Category Archives: News

Maurice Wutscher’s Donald Maurice to Speak on Data Security for Small and Medium Sized Businesses

Donald Maurice

Feb. 29, 2024 — Maurice Wutscher attorney Donald Maurice will speak on the data security needs and requirements for small and medium sized businesses at the Funders Forum + Brokers Expo in Hollywood, Fla. on Wednesday, March 6.

Technology continues to rewrite the rules for how businesses are managed – while at the same businesses are faced with increased amounts of fraud and challenges on data security. In this talk, Mr. Maurice and panel will discuss how companies in the small business finance industry can stay one step ahead in a constantly evolving environment.

For more information and to register for the Funders Forum + Brokers Expo, click here.

Donald Maurice represents the financial services industry, successfully litigating matters in appellate and trial courts throughout the country in individual and class actions and guiding businesses, trade associations and financial services companies nationwide in regulatory and compliance matters including data privacy and ethics. He has been retained as counsel for amicus curiae in the U.S. Supreme Court and in U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals, and frequently testifies before state legislatures. Mr. Maurice is outside counsel to RMAI, a regent of the American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers, and a fellow of the ABA’s American Bar Foundation. He has been named to Thomson Reuters’ list of New Jersey Super Lawyers and is peer-rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, the worldwide guide to lawyers.

Webinar: Maurice Wutscher’s Donald Maurice to Discuss Consumer Debt Default Judgments Act

Donald Maurice

Feb. 20, 2024 — Maurice Wutscher attorney Donald Maurice will discuss the Uniform Law Commission’s Consumer Debt Default Judgments Act during an RMAI webinar Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 12 pm ET.

Adopted by the Uniform Law Commission in July, the Act would materially modify existing procedures for obtaining default judgments on many types of consumer debt, including new notice requirements and the inclusion of certain documents and data in judgment applications. On Feb. 13, a bill was introduced in Colorado that would adopt the Act, and it is anticipated several states will follow.
 
Mr. Maurice and panel will discuss RMAI’s role in drafting the Act and how it aligns with the Receivables Management Association International’s certification program standards.

For more information and to register, click here.

Donald Maurice represents the financial services industry, successfully litigating matters in appellate and trial courts throughout the country in individual and class actions and guiding businesses, trade associations and financial services companies nationwide in regulatory and compliance matters including data privacy and ethics. He has been retained as counsel for amicus curiae in the U.S. Supreme Court and in U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals. He has been named to Thomson Reuters’ list of New Jersey Super Lawyers and is peer-rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, the worldwide guide to lawyers.

Maurice Wutscher Attorneys to Speak on Auto Asset Class, Legislation, Compliance at RMAI Conference

Jan. 30, 2024 — Maurice Wutscher attorneys Alan Hochheiser and Donald Maurice will speak on the auto asset class and legislative, regulatory and compliance matters impacting the receivables management industry at RMAI’s annual conference in Las Vegas Feb. 5-8.

Mr. Hochheiser will participate in a discussion of the auto asset class including buying, selling and servicing portfolios, legal considerations and the industry landscape.

Mr. Maurice will give a talk on ethics-driven compliance management and participate in a session reviewing new state and federal laws and regulations impacting the receivables management industry. He will also discuss developments in AI laws and regulations.

For more information about the Receivables Management Association International conference, click here.

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. He has been named to Thomson Reuters’ list of Ohio Super Lawyers, ALM’s list of Cleveland’s Top-Rated Lawyers and is peer-rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, the worldwide guide to lawyers. He currently chairs the ABA Business Law Section Consumer Bankruptcy Committee.

Donald Maurice represents the financial services industry, successfully litigating matters in appellate and trial courts throughout the country in individual and class actions and guiding businesses, trade associations and financial services companies nationwide in regulatory and compliance matters including data privacy and ethics. He has been retained as counsel for amicus curiae in the U.S. Supreme Court and in U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals. He has been named to Thomson Reuters’ list of New Jersey Super Lawyers and is peer-rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, the worldwide guide to lawyers.

