Financing. Our team advises sales finance companies on the overlapping framework of state and federal regulations affecting licensing, interest rates, retail installment contracts, and collection activities. We counsel consumer financial services clients in the development of forms and processes to maximize their business interests while minimizing their exposure in litigation. We represent auto finance companies in self-help repossession disputes, title disputes, and suits affecting lien interests. In addition to auto finance companies, we defend auto dealerships in consumer actions and dealer auction activities.
Consumer Leasing. We counsel companies offering leases for a variety of consumer products, including auto, solar panels, and traditional heating and air conditioning units. We advise companies on true leases versus disguised consumer credit agreements, and we draft compliant disclosures. We also defend individual and class action cases involving auto and other types of consumer leases. We litigate nationwide class claims brought under the Consumer Leasing Act and state consumer protection statutes challenging lease disclosures and lease-end fees, and we represent purchasers of consumer leases from independent brokers in commercial disputes involving disputed ownership, security interests, and titling difficulties.
Installment Lending. Our team advises traditional finance companies on the specific state statutes and regulations that govern installment lending, including licensing and form requirements. We also draft agreements and disclosures and develop policies and procedures. We assist with regulatory audits, administrative investigations and actions; appeal zoning decisions; and defend individual and class lawsuits.
Short-term lending. We represent short-term lenders on all consumer finance laws applicable to them. We advise, for example, on licensing and form requirements and underwriting standards imposed by such laws, and any required documentation and disclosures. We also assist with zoning issues and appeals.