Consumer Law Clinic
The Consumer Law Clinic provides comprehensive advocacy to consumers through policy analysis, community education and outreach, and direct representation of consumers.
The Consumer Law Clinic teaches students the skills of lawyering while exploring a community-based approach to consumer law. As advocates for consumers and veterans exploited by predatory lending practices, students will investigate potential consumer protection claims and provide direct representation in state and federal court for violations of California's Unfair Competition Law and other unfair and/or deceptive business practices. Direct representation may also include drafting amicus briefs in consumer cases, filing complaints with regulatory agencies, and disputing inaccuracies in consumer credit reports. Students will have the opportunity to analyze finance industry regulations and legislation through white papers, public comment, and empirical research. To increase community impact and address the growing needs of consumers, students will develop self-help materials and conduct community education and outreach to help protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices.
Highlighted Project: Student Loan Law Initiative
In furtherance of the University of California, Irvine mission, the newly formed UCI Law Consumer Law Clinic, as part of the Student Loan Law Initiative, is offering to provide free legal assistance to alumni struggling to have their Public Service Loan Forgiveness applications approved.
The U.S. Department of Education is reporting a 99 percent denial rate for loan forgiveness applications. As a result, UC Irvine alumni who have provided more than 10 years of public service may be denied the loan forgiveness they were promised. The Clinic is willing to assist as well as provide educational sessions to help alumni currently engaged in qualifying public service remain eligible under the program rules.
UC Irvine was founded in 1965 with a mission to catalyze the community and enhance lives through rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, and dedicated public service. Now the Consumer Law Clinic is pledging to help alumni continue in their commitment to public service.
In the News
- UCI Law Consumer Law Clinic joins ACLU in lawsuit against Lancaster over citation system – LAist
- UCI Law Consumer Law Clinic, led by Prof. Tutt, and ACLU SoCal file lawsuit against the City of Lancaster and LASD over administrative citation system – ACLU SoCal
- Prof. Tutt quoted on UCI Law Consumer Law Clinic’s involvement in lawsuits related to PACE loans – Press Enterprise
- Consumer Law Clinic celebrates end of L.A. County PACE program – Public Counsel
- UCI Law 2L Joelle Leib quoted on experience helping Consumer Law Clinic clients during the COVID-19 pandemic – ABA Journal