Category Archives: News

Maurice Wutscher’s Donald Maurice to Chair New York City Bar’s Consumer Financial Law Conference

Donald Maurice

April 15, 2026 — Maurice Wutscher partner Donald Maurice on Friday, May 8 will chair the New York City Bar Association’s Consumer Financial Law Conference, a forum for scholarship, policy development, and practitioner engagement focused on consumer finance and economic justice, with particular emphasis on New York law and markets.

Maurice Wutscher is sponsoring this CLE event, which will bring together academics, judges, regulators, advocates, and industry stakeholders to discuss legal and technological developments in consumer financial law, including class actions, the NY Fair Act, default judgments and access to justice, student lending, and artificial intelligence.

Additionally, Maurice Wutscher bankruptcy practitioner Alan Hochheiser will moderate a discussion on current issues in consumer bankruptcy with judges from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of New York.

Preceding the conference luncheon, Samuel A.A. Levine, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, will deliver a keynote speech.

The program agenda includes:

In re Capital One 360 Savings Account Interest Rate Litigation: A View from Class Counsel and the AG: Moderator: Donald S. Maurice, Maurice Wutscher LLP; Panelists: Philip M. Black, Wolf Popper LLP; Adam Riff, Assistant Attorney General, Consumer Frauds and Protection, Office of the Attorney General of the State of New York.

Getting to Know the NY Fair Act: Moderator: Ben Wolf, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP; Panelists: Jane Azia, Bureau Chief, Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau at Office of the Attorney General of the State of New York; Alec Webley, Asst. Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General of the State of New York.

Default Judgments and Access to Justice: By the Numbers: Panelists: Hon. Allison Greenfield, NYC Civil Courts; Ingrid Gillies, The Pew Charitable Trusts; Eshaan Kawlra, The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Hot Topics in Student Lending: Panelists: Winston Berkman-Breen, Legal Director, Protect Borrowers; Badri Sridhar, Managing Director, FTI Consulting; Alex Ricci, President, National Council of Higher Education Resources.

AI and Access to Justice: Speaker: Katherine Forrest, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP.

Current Issues in Consumer Bankruptcy: Moderator: Alan C. Hochheiser, Maurice Wutscher LLP; Panelists: Hon. Shireen Barday, US Bankruptcy Court, SDNY; Hon. Elizabeth Stong, US Bankruptcy Court, EDNY.

The Consumer Financial Law Conference will be held at the New York City Bar Association (42 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036) from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and includes a networking breakfast, luncheon and post-program mixer. The conference is open to nonmembers and will provide at least 5.0 hours of CLE. 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, and frequently testifies before state legislatures. Mr. Maurice is outside counsel to RMAI and serves as chair of the New York City Bar Association’s Consumer Affairs Committee. He is 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.

Maurice Wutscher Attorney Erin McCampbell Paris to Speak at First Amendment Lawyers Conference

Maurice Wutscher attorney Erin McCampbell Paris

March 24, 2026 — Maurice Wutscher attorney Erin McCampbell Paris will discuss the impact of criminal statutes on First Amendment rights on Saturday, March 28 at the Spring 2026 Conference of the First Amendment Lawyers Association in Nashville, TN.

Ms. Paris will be co-presenting on the government’s use of statutes that criminalize conduct as a means to evade its obligations under the First Amendment.  This use of criminal laws of general applicability has broad implications for First Amendment rights for all.

For more information, click here.

Erin McCampbell Paris focuses her practice on Appellate and Constitutional Litigation, representing individuals and companies in complex criminal and civil matters. In helping her clients to secure hard-won victories, she draws on her extensive litigation experience, as well as her experience as a former law clerk to federal district and circuit judges.

Webinar: Maurice Wutscher Attorney Donald Maurice to Discuss DCWP Final Rule

Donald Maurice

March 20, 2026 — Maurice Wutscher attorney Donald Maurice will discuss the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection’s final debt collection rule during an RMAI webinar March 24 at 12 pm ET.

