The Practising Law Institute is offering a webcast of a live presentation from San Francisco entitled Representing the Pro Bono Client: Consumer Law Basics 2026 on August 7, 2026 from 12:00 PM-8:15 PM Eastern.

Registration: $199.00

Full scholarships and discounts to attend PLI programs are widely available to attorneys working in nonprofit/legal services organizations; pro bono attorneys; government attorneys; judges and judicial law clerks; law professors and law students; senior attorneys (age 65 and over); law librarians and paralegals who work for nonprofit/legal services organizations; unemployed attorneys; and others with financial hardships.

All eligible attendees are urged to complete and submit a PLI Scholarship Application.
https://www.pli.edu/probono/pbscholarship

Volunteer lawyers are needed to help the many low-income clients facing a wide assortment of consumer law matters who are unrepresented. Attend this program to learn the basics of consumer law so that you can competently represent a client in need and learn new advocacy skills.

What You Will Learn

After completing this program, participants will be able to:

• Overview of State and Federal Restraints on Debt Collection
  • Analyze the statutory framework, investigate, and litigate the scope and remedies under the FDCPA and TCPA.
• Assisting Student Loan Borrowers
  • Determine the key differences between federal, state, and private student loans and issue spot typical and emerging student loan problems. You will receive training to help student loan borrowers in consolidation and rehabilitation of student loans as well in obtaining loan forgiveness.
• A Primer on Automobile Fraud
  • Interpret dealer terminology and practices and recognize common misconduct, including claims under state and federal consumer protection statutes.
• Introduction to Fair Credit Reporting Act
  • Analyze the statutory framework, investigate, and litigate common FCRA disputes.
• Mortgage Servicer Litigation
  • Develop a case plan and litigation strategy for claims against mortgage servicers, including under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and Truth in Lending Act.
• Representing the Unsecured Debtor
  • Prepare for and navigate discovery and motion practice and enhance trial, settlement, and mediation skills in common unsecured debt collection matters.
• Developing a Working Relationship with Legal Services Organizations
  • Build successful co-counsel relationships with legal services and nonprofit organizations in impact consumer litigation and manage Cy pres awards.

Who Should Attend

Attorneys who want to volunteer to help low-income clients with consumer related issues and legal services advocates who want to enhance their skills in consumer litigation matters would benefit from attending this program.