Debt Collection Land: Essentials for Consumer Debt Proceedings (In-Person Program)

“Debt Collection Land: Essentials for Consumer Debt Proceedings” will provide Massachusetts judges with a comprehensive overview of the legal landscape, practical mechanics, and personal impact of consumer debt litigation. This full-day program will begin with an orientation to “Debt Collection Land,” followed by presentations on consumer debt mandated discovery & trials, wage & account attachments in trustee process, as well as an overview of supplementary process, reviewing settlement agreements, and enforcement of foreign judgments.

Attendees will also benefit from a panel of clerks and subject-matter experts, who will help demystify the day-to-day mechanics of debt collection cases in courtrooms across the Commonwealth. The day will conclude with an Access to Justice perspective that will highlight how debt collection affects individuals and communities. In short, this training will provide judges with the context and practical tools that they need to preside over debt collection cases with expertise, insight, fairness, and consistency.

Speakers and Moderators:

• Hon. Debra A. DelVecchio, First Justice, Boston Municipal Court, East Boston Division
• Hon. Brian D. Palmucci, Associate Justice, District Court
• Hon. Meghan S. Spring, First Justice, Marlborough District Court
• Hon. Amanda Ward, Associate Justice, Woburn District Court
• Kimberly L. Annesi, Assistant Clerk Magistrate, Boston Municipal Court, Roxbury Division
• Matthew Brooks, Managing Attorney, Consumer Rights Unit, Greater Boston Legal Services
• Beth P. Cook, Deputy Legal Counsel, District Court
• Iris Coloma Gaines, Statewide Language Access Attorney, Mass Law Reform Institute
• Carolyn Goodwin, Director, Office of Access to Justice and Court User Experience, Massachusetts Trial Court
• Colin Harnsgate, Assistant Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division, Office of the Attorney General
• Melaine Malcolm, Deputy Director, Department of Research and Planning
• Richard J. Omar, Attorney, Kream and Kream
• Alexa I. Rosenbloom, Clinical Instructor and Director, Consumer Protection Clinic, Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School

Additional presenters and panelists to be announced!