The webinar will walk through adopted changes to the rule, from expanded record-keeping and audio recording samples to the new mandatory “natural person” callback requirements.

In addition, attendees will discover practical strategies for updating their tech stack to handle revocable electronic consent and the “stop” request logic and will learn how to navigate the trickiest parts of the amendment, such as verifying medical debt in complex hospital billing environments and managing the new “Notice of Unverified Debt” timelines.

To register for the Receivables Management Association International 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. 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 and serves as chair of the New York City Bar Association’s Consumer Affairs Committee. He is 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.

Maurice Wutscher’s Alan Hochheiser to Discuss Automatic Stay Pitfalls and Sanctions at CLE Webinar Course

Alan Hochheiser

Feb. 4, 2026 — Maurice Wutscher bankruptcy practitioner Alan Hochheiser will present the MyLawCLE live webinar course, “Automatic Stay Pitfalls and Sanctions: Creditor Lessons from Recent Bankruptcy Case Law,” on Feb. 20 from 1 pm to 3:10 pm ET.

This CLE program examines key judicial decisions interpreting the automatic stay under Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, with a focus on creditor conduct that most often leads to sanctions. Attendees will gain practical guidance on navigating pre- and post-petition issues, understanding evolving standards around estate property, and protecting creditor rights while minimizing exposure to stay violations.

CLE credits will be provided. For more information and to register for the course, click here. Use code AutoStay26 when registering.

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 co-chairs the ABA Business Law Section Consumer Bankruptcy Committee.

Maurice Wutscher Attorney Donald Maurice to Discuss Ethics, Compliance Matters at RMAI Conference

Donald Maurice

Jan. 29, 2026 — Maurice Wutscher attorney Donald Maurice will share insights on ethics, legislative and regulatory compliance matters impacting the receivables management industry at the 2026 RMAI Annual Conference in Las Vegas Feb. 9-12.

Mr. Maurice will present “Ethics as the Cornerstone of a Compliance Management System” and participate in a policy discussion of new laws and regulations impacting the industry and how to stay in front of the upcoming changes.

For more information about the Receivables Management Association International 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. 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 and serves as chair of the New York City Bar Association’s Consumer Affairs Committee. He is 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.

Maurice Wutscher’s Alan Hochheiser to Discuss Sanctions in Bankruptcy Proceedings at RMAI Conference

Alan Hochheiser

Jan. 27, 2026 — Maurice Wutscher bankruptcy practitioner Alan Hochheiser will share essential strategies to avoid sanctions in bankruptcy proceedings at the 2026 RMAI Annual Conference in Las Vegas on Thursday, Feb. 12.

Mr. Hochheiser and panel will review recent bankruptcy cases involving sanctions for stay, discharge injunction, and proof of claim violations. Attendees will learn how the courts are interpreting what constitutes a violation and understand the potential liabilities.

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 co-chairs the ABA Business Law Section Consumer Bankruptcy Committee.

Maurice Wutscher’s Brent Yarborough to Present Survey Course on Receivables Management at RMAI Conference

Brent Yarborough

Jan. 23, 2026 — Maurice Wutscher attorney Brent Yarborough will present the RMAI Introductory Survey Course on Receivables Management at the 2026 RMAI Annual Conference in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 10.

In this course, Mr. Yarborough and panel will provide an overview of applicable state and federal laws and regulations impacting the receivables management industry and highlight industry best practices contained in the Receivables Management Certification Program.

For more information about the Receivables Management Association International conference 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.

Maurice Wutscher Attorney Erin McCampbell Paris’s Petition to Supreme Court Detailed in SCOTUSblog, Westlaw Today

Maurice Wutscher attorney Erin McCampbell Paris

Jan. 7, 2026 — Maurice Wutscher attorney Erin McCampbell Paris’s petition for writ of certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court on Flynt v. Bonta has been listed by SCOTUSblog, one of the premier Supreme Court news sites, under its “Petitions We’re Watching for the Next Conference.”

