fbpx
Search
Close this search box.

NYLAG Reaches Settlement to Permanently Stop Unlawful Debt Collection

Dupres v. Houslanger & Associates

NYLAG brought this class action lawsuit Soto v. Houslanger & Associates, PPLC et al., 19 Civ. 6691 (E.D.N.Y. 2019) (formerly Dupres v. Houslanger & Associates, PLLC et al.) in November 2019 on behalf of three New York City consumers against the law firm Houslanger & Associates and two of its attorneys, Todd Houslanger and Bryan Bryks. The case alleged that these lawyers used unlawful practices when executing on judgments entered against New York City consumers.

The case alleged that for years, these Defendants improperly executed on judgments by garnishing class members’ wages or restraining their bank accounts without possessing or reviewing necessary documents. There were approximately 3,200 class members, all of whom had a judgment entered against them in New York City Civil Court and the law firm Houslanger & Associates, PLLC executed on that judgment.

The New York Legal Assistance Group got final court approval of the settlement in October 2022. As part of the Settlement, Defendants agreed that they will permanently stop collecting on the judgments entered against Class Members and agreed to stop collecting on certain additional New York City Civil Court judgments. Defendants paid $155,000 as part of the Settlement. Defendants also agreed to change certain business practices prior to executing on judgments against New York City consumers. For more information about the case and terms of the settlement, please review the Settlement Agreement and Final Approval Order.

If you have had your wages garnished or bank account restrained by the law firm Houslanger & Associates, PLLC or the attorney Todd Houslanger based on a New York City Civil Court judgment, and you have questions about whether this settlement applies to you, call 212-613-5032. If you are not sure whether this applies to you, or you have other questions about debt collection, call NYLAG’s main line at 212-513-5000.

More Information:

Name: Soto v. Houslanger, PPLC et al.

Dkt. #: 19 Civ. 6691 (E.D.N.Y. 2019)

Judge: Hon. Rachel Kovner and Magistrate Judge Sanket J. Bulsara

Status: Proposed Settlement approved; Fairness Hearing and Final Approval pending

Claims:

Violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, New York General Business Law, and New York Judiciary Law, for, among other things: executing on judgments without having copies of critical documents; opposing consumers’ motions to vacate the judgments without having these documents; failing to file and service required notices; getting deceptive releases from consumers who fight back in court; and failing to return funds when ordered to do so by the court.

Highlights:

Help us provide free legal services to children and adults in need of a lawyer.
Join our mailing list. Get action alerts, updates, and special invites.
Scroll to Top