Michael Kennedy | Branford Consumer Rights Lawyer

Michael W. Kennedy

Michael W. Kennedy

Consumer Rights, Foreclosure, Consumer Bankruptcy, Credit & Debt, Garnishment, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Protecting consumers against debt collectors.

Language(s): English

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About Michael

Michael graduated from Albertus Magnus College in 1995, receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Social Work. Afterward, Michael attended Quinnipiac University School of Law where he was the recipient of his Juris Doctorate after graduating in 1998. From 1998 until 2016, Michael proudly served countless consumers who were victims of unfair debt collection practices, unfair automobile deanship practices, and unfair banking practices. Between 2016 and 2019 Michael took a brief hiatus from his practice to focus on his passion for Social Work. Now, Michael is back and hard at work for consumers across Connecticut, fighting diligently to make sure their rights are protected.

Offering free consultation. Call today to learn more about my fee structure.

Experience

Consumer Advocate

Law Office of Michael W. Kennedy, Esq.

Present

Branford, CT

Admission

Verified Connecticut

1998

Education

Albertus Magnus College

Bachelors (Sociology and Social Work)

1995

Recognitions & Achievements

Associations
  • Member | Connecticut State Bar Association

Questions & Answers

Please describe a case in the last year or two where you made a big difference.

A client was referred to me by a local attorney; my client was living in fear, being contacted daily, at home and work by a debt collector for a disputed credit card debt. She had been made to feel shame for not paying her debt by the debt collector, and was in fear of wage garnishment or bank execution. Once my office takes a case, all collection contact must stop by law. The debt collector can no longer contact you by phone or mail. In this case, the collection agent had called my client at work and told her if she didn't pay the debt he was going to call her supervisor and tell him that ""she doesn't pay her debts"" My client was afraid of being embarrassed at work and what people would think of her. (common illegal collection tactic) This conduct violates the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the client settled this matter for the maximum statutory damages of $1,000.00 and my attorney fees were paid for by the debt collector. The FDCPA provides statutory damages up to $1,000 and attorney fees to a successful plaintiff. My client told me she was feeling helpless and didn't know what to do before speaking to me. She told me during our initial telephone call, she felt safe now and secure again at home and work. She had been afraid to answer her phone and was feeling demoralized.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?

I think clients should look for an attorney, who specializes in an area of practice. Statutes, regulations and case law change so frequently, to be effective and obtain the best results for your clients, limiting your practice to one area of law gives that attorney a tremendous edge.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?

I am a plaintiff's attorney. I sue the same large collection agencies on a regular basis. Knowing the local judges and defense attorneys can help predict likely outcomes. Knowing what tactics will be most beneficial to facilitate the most favorable outcome

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?

I can listen to the potential clients fact pattern, ask crucial questions to determine if the client has a viable case and often determine likely outcomes my office can achieve.

What information do you need in a free phone consultation?

I need to confirm that the debt my client is being asked to pay is a ""consumer debt."" The debt was incurred for personal, family or household use. I like clients to pull a copy of their credit report from annualcreditreport.com. I like clients to save collection letters, keep a log of all the days and times of collection contacts from each collection agency. Collection agency's often use Robocalls to contact you. If you answer the phone and hear a recorded message instead of a live person, it's a robocall. I like clients to save voicemails from collection agencies, for my review, to see if they provided required detailed information by the FDCPA.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?

I take Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) cases on behalf of consumer debtors, who have been harassed by a debt collector, collection agency, or law firm.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

My legal degree and Connecticut state and federal law license, allow me to help those who cannot afford an attorney and have been taken advantage of by a debt collector, collection agency or collection law firm.

Are you involved in your community?

I volunteer with several nonprofit legal services and former elected member of the Branford Town Counsel.

The Kennedy Law Firm Highlights

Consumer Rights, Foreclosure, Bankruptcy, Credit & Debt, Garnishment

Firm Size: 1
Firm Locations: 1
Languages: English