see. A letter of explanation is a brief document you can use ...

What is a letter of explanation?

A letter of explanation is a brief letter you can use to explain items on your financial documents and increase your borrowing power. There are a few reasons you or a third party may need to produce this letter and they depend on the lender you’re working with and the type of loan you’re getting.

What is the underwriting stage of a mortgage?

During the underwriting stage of a mortgage, the mortgage company decides whether you qualify for a loan by reviewing the financial documents you submitted with your application. Mortgage companies use finance professionals called underwriters to oversee underwriting.

What are negative items on credit report?

You may need to provide a letter of explanation for any negative items on your credit report, including missed payments, defaulted loans or repossessions.

What does it mean to live rent free?

You’re Living Rent-Free. Rent or mortgage history shows a lender that you’re capable of paying your housing costs on time. If you’ve been living for free somewhere, for example at your parent’s home, you’ll need to prove that to your lender with a letter of explanation from the owner of the home, not you.

What is legal advice?

True legal advice forms an agreement between an attorney and his or her client based on a particular legal matter the client is experiencing. In a nutshell, legal advice has the following characteristics: Requires legal knowledge, skill, education and judgment. Applies specific law to a particular set of circumstances.

What is legal information?

Legal information obtained from free online legal websites, including a law firm or attorney's own website. Advice from friends, family members, or former clients of a lawyer. Information you hear on the radio. Information you read on social media websites. Information you see in news periodicals or on billboards.

Is legal advice generic?

What Legal Advice is Not. While legal advice is specific, direct, and proposes a course of action, legal information, on the other hand, is factual, generic, and does not address any one particular cause of action. To help avoid the confusion that often comes with legal information, websites and individuals will often go to great lengths ...

Can a lawyer give legal advice?

As a general matter, only a lawyer may give actual legal advice, whereas any non-lawyer may recite legal information. Furthermore, it is generally illegal for a non-lawyer or unlicensed attorney to offer legal advice or otherwise represent someone other than himself or herself in a court of law. Unlike legal information, legal advice refers to ...

What is an explanation letter?

An explanation letter is written to explain a situation or a circumstance that occurred to answer something being enquired or to fill a gap in paperwork. This letter can be written at work, in school or in other places.

Why is an explanation letter important?

An explanation letter is important to inform the relevant party of the reason for the mistake, absence, negligence or incident that they are inquiring about. Such a letter can be used to clear miscommunication that could result from sudden or unclear circumstances. This letter is also important to prepare for an interview ...

What to do if you say "free" or "without charge"?

If you say that goods or services are "free" or "without charge," be sure there are no unstated terms or conditions that qualify the offer. If there are any limits, state them clearly and conspicuously.

What are the laws that regulate advertising?

Most states also have laws -- usually in the form of consumer fraud or deceptive practices statutes -- that regulate advertising. Under these laws, state or local officials can seek injunctions against unlawful ads and take legal action to get restitution to consumers. Some laws provide for criminal penalties -- fines and jail -- but criminal proceedings for false advertising are rare unless fraud is involved.

What are native ads?

As companies try to break through the clutter and stand apart, many are using newer marketing tactics like social media influencers, advertorials, and other types of content that don't look like traditional ads. These types of ads, known as native advertising, usually run online, but they can also be found in traditional print publications. Because these ads look similar to the informational content available from journalists and experts, consumers can be misled into thinking they were produced by objective third parties. When you offer these types of ads, you must disclose that you paid for or contributed to the content. Here are some examples: 1 A software company produces a YouTube video featuring an interviewer and a company executive, who answers questions about the product as if being interviewed on a news show. 2 A fashion manufacturer pays an e-magazine to run an article about fashion trends, featuring only the manufacturer's products. 3 A cosmetics manufacturer pays a social media influencer to demonstrate and endorse its new makeup online, or 4 A real estate company buys ad space in a local newspaper and uses it to publish a how-to article about home buying that also points out the company's experience and success.

What is the FTC?

On the federal side, the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC) is the main agency that enforces unlawful advertising laws passed by Congress (and signed by the President). The FTC also proposes regulations, which the public may comment on, that implement Congressional law. The FTC enforces Truth in Advertising laws that apply to all businesses, ...

When you advertise goods for sale, what should you do?

When you advertise goods for sale, make every effort to have enough on hand to supply the demand that it's reasonable to expect. If you don't think you can meet the demand, state in your ad that quantities are limited. You may even want to state the number of units on hand.

Can you make dog treats organic?

Let's say you manufacture and market dog treats using USDA certified organic beef, but your recipe also includes molasses that is not organic. You can say your treats are made using organic beef, but you cannot call your dog treats organic, because they include non-organic ingredients. Back up claims.

Can you knock the reputation of others?

Don't knock the goods, services, or reputation of others by giving false or misleading information. If you compare your goods and services with those of other companies, double check your information to make sure that every statement in your ad is accurate.