companies, and how they have ruled in those cases; the amount of arbitra- tion fees charged to consumers; etc.).18 Also, last year the Rhode Island state legislature passed a bill that would have made it illegal for any corporation to put a ban on class actions in consumer or employment contracts, but that bill was vetoed by the governor. At the time of this writing, no similar legislation has been introduced in Maryland.
Conclusion In all too many cases, the promise of
fair and inexpensive arbitration is not kept for American consumers. Courts will strike down some of the more egre- gious abuses, however, and counsel for individuals should be vigilant to look for opportunities to help their clients avoid such abuses. n
About the Author
F. Paul Bland, Jr., is a staff attorney for Public Justice. He has argued and won over 20 reported decisions, including cases in four different U.S. Courts of Appeal and in five state high courts. He
is a co-author of the book Consumer Arbitration Agreements: Enforceability and Other Issues, and many articles. For three years, he was co-chair of the National Association of Consumer Advocates. He was named the “Vern Countryman” Award winner in 2006 by the National Consumer Law Center, which “honors the accomplishments of an exceptional consumer attorney who, through the practice of consumer law, has contributed significantly to the well being of vulnerable consumers.” MTLA awarded him the Maryland Trial Lawyer of the Year in 2001.
Thanks
MTLA thanks members who gave over-and-above their annual dues either by becoming a sustaining member or by making a special legislative contribution. These options appear on the annual dues invoice and on membership applications. Sustaining members pay twice their annual dues to help subsidize reduced rates for young lawyers and law students. Legislative contributors help MTLA pay for expenses associated with political activities that are not direct campaign contributions to candidates.
Sustaining Members
Marie Apostolaros Barry J. Nace*
Michael M. Ain Melanie J. Barney
Lindley C. Cowperthwait, Jr. Philip A. Dales, III Neil J. Fagan
Michael J. Jacobs Bruce J. Klores
Douglas C. Lauenstein Kevin A. Mahoney Franklin J. Muher Kevin P. Murphy
*Member also made a legislative contribution. Patricia F. O’Connor*
Legislative Contributors
Terry A. Myers Barry J. Nace
Narda M. Newby
Edward L. Norwind Patricia F. O’Connor Kevin Olszewski
L. William Proctor, Jr. Patrick M. Regan Eric F. Rosenberg Murray D. Scheel Gary L. Segal
Eric W. Segel
Thomas G. Slater Robert M. Stahl
Douglas R. Stevens John B. Stolarz
Thomas Teodori William Turc, Sr.
Steven Van Grack Paul J. Weber
Peter Ayers Wimbrow, III August 2007 Steven Van Grack*
44
Trial Reporter
Fall 2007
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