Webinar: Maurice Wutscher’s Brent Yarborough to Discuss Reg F and the Model Validation Notice

Brent Yarborough

Jan. 22, 2023 — Maurice Wutscher financial services attorney Brent Yarborough will discuss how the model validation notice has changed since Regulation F went into effect during a webinar Friday, Jan. 26 at 1 pm ET.

The model validation notice offered something collectors have never really had before — safe harbor. But only if they used the form as is, or one that was substantially similar to what the CFPB created. As time goes on, though, companies might start making more changes to the notice.

In this webinar, the panel will discuss trends and developments with the notice and what other changes might be on the horizon.

“How the MVN Has Changed Since Reg F Went Into Effect” is being presented by AccountsRecovery.net. To register for the complimentary webinar, click here.

Brent Yarborough is a principal at Maurice Wutscher LLP. He focuses his practice on regulatory compliance and the defense of consumer law claims.

Webinar: Maurice Wutscher’s Donald Maurice to Discuss Cyber Insurance Needs for ARM Industry

Donald Maurice

Jan. 17, 2024 — Maurice Wutscher attorney Donald Maurice will discuss cyber insurance needs and requirements for companies in the accounts receivable management industry during a webinar Friday, Jan. 19 at 1 pm ET.

There is perhaps nothing more frustrating and problematic for companies in the ARM industry today than cyber insurance. Premiums and coverage requirements just keep going up while the number of claims seems to just keep going down. There are a lot of potential red flags and things to look out for in cyber insurance coverage.

In this webinar, the panel will share their insights into what the requirements are and what companies should look for when choosing a cyber insurance policy.

“What You Need To Look Out for in Your Cyber Insurance Policies” is being presented by AccountsRecovery.net. To register for the complimentary webinar, click here.

Donald Maurice represents the financial services industry, successfully litigating matters in appellate and trial courts throughout the country in individual and class actions and guiding businesses, trade associations and financial services companies nationwide in regulatory and compliance matters including data privacy and ethics. As an advocate for the receivables management industry, he has been retained as counsel for amicus curiae in the U.S. Supreme Court and in U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals, and frequently testifies before state legislatures. He is outside counsel to RMAI, a regent of the American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers, and a fellow of the ABA’s American Bar Foundation.

Maurice Wutscher Bankruptcy Attorney Alan Hochheiser Named 2024 Super Lawyer

alan hochheiser

Jan. 5, 2024 — Alan Hochheiser, a leading bankruptcy practitioner at national business and financial services law firm Maurice Wutscher LLP, has been named an Ohio Super Lawyer in the area of Consumer Bankruptcy.

Each year, only five percent of the lawyers in the state receive this honor. Super Lawyers is a Thomson Reuters rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

Mr. Hochheiser advises and represents businesses, regional and national banks, credit unions, equipment lessors and other lenders, as well as secured and unsecured creditors.

Among his accomplishments, he has successfully resolved non-dischargeable claims based upon fraud conversion and breach of fiduciary issues and has successfully handled the assumption of leases in the bankruptcy of a major airline.

Mr. Hochheiser chairs the ABA Business Law Section’s Consumer Bankruptcy Committee. He has been named to ALM’s list of Cleveland’s Top-Rated Lawyers and is peer-rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, the worldwide guide to lawyers.

Webinar: Maurice Wutscher’s Donald Maurice to Discuss 2024’s Top Laws and Rules in ARM Industry

Donald Maurice

Jan. 2, 2024 — Maurice Wutscher attorney Donald Maurice will discuss the top state laws and rules impacting the accounts receivable management industry in 2024 during a webinar Thursday, Jan. 4 at 1 pm ET.

A new year means a new set of rules and laws to prepare for. State legislatures across the country have been busy enacting laws and rules related to debt collection, medical debt, credit reporting, and more. Staying on top of these laws is more difficult than ever.

In this webinar, the panel will break down the laws and rules going into effect in 2024 that companies need to have on their radar.

