Nicholas Krawec Featured Speaker at National Business Institute Program on Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
Nicholas Krawec, partner at Pittsburgh-based law firm, Bernstein Bernstein Krawec & Wymard, P. C., addressed a number of issues relating to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) at a special seminar hosted by the National Business Institute (NBI). This program, "Complying with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act in Pennsylvania," was held Wednesday, September 1, 1999, at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center.
Krawec is a specialist in the areas of creditors' rights and commercial law, though Bernstein Bernstein Krawec & Wymard also concentrates in the areas of commercial and retail collections, bankruptcy and lease enforcement. Krawec addressed the NBI on essential aspects of the FDCPA. He noted, "The FDCPA is a consumer protection statute enacted by Congress in 1978, with the purpose of curtailing abusive and deceptive debt collection practices in consumer transactions. It has spawned a number of consumer debtor lawsuits against debt collectors (including attorneys) for violations of its provisions. It's important that those involved in consumer debt collection become familiar with the FDCPA, as even technical violations of some of its provisions can give rise to liability for money damages."
Krawec discussed how to analyze the merits (or lack thereof) of a FDCPA lawsuit, what strategies to pursue in defending against such a lawsuit, and what defenses are available to debt collectors faced with such a lawsuit. He also spoke about ethical considerations for lawyers dealing with unrepresented debtors, and how such considerations tie in with the provisions of the FDCPA.
