Settle now
Resolve the case right away, often before you file anything with the court. Some clients choose to pay a little more in exchange for immediate peace of mind.
Best when you want it over quickly.
Debt collection defense in California
Sued by a debt collector?
Speak to the attorney,
not a call center.
Bill Rose has defended California consumers against debt buyers, banks and collection law firms since 2007. He handles your case personally, he answers his own phone, and the first call is free.
- Since 2007Defending California consumers in collection cases
- Bill answers his own phoneNo intake staff, no call center
- Free and confidentialNo obligation to hire the firm
Served with a summons?
The clock is already running.
In California you generally have 30 days after service to respond. If you do nothing, the collector can take a default judgment. That opens the door to wage garnishment, a bank levy and a lien on your property, and it removes much of your leverage to negotiate.
Already have a default judgment? Many can be vacated or negotiated down.
Call nowYour options
Settle now or fight. Both are real choices.
The right path depends on who is suing you and how you feel about waiting. Bill will tell you what he would do in your position.
Fight the case
Litigating delays the outcome by about a year. When the plaintiff is a debt buyer, a company that never lent you money but bought your account, a better settlement is likely just before trial. Sometimes the case goes away and you pay nothing.
Best when the plaintiff is a debt buyer and you can wait.
If the plaintiff is the original creditor
When a bank or credit card company sues over a debt that is yours, there is typically little or no financial gain in fighting. Fees and costs run higher, and the settlements available before trial are not much better than the ones available now. It makes sense mainly if delay is your goal.
How it works
From first call to resolution, with the same lawyer.
- 1
Call Bill
You reach him directly. Share what happened and what you were served with. The call is free and carries no obligation.
- 2
Pick a strategy
Bill reviews the summons and complaint, identifies who is really suing you, and lays out whether to settle now or fight.
- 3
Reach a resolution
Bill negotiates or litigates personally. In complex cases he brings in co counsel but stays your point of contact.
Collection attorneys are swamped with cases. They would rather not try one against a lawyer who can win. As trial approaches, better settlements follow.
A rule of thumb from Bill's practice since 2007
Who we face
We have opposed these collectors and their lawyers since 2007.
Knowing how each one operates shapes the strategy. If you were sued by one of them, read how we approach it.
Debt buyers
Collection law firms
Plaintiff not listed? Call anyway. See all collectors
Other situations
Not a typical lawsuit? Bill has seen that too.
Vacate a default judgment
Many default judgments can be vacated, and others negotiated down.
Learn moreIdentity theft debt
The debt is not yours. We defend victims against the collectors chasing them.
Learn moreSued the wrong person
They named you and will not listen. We make them hear it.
Learn moreDebt negotiation
Too much debt? We have helped with credit card judgments since 2007.
Learn more
William "Bill" RoseAttorney, Rose Consumer Law
Your attorney
Candid, direct, aggressive when necessary, always respectful.
Bill is an experienced litigator and negotiator who has represented California consumers for nearly 20 years against credit card companies, banks, online lenders, debt buyers and their attorneys. His respectful style lets the other side give his clients what they want.
- Staff counsel to the Massachusetts Senate Human Services Committee, focused on consumer legislation
- Special counsel to the Justices of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
- In California since 1991, speaking on negotiation at conferences in the United States and abroad
What clients say
Rose Consumer Law is one of the finest law firms I have ever encountered. Attorney William Rose is extremely knowledgeable, he is responsive to urgent matters, and he goes above and beyond to help people resolve their problems successfully.
What happens if I ignore the summons?
A default judgment can be entered against you. Once it is, the collector can garnish your wages, levy your bank account and record a lien on your property, and you lose much of your leverage to negotiate. Respond promptly. If time has already passed, call anyway: many default judgments can still be vacated or negotiated down.
Should I settle or fight the lawsuit?
It depends on who is suing and how you feel about waiting. Fighting delays the outcome by about a year. Against a debt buyer, a better settlement is likely just before trial. Against an original creditor on a debt that is yours, there is usually little or no financial benefit in fighting. Bill will walk you through both options.
Who will handle my case?
Bill handles your case personally and answers his own phone. In more complex individual cases and in class actions he works with outside co counsel, but he stays connected to you throughout.
What does the consultation cost?
Nothing. The consultation is free, confidential and carries no obligation. Ask about fees and costs for each option while you talk.
What is a debt buyer?
A debt buyer is a company that did not lend you money or extend you credit. It claims you owe it because it bought your account. An original creditor is the bank or card issuer that lent you the money.
Can a default judgment be undone?
Not all of them, but many can be vacated and others can be negotiated down. A judgment may be void if you were never properly served with the summons and complaint. Bill needs the circumstances to tell you where you stand.
What if they sued the wrong person?
If the debt is not yours, whether through mistaken identity or identity theft, call Bill. He defends people who have been named by mistake against collectors who refuse to listen.
Where is the firm located?
Rose Consumer Law is at 100 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 700, in Santa Monica, and represents California consumers.
Call Bill. The consultation is free.
No obligation, and you speak with the attorney who would handle your case.