Consumer Rights and Economic Justice
Everyone deserves fair economic opportunity and financial security—free from the exploitation and discrimination that fuel poverty and injustice.
An economically just society empowers everyone to build stability and generational wealth, no matter their background or identity. Yet deeply ingrained structures of systemic racism and socioeconomic discrimination—predatory lending, aggressive debt collection and foreclosure practices, and the criminalization of poverty—make it nearly impossible for many to achieve economic security or upward mobility. These injustices disproportionately burden people of color and those already facing financial hardship, trapping entire communities in poverty. Public Counsel works to dismantle these barriers and advance economic justice for all.
Our Areas of Expertise
Our Approach
Public Counsel’s Consumer Rights and Economic Justice project works to protect the financial stability of low-income communities by expanding access to legal help and fighting abusive consumer practices. We offer direct legal representation, operate self-help clinics, and advocate for systemic policy reforms. We also provide free legal advice to individuals representing themselves in bankruptcy matters and debt-collection cases. We create change through:
1
Direct Legal Services
We provide free legal advice and representation to individuals facing a wide range of consumer rights issues, including debt collection, foreclosure, real estate fraud, student loans, and unfair business practices. In select cases, we partner with pro bono attorneys to expand access to justice for those unable to afford legal representation.
2
Self-Help Clinics and Tools
Through our Debt Collection Defense and Bankruptcy Clinics, we support people navigating the legal system on their own. These clinics offer one-on-one consultations and guidance for responding to debt lawsuits, wage garnishments, and bank levies, as well as assistance with bankruptcy filings—empowering individuals to protect their rights and regain financial stability.
3
Policy Advocacy and Impact Litigation
We advocate for stronger consumer protections and systemic reform in the legislature and the courts. We challenge predatory lending practices and work to curb deceptive business conduct. Our team also pursues high-impact litigation, filing strategic lawsuits that benefit entire communities and set precedents to protect consumers from exploitative financing schemes.
Quick Stats
1,150+
Self-Represented Litigants
Helped in 2024 by our Bankruptcy and Debt Collection Defense Clinics
$3.8 Million
in Financial Benefits
Achieved for our clients in 2024.
40
Homes
Saved for our clients in 2024.
The Latest
Popular Resources
Guide
01/16/25
Risks of Filing Bankruptcy After LA County Fires
Bankruptcy, especially a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, can cause immediate damage to your credit and ability to access affordable loans. This one-page guide in English and Spanish provides some factors to…
Learn MoreGuideSpanishTemplate/Sample Form
06/22/24
Paquete de Carta de “No Contacto” – En Español
Si usted es ‘a prueba de cobros’, lo que significa que no tiene bienes que los acreedores puedan obtener de usted, incluso si tienen un fallo en su contra, puede…
Learn MoreGuideTemplate/Sample Form
03/16/24
No Contact Letter Packet ENGLISH
If you are “collection-proof,” meaning that you have no assets that debt collectors can obtain from you even if they have a judgment against you, you can use this packet…
Learn MoreGuide
01/31/25
How to Write an Adversary Proceeding Complaint Self-Help Guide
An adversary proceeding is a lawsuit that relates to a bankruptcy case. There are a number of reasons to file an adversary proceeding. A creditor might file an adversary proceeding…
Learn MoreGuide
12/16/21
Checklist for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
What you need to gather and prepare before filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Learn MoreGuide
12/16/21
Chapter 7 Post-Filing Checklist
What you need to do after filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
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