Debt Collection Defense
Public Counsel’s Debt Collection Defense Clinic provides free legal advice and guidance to individuals facing debt-collection lawsuits in Los Angeles County. We assist with understanding court procedures, responding to debt collection lawsuits and discovery requests, and preparing claims of exemption for wage garnishments or bank levies. Assistance is offered through brief one-on-one consultations.
Visit our clinic page here for details on clinic hours, services, and to request an appointment.
Overview
Our Experts
When faced with credit card, personal loan, auto deficiency, or medical debt-collection lawsuits, many people struggle to understand their rights and how to respond. Some are wrongly sued and only learn there’s a judgment against them after money is taken from their wages or bank accounts. Aggressive collection tactics and confusing legal processes can leave people feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable—especially those already struggling to make ends meet. Public Counsel helps individuals navigate these challenges, assert their rights, and fight back against unfair debt-collection practices.
We operate a monthly Debt Collection Defense clinic, and in certain cases, we provide limited scope representation to help clients set aside default judgments or negotiate to get their cases dismissed or settled.
Resources
Our self-help guides walk you through critical steps like requesting more time, filing a response, and negotiating a settlement. These resources are designed to help you understand the process and assert your rights.
English
- Getting More Time to Respond to a Lawsuit or Discovery Self-Help Reference Guide
- Responding to an Unverified Debt Collection Lawsuit (with Appendix)
- Negotiating a Settlement Reference Guide
- How to File and Serve a Response to a Complaint Self-Help Reference Guide
- Identity Theft: What To Do If Someone Is Using Your Social Security Number
Spanish
- Guía de Referencia de Autoayuda: Cómo Obtener Más Tiempo para Responder a una Demanda o al Proceso de Descubrimiento
- Cómo Responder a una Demanda de Cobro de Deuda No Verificada (con Apéndice)
- Guía de Referencia para Negociar un Acuerdo
- Guía sobre cómo presentar y notificar una respuesta a una demanda no verificada
- Robo de Identidad: Qué hacer si alguien está usando su número de Seguro Social
Videos
The 2025 wildfires in LA County presented a wide range of challenges for homeowners. Public Counsel addressed how to deal with debt and debt collectors for disaster survivors as part of our “Recovery After The Fires” webinar series.
