The National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) is the nation’s consumer
law expert, helping consumers, their advocates, and public policy makers use
powerful and complex consumer laws on behalf of low-income and vulnerable Americans
seeking economic justice.
Today’s consumer marketplace is complex and full of potholes, even for
those of us with all the necessary skills and advantages. For unsuspecting low-income
consumers it’s far more treacherous - even the smallest misstep can lead
to financial ruin and a sense of hopelessness that paralyzes individual progress.
You need only read the morning headlines or watch the news on TV to see the
many abuses unwary consumers wake up to every day – predatory lending,
mandatory arbitration, utility restructuring, auto title pawns, home repair
rip offs, credit counseling abuses, mortgage scams, bankruptcy, and much more.
The problems are many, the effects are devastating, and the solutions are complex.
But no matter how tough the road, NCLC works toward marketplace reform because
we believe everyone deserves a fair chance in the marketplace.
NCLC Works for Consumer Protections
Only as legal protections are included in the consumer statutes that govern
us can we hope to ensure justice in the marketplace. Our in-depth knowledge
of low-income consumer issues and federal and state consumer protection laws
puts NCLC at the tables where far-reaching policies are debated and enforced.
Legislators, policymakers, and administrators rely on NCLC’s legal and
policy analysts for their expert testimony, empirical research, and analysis
to help predict and shape the effect of proposed statutes and policies on low-income
consumers.
NCLC Protects Vulnerable Consumers
To most effectively address the unique challenges faced by different segments
of the low-income population, NCLC conducts targeted consumer rights initiatives.
In addition to disadvantaged consumers everywhere, we devote special attention
to the problems of immigrants, vulnerable elders, homeowners, former welfare
recipients, victims of domestic violence, military personnel, and others.
NCLC Supports Consumer Lawyers
NCLC uses the courts to promote marketplace justice by providing expert issue
identification, case assistance, legal research, and advocacy workshops for
legal services and private attorneys, lay advocates, and community-based organizations
representing low-income clients.
NCLC Publishes Legal Resources
NCLC’s 16-volume legal practice series provides expert analysis in all
major aspects of consumer and energy law and has been recognized by the American
Bar Association as “A monumental undertaking [which] should become a standard
reference set…These manuals make consumer law accessible to office practitioners
and litigators.”
NCLC Impacts Marketplace Protections
Issues on which NCLC has had a significant impact include the Equal Credit
Opportunity Act, federal Truth in Lending law, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance
Program, the Home Ownership Equity Protection Act of 1994, development of state
unfair and deceptive acts and practices legislation, consumer protections in
the foreclosure process, and numerous federal and state statutes, including
the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Home Mortgage Abuse Act, and Uniform
Commercial Code.
A top priority for NCLC is providing support on issues involving consumer fraud,
debt collection, consumer finance, energy assistance programs, predatory lending,
and sustainable home ownership programs.
NCLC staff helped design and evaluate affordable, low-income energy programs
in Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and other states.
NCLC does not have the resources for advising consumers directly and refers
consumers to their county bar associations or legal aid programs for local legal
referrals. The web site of the National Association of Consumer Advocates, www.naca.net
has additional listings of legal referrals.
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Diversity Mission Statement
In support of its mission serving low-income consumers, the National Consumer Law Center is committed to supporting and advancing diversity inside and outside the organization. By devoting time and resources to encouraging diversity, the Center strives to foster an inclusive and welcoming climate that respects different viewpoints, backgrounds and life experiences.
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Addresses
Boston Headquarters: 77 Summer Street, 10th Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1006; Phone: 617/542-8010; Fax 617/542-8028
Washington Office: 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 510, Washington, DC,
20036; Phone: 202/452-6252; Fax 202/463-9462
Note: unsolicited commercial advertisements at the above numbers are not accepted.
Donations
NCLC is a non-profit organizations whose work, in part, depends on support from private donors. For more information on supporting our advocacy efforts, click here. For information on our capital campaign, click here.
Newsletter
Outlook,
NCLC’s newsletter, highlights the Center’s recent activities and
is available free of charge on our website or by request (617/542-8010). Latest (Spring 2008) and previous issues. If you would like to sign up for getting Outlook by email click here.
NCLC is governed by a volunteer national board of directors which includes
Mike Ferry, president, as well as bar
associations representatives from the private bar, and clients from the communities
we serve.
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Fiscal Responsibility
NCLC Outperforms Majority of Nonprofits with Respect to Fiscal Responsibility
NCLC has been awarded a four-star rating for sound fiscal management by Charity Navigator, one of the country's premier charity evaluators. This exceptional rating reflects NCCL's ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances. To look at the complete rating, visit www.charitynavigator.org.