In addition, the petition and its response from California’s attorney general were detailed in a recent article by Westlaw Today.

The case, which concerns the constitutionality of a California gaming law that prohibits California cardroom owners from investing in lawful gaming business ventures in other states, has far-reaching implications for business owners of all kinds.

Last March, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled in Flynt v. Bonta that California’s cardroom licensing restrictions were valid. The petition asks the Supreme Court to hear this case to clarify that no state has the power to discriminate against firms engaged in interstate commerce, as California has done here with the Ninth Circuit’s blessing.

“It has been an honor to lead the fight on this challenge in the lower courts. We hope the Supreme Court grants the petition to hear this important issue, which has the potential to impact business owners in every industry,” Ms. Paris said.

Erin McCampbell Paris focuses her practice on Appellate and Constitutional Litigation, representing individuals and companies in complex criminal and civil matters. In helping her clients to secure hard-won victories, she draws on her extensive litigation experience, as well as her experience as a former law clerk to federal district and circuit judges.

Maurice Wutscher Bankruptcy Attorney Alan Hochheiser Named 2026 Super Lawyer

Alan Hochheiser

Dec. 16, 2025 — Alan Hochheiser, a leading bankruptcy practitioner at national boutique firm Maurice Wutscher LLP, has been selected to the 2026 Ohio Super Lawyers list for his outstanding work in Consumer Bankruptcy law.

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 co-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.

About Maurice Wutscher LLP

Maurice Wutscher LLP is a boutique law firm founded in 1995 with offices in key cities nationwide. The firm delivers trial and appellate litigation, class action defense, and regulatory compliance services across consumer financial services, commercial litigation, bankruptcy, data privacy and security, high-stakes appeals and critical motions, and business law. Maurice Wutscher’s attorneys are recognized for leadership in the financial services industry, including service as counsel for amici curiae in the U.S. Supreme Court and federal appellate courts. The firm is dedicated to providing unparalleled client service, efficiency, and innovation.

This communication is published by the law firm Maurice Wutscher LLP and may be considered attorney advertising under the ethical rules of certain jurisdictions. 

Maurice Wutscher LLP Ranked as a Top-Tier Litigation Firm in 2026 Chambers USA Spotlight Guide

Dec. 15, 2025 — Maurice Wutscher LLP has been recognized in the Chambers USA Spotlight Guide: New York as a top-tier firm noted for its excellence in general commercial litigation.

In its assessment, Chambers and Partners found that Maurice Wutscher evidenced significant expertise, caliber of talent and experience serving a range of clients in the market.

“Maurice Wutscher houses a strong financial services group which is admired for its expertise in the consumer finance space. The firm is noted for its handling of enforcement actions and its ability to deal with consumer class action lawsuits,” Chambers notes.

The Chambers Spotlight rankings were awarded to select small and medium-sized law firms in the state. These ranked firms were recognized for their strengths in key practice areas and the ability to offer go-to counsel for legal buyers looking for more options and local expertise as a credible alternative to Big Law.

“Chambers Spotlight specifically champions outstanding boutique and mid-size firms that deliver partner-level attention, deep regional knowledge, and cost-effective solutions for sophisticated legal work,” Chambers notes. “Our dedicated Spotlight research team identifies firms that punch above their weight across key legal markets. These firms combine the personal service and competitive rates of smaller practices with the sophisticated expertise typically associated with larger firms.”

“Maurice Wutscher is honored to be recognized once again with a Chambers Spotlight,” said Maurice Wutscher partner Donald Maurice. “This ranking is a testament to our attorneys’ agility, efficiency and competency in handling high-stakes matters.”

The recognition underscores Maurice Wutscher’s position as a key player in New York’s legal landscape, offering clients throughout the state access to high-quality legal representation that combines big-city expertise with local specialized support.

