Debt Collection Class Action Obtains Victory for Thousands of New Yorkers

NCLEJ helped to secure a $59 million settlement in Sykes v. Mel S. Harris & Associates, a federal class action challenging widespread abusive debt collection practices in the New York State courts. The settlement, announced on November 12, is unprecedented in its scope and represents a major victory for low-income New Yorkers. Approximately 355,000 people are expected to benefit. NCLEJ is of counsel to New Economy Project, counsel for the plaintiffs, in this matter, along with MFY Legal Services and Emery, Celli, Brinckerhoff & Abady. Find more information in this New York Times article and editorial.