Representing Consumers in District Court: Identifying Defenses & Negotiating Settlements
Help Represent Consumers in District Court: Identifying Defenses & Negotiating Settlements
Make a Difference in Your Community!
Each year, tens of thousands of Marylanders face lawsuits over debts, often based solely on a sworn statement by creditors or debt purchasers. Many of PBRC’s Consumer Protection Project (CPP) clients are overwhelmed by personal hardships, such as job loss, medical bills, or housing instability. Often, they are unaware of the validity of the debt, which may have been bought and sold multiple times before reaching court.
Join our team of dedicated legal volunteers to counsel clients, negotiate with creditors to reduce or resolve debts, and help prevent devastating consequences like wage garnishment. Attorneys also review files for viable defenses, file Notices of Intent to Defend, and assist clients in creating sustainable payment plans, offering a path toward financial stability.
Pledge to provide one-on-one brief advice to clients at two clinics and you'll receive comprehensive training, mentorship, and malpractice insurance for your pro bono matters.
Pictured Above: Team members of PBRC's Consumer Protection Project.
Volunteer Opportunity
Consumer Protection Project (CPP) Clinics are held in the District Courts of Maryland in Baltimore City and Prince George's County.
- Baltimore City
501 East Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
Wednesdays, 8:45 am - 12:00 pm
- Prince George's County
14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
1st three Fridays of the month, 8:15 am - 11:00 am
Why Volunteer with Us?
- Impact: Your negotiations will provide life-changing relief to clients experiencing financial strain, enabling them to avoid impossible choices between paying debt and meeting basic needs.
- Support: We provide malpractice insurance, training, and mentorship to ensure you are well-prepared and confident in your role.
Training Requirement
Before you start volunteering, you will need to complete our comprehensive training on Representing Consumers in District Court: Identifying Defenses & Negotiating Settlements. Join the live webinar on Monday, June 16, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM or view the webcast recording at a later date. You can indicate your preference on the Volunteer Registration Form.
Training Highlights:
CPP Staff members will prepare you to effectively interview and advise clients and defend, settle, and negotiate common types of debt collection cases in Maryland District Court, including actions involving debt buyers, residential leases, and auto loans. After the training, attendees will be able to:
- Review the paperwork in a pleading
- Conduct an intake interview with the client
- Identify the differences between how different jurisdictions handle Affidavit judgment cases
- Understand potential outcomes: consent judgments, stipulated dismissals and hardship dismissals
Commitment: The training is free for lawyers who commit to volunteering at two CPP clinics within one year. Volunteer paralegals and law students can also participate.
Staff of nonprofit legal services providers can register to receive the training at no additional pro bono commitment.
PBRC's Consumer Protection Project (CPP) is operated in partnership with Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) and is supported by grant awards from the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) Access to Justice Department and the American College of Bankruptcy Foundation.
Questions? Contact the CAP Team at edu.consumer@probonomd.org.
Questions about volunteering?
Contact the Consumer Protection Project Team.
Questions about training access?
Contact the Education Team.