New York’s diversified business community is reflected in the Chambers Spotlight New York 2026 Guide, with 262 leading firms ranked across 31 practice areas. The firms were selected based on independent and in-depth market analysis, coupled with an assessment of their experience, expertise and talent. Maurice Wutscher is one of only 54 firms in New York City to be recognized in Litigation: General Commercial.

Chambers and Partners is the leading independent professional legal research company delivering detailed rankings and insight into the world’s leading lawyers and law firms. To learn more about Maurice Wutscher’s ranking, click here.

About Maurice Wutscher LLP

Maurice Wutscher LLP is a boutique law firm founded in 1995 with offices in key cities nationwide. The firm delivers trial and appellate litigation, class action defense, and regulatory compliance services across consumer financial services, commercial litigation, bankruptcy, data privacy and security, high-stakes appeals and critical motions, and business law. Maurice Wutscher’s attorneys are recognized for leadership in the financial services industry, including service as counsel for amici curiae in the U.S. Supreme Court and federal appellate courts. The firm is dedicated to providing unparalleled client service, efficiency, and innovation.

This communication is published by the law firm Maurice Wutscher LLP and may be considered attorney advertising under the ethical rules of certain jurisdictions. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

Maurice Wutscher’s Alan Hochheiser to Discuss Automatic Stay Violations at CLE Webinar Course

Alan Hochheiser

Nov. 11, 2025 — Maurice Wutscher bankruptcy practitioner Alan Hochheiser will present the NBI Live webinar course, “Automatic Stay Violations: Creditor Lessons From Recent Case Law,” on Nov. 11 from 1 pm to 2:30 pm ET.

The powerful, broad-scope automatic stay protection is in bankruptcy courts, and all creditors must pay attention to how it is being interpreted in recent cases. Attendees will learn how the courts are interpreting what constitutes a violation and understand the potential liabilities.

CLE credits will be provided. For more information and to register for the National Business Institute (NBI, Inc.) course, 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 co-chairs the ABA Business Law Section Consumer Bankruptcy Committee.

Maurice Wutscher Attorney Erin McCampbell Paris Wins Compassionate Release for Client

Maurice Wutscher attorney Erin McCampbell Paris

Oct. 7, 2025 — A federal judge in Florida has issued an order granting a motion for compassionate release for Bruce Harrison, reducing his sentence to time served. Mr. Harrison is represented by Erin McCampbell Paris, an appellate and constitutional litigation attorney at Maurice Wutscher LLP.

Mr. Harrison, 73, was sentenced in 1995 to a 49-year term of imprisonment for narcotics trafficking and firearm convictions. He has served over 30 years of his sentence, which was the result of the harsh and mandatory sentencing laws in place in the 1990s as part of the “War on Drugs.”

“Mr. Harrison’s sentence was substantially higher than what murderers received at that time, and, to this day, remains one of the longest sentences imposed for all inmates in federal custody,” Ms. Paris said. “The sentencing laws have since changed, and if he were sentenced today for the same convictions, he likely would receive 30 years or less.”

Mr. Harrison has a remarkable record on rehabilitation.  He took dozens of courses, became certified to counsel fellow inmates, and held numerous jobs in prison, including positions that required conflict resolution.  

However, while in custody, Mr. Harrison’s health has substantially deteriorated.

“Compassionate release allows judges to do justice when presented with compelling circumstances like these. Unfortunately, ordinarily, these motions are denied. I am so thrilled that the judge was able to see that Mr. Harrison was deserving of a second chance,” Ms. Paris said.

Erin McCampbell Paris focuses her practice on Appellate and Constitutional Litigation, representing individuals and companies in complex criminal and civil matters. In helping her clients to secure hard-won victories, she draws on her extensive litigation experience, as well as her experience as a former law clerk to federal district and circuit judges.