“The Rules and Laws Going Into Effect in 2024 That Need to be On Your Radar” is being presented by AccountsRecovery.net. To register for the complimentary webinar, click here.

Donald Maurice represents the financial services industry, successfully litigating matters in appellate and trial courts throughout the country in individual and class actions and guiding businesses, trade associations and financial services companies nationwide in regulatory and compliance matters including data privacy and ethics. As an advocate for the receivables management industry, he has been retained as counsel for amicus curiae in the U.S. Supreme Court and in U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals, and frequently testifies before state legislatures. He is outside counsel to RMAI, a regent of the American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers, and a fellow of the ABA’s American Bar Foundation.

Maurice Wutscher’s Donald Maurice, Keith Wier to Discuss Data Security Issues in Debt Collection at Southwest ACA Conference

Keith Wier
Donald Maurice

Oct. 17, 2023 — Maurice Wutscher attorneys Donald Maurice and Keith Wier will discuss current data security issues impacting debt collection at the 2023 Annual Southwest ACA Conference & Expo on Oct. 25 in Pottsboro, Texas.

In their talk, Mr. Maurice and Mr. Wier will explain the new Texas Data Privacy and Security Act and other recent laws and regulations regulating data and information, which require data breach notifications. They will review what debt types may be exempted and what types may be covered, discuss the minimal requirements a collection agency should have in place and provide an overview of tools and resources available at low or no cost. They will also break down the ins-and-outs of cybersecurity insurance and what agencies should consider when purchasing cyber insurance.

For more information and to register for the Southwest Collectors Association’s annual conference, click here.

Donald Maurice represents the financial services industry, successfully litigating matters in appellate and trial courts throughout the country in individual and class actions and guiding businesses, trade associations and financial services companies nationwide in regulatory and compliance matters including data privacy and ethics. As an advocate for the receivables management industry, he has been retained as counsel for amicus curiae in the U.S. Supreme Court and in U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals, and frequently testifies before state legislatures. He is outside counsel to RMAI, a regent of the American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers, and a fellow of the ABA’s American Bar Foundation.

Keith Wier focuses his practice on the defense of individual and class action suits under state and federal consumer statutes, professional liability defense, and compliance issues for members of the collection industry. He has substantial experience defending collection agencies, law firms, debt buyers, and creditors in consumer litigation in Texas and is certified as a specialist in Consumer and Commercial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Maurice Wutscher’s Donald Maurice to Discuss Debt Collection Rulemaking, Pending Legislation in New York

Donald Maurice

Sept. 7, 2023 — Maurice Wutscher attorney Donald Maurice will discuss rulemaking efforts underway in both New York City and New York State as well as pending legislation that could change the process through which debts are collected in New York at the Credit and Collection News 18th Annual Credit Grantor Consortium in Philadelphia on Sept. 13.

“Although NYDFS pulled its last proposed amendments, it will issue new amendments soon,” Mr. Maurice says. “Unless DFS makes significant changes, third-party debt collectors and debt buyers collecting consumer debt in New York State will need a top-down reassessment of their existing collection operations to comply with the amendments; and may find it difficult, if not impossible, to use Regulation F’s Model Validation Notice.”

The presentation will explore in depth New York issues impacting the credit and collections industry, both regulatory and litigation, including recent activity from the New York Attorney General.

For more information and to register for the consortium click here.

Donald Maurice represents the financial services industry, successfully litigating matters in appellate and trial courts throughout the country in individual and class actions and guiding businesses, trade associations and financial services companies nationwide in regulatory and compliance matters including data privacy and ethics. As an advocate for the receivables management industry, he has been retained as counsel for amicus curiae in the U.S. Supreme Court and in U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals, and frequently testifies before state legislatures. He is outside counsel to RMAI, a regent of the American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers, and a fellow of the ABA’s American Bar Foundation.

