Law Offices of Mitchell N. Kay, P.C. v. Lesher

Issue: Whether a debt collection letter sent by a law firm that (a) accurately identifies the firm as required by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”), 15 U.S.C. §§ 1692 et seq.; (b) truthfully discloses that “no attorney with this firm has personally reviewed the particular circumstances of . . . [the debtor’s] account;” and (c) would be fully compliant with the FDCPA if sent by any debt collector other than a law firm, nevertheless violates the FDCPA because the firm’s use of law firm letterhead: (1) Falsely implies that an attorney has personally reviewed the debtor’s file in violation of 15 U.S.C. § 1692e(3); (2) falsely “threaten[s] to take any action that cannot legally be taken or that is not intended to be taken” in violation of 15 U.S.C. § 1692e(5); or (3) otherwise constitutes a “false, deceptive, or misleading representation” in violation of 15 U.S.C. § 1692e.

Briefs and Documents

Certiorari-stage documents

• Opinion below (3d Cir.)
• Petition for certiorari
• Motion to file amicus brief and amicus brief for ACA International
• Motion to file amicus brief and amicus brief for the National Association of Retail Collection Attorneys
• Motion to file amicus brief and amicus brief for the Commercial Law League of America
• Reply for petitioner