Monthly Archives: August 2020

RMAI Webinars: Maurice Wutscher’s Donald Maurice to Discuss State and Federal Issues in Receivables Management

Aug. 25, 2020 — Maurice Wutscher attorney Donald Maurice will participate in panel discussions of state and federal legislative and regulatory issues in the receivables management industry during a 2-part RMAI webinar series for members on Sept. 2 and 9.

On Sept. 2 at 12 pm ET, panelists will examine the record number of laws passed at the state level in 2020, how these new and proposed laws can impact company operations and how RMAI is responding. To register, click here.

On Sept. 9 at 12 pm ET, the panel will provide updates on proposals and decisions at the federal level leading up to the 2020 elections and beyond. To register, click here.

Mr. Maurice is outside counsel to Receivables Management Association International and provides counsel to businesses and financial services companies, successfully litigating matters in state and federal courts in individual and class actions. He also counsels clients in data privacy and other regulatory compliance matters and provides advice and counsel to attorneys in matters of professional responsibility and attorney ethics.

Maurice Wutscher’s Alan Hochheiser Discusses Potential Surge in COVID-19 Eviction Cases

Aug. 19, 2020 ­— Maurice Wutscher bankruptcy practitioner Alan Hochheiser is quoted in a Cleveland Jewish News article regarding a potential eviction crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s executive order 2020-08D requested that landlords suspend rent payments for 90 days for small businesses facing financial hardship due to COVID-19, Mr. Hochheiser explains that evictions at all levels are now able to proceed, which may lead to a surge in eviction cases. However, Mr. Hochheiser advises parties to explore other options over legal proceedings.

“One of the biggest things is for tenants to try and have a discussion with their landlord on how they can make payments or work together on the issue,” Mr. Hochheiser says. “As moratoriums are lifted, the landlord has the right to evict the tenants should they have not paid. But, there are a few things to look at from a business standpoint. Say the landlord evicts a tenant, there are not a lot of people out there with the financial wherewithal to rent an apartment. So, I think it’s about having a conversation to do a payment plan as the economy improves and leases end.”

Alan Hochheiser is a leading practitioner in the areas of creditors’ rights and bankruptcy law. He advises and represents businesses, regional and national banks, credit unions, equipment lessors and other lenders, as well as secured and unsecured creditors.

RMAI Webinar: Maurice Wutscher’s Donald Maurice to Discuss NYC’s New Foreign Language Rules for Collectors

Aug. 10, 2020 — Maurice Wutscher attorney Donald Maurice will discuss New York City’s new foreign language rules for debt collectors during an RMAI webinar today at 11 am ET.

The Department of Consumer Affairs has adopted new rules requiring licensed collection agencies to maintain records of consumer language preferences. The rules require debt collectors to disclose whether they provide “language access services.”  Debt collectors must also request and record the consumer’s language preference.

The rules were adopted on May 28, and became effective June 27. However, the agency is providing a 60-day enforcement grace period ending on Aug. 26.

RMAI has reached out to DCA raising several concerns and in response, DCA has issued FAQsDonald Maurice who is outside counsel to RMAI and Anne Thomas of Cavalry Portfolio Services will discuss the FAQs and what steps companies should take to comply with the rules.

To register for the recording of Breaking Down the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs’ New Foreign ​Language Rules and FAQs click here.

Webinar: Maurice Wutscher’s Alan Hochheiser to Give Guidance on Bankruptcy Code’s New Preference Provisions

Aug. 5, 2020 ­— Maurice Wutscher bankruptcy attorney Alan Hochheiser will give guidance on the Bankruptcy Code’s new preference provisions now in place as a result of the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 during a webinar on Sept. 1 at 1 pm ET.

The SBRA amended Section 547(b) of the Bankruptcy Code, creating new requirements and new defenses that must be considered before commencing preference actions.

Mr. Hochheiser will discuss the uncertainty that surrounds what the new elements of Section 547(b) require a trustee to do and will further explain topics ranging from “what reasonable due diligence in the circumstances of the case” is, to the consequences if a court finds that these conditions are not met.

Mr. Hochheiser is a leading practitioner in the areas of creditors’ rights and bankruptcy law. He advises and represents businesses, regional and national banks, credit unions, equipment lessors and other lenders, as well as secured and unsecured creditors.

The webinar is being presented by Strafford and will also offer a recorded version. Click here to register for the live webinar.