Maurice Wutscher’s Alan Hochheiser to Discuss Developments in Bankruptcy Case Law at ABA Business Law Fall Meeting

alan hochheiser

Aug. 31, 2023 — Maurice Wutscher bankruptcy practitioner Alan Hochheiser, chair of the ABA Business Law Section’s Consumer Bankruptcy Committee, will speak on recent developments in Supreme Court and appellate bankruptcy case law during the ABA Business Law Fall Meeting on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 4 pm CT.

The meeting will be presented Sept. 7-9 in Chicago and also online for those who opt to attend virtually. To register, click here.

Alan Hochheiser is a principal at national business and financial services law firm Maurice Wutscher LLP, where he advises and represents businesses, regional and national banks, credit unions, equipment lessors and other lenders, as well as secured and unsecured creditors. He has been named to Thomson Reuters’ list of Ohio Super Lawyers and is peer-rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, the worldwide guide to lawyers.

Maurice Wutscher’s Donald Maurice Certified as Leadership Professional in Ethics & Compliance

Donald Maurice

July 12, 2023 — Maurice Wutscher financial services attorney Donald Maurice has been certified as a Leadership Professional in Ethics & Compliance by the Ethics & Compliance Initiative (ECI). The LPEC designation recognizes Mr. Maurice as having “the requisite, working knowledge to build and sustain thriving E&C programs to the highest possible standard.”

Mr. Maurice has provided counsel to clients and the financial services industry in matters related to ethics and compliance for over 30 years. During that time, he has written and lectured on both lawyer ethics and ethics and compliance for the consumer financial services industry.

Ten years ago, he developed the ethics program that is a core requirement of the Receivables Management Certification Program (RMCP) administered by the Receivables Management Association International (RMAI). The RMCP’s stated mission is to “provide enhanced consumer protections through rigorous and uniform industry standards of best practice.” Often cited as the “gold standard” due to requirements that go above and beyond those required by law, the program certifies collection agencies, debt buying companies, collection law firms, vendors, and brokers.

The Ethics & Compliance Initiative (ECI) is a membership association and research institution that empowers organizations to build and sustain high-quality ethics & compliance programs. It is the leading provider of independent research about workplace integrity, ethical standards, and compliance processes and practices in public and private institutions.

Established in 1922, ECI comprises the two oldest nonprofits in the ethics & compliance industry, the Ethics Resource Center (d.b.a. the Ethics Research Center) and the Ethics & Compliance Officer Association (d.b.a. the Ethics & Compliance Association). ECI identifies the practices that improve ethics and compliance program effectiveness and build institutional culture strength. ECI also has an established track record of providing support to organizations seeking to transform their cultures, often in the wake of significant challenges with noncompliance.

Donald Maurice represents the financial services industry, successfully litigating matters in appellate and trial courts throughout the country in individual and class actions and guiding businesses, trade associations and financial services companies nationwide in regulatory and compliance matters including data privacy and ethics. As an advocate for the receivables management industry, he has been retained as counsel for amicus curiae in the U.S. Supreme Court and in U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals, and frequently testifies before state legislatures. He is outside counsel to RMAI, a regent of the American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers, and a fellow of the ABA’s American Bar Foundation.

Webinar: Maurice Wutscher’s Shannon Miller to Review Motion to Compel Arbitration Strategies

Shannon Miller

May 25, 2023 — Maurice Wutscher attorney Shannon P. Miller will review the basics of using a motion to compel arbitration as an effective defense tool during an RMAI webinar on Wednesday, May 31 at 9 am PT.

The webinar will also cover common factual and legal hurdles that may need to be overcome for a successful motion, as well as recent caselaw affecting how to present and litigate a successful motion to compel arbitration.

To register for the Receivables Management Association International webinar, click here.

Shannon P. Miller is a principal attorney in Maurice Wutscher’s Pennsylvania office, where he focuses his practice on various aspects of financial services law with an emphasis on consumer financial services litigation. He has successfully represented healthcare and financial institutions and law firms across the country for claims filed under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, and various state consumer protection statutes.