I proudly represent consumers in lawsuits against debt collectors, furnishers of false or obsolete credit information, credit reporting agencies, and furnishers of credit information concerning accounts which were discharged in bankruptcy.
I also defend consumers who are being sued by credit card issuers and debt collectors who sued my clients to collect consumer accounts.
If you wish to contact me concerning representation, feel free to contact me by calling or via e-mail. Please be sure to include telephone numbers where my staff or I can contact you directly if I decide that is more efficient. Please also include a brief (1 or 2 sentences) description of your situation.
Thank you for your interest in my services.
Donald Petersen
A technical note : I've chosen the AVVO categories that I believe best describe my practice to non-lawyers. Although much of my practice involves "debt collection", I represent only consumers who SUE the debt collectors who violated my clients' rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ("FDCPA"). (I do NOT represent any businesses in lawsuits against consumers or defend debt collectors who are sued.) A substantial portion of my practice consists of representing consumers in matters arising under or involving the Fair Credit Reporting Act ("FCRA") so I chose "credit repair" as the closest applicable category although I do not provide "credit repair" services as lawyers would use this term nor do I recommend that consumers use credit repair organizations.
Practice areas
I represent consumers in class actions against companies that violate the Telephone Consumer Protection Act ("TCPA") by sending junk faxes or making robo-calls to cell phones, and violations of the FDCPA and/or the FCCPA.
16 years, 4 cases
I represent consumers who are receiving letters or whom debt collectors are attempting to collect accounts from by harassing the consumer (including the consumer's employer, relatives, friends, or neighbors). I represent consumers who are being sued
30 years, 200 cases
Primarily representing consumers with several major complex litigation cases (qui tam health care fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, derivatives, and systemic fraud on consumers).
33 years, 400 cases
I represent consumers in actions brought under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ("FCRA") arising from : (1) post-bankruptcy credit reporting; (2) identity theft; (3) mismerged credit reports; (4) invasion of privacy; and (5) a variety of debt collectors' violations. Florida consumers who have inaccurate information on their credit reports are welcome to contact me. (I do not assist consumers in disputing debts which are reported accurately.)
30 years, 300 cases
After representing debtors in bankruptcy for approximately 15 years, my clients' problems after they receive their discharge taught me that the system is "broken". I have dedicated several years to investigating industry practices and the legal theories which can be used to combat the financial disservices industries continuing violations of the bankruptcy code, Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act, and other federal and state laws.
30 years, 800 cases
I represent consumers in actions brought under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ("FCRA") arising from : (1) post-bankruptcy credit reporting; (2) identity theft; (3) mismerged credit reports; (4) invasion of privacy; and (5) a variety of debt collectors' violations.
21 years, 12 cases
I represent consumers and small businesses against companies that sell products which are by design unable to perform to specification or the manufacturer refuses to honor their warranty.
33 years, 30 cases
I represent relators in qui tam false claims actions in the health care and defense industries. I also have extensive experience in banking, derivatives, and securities fraud as independent counsel for federal banking agencies.
29 years, 6 cases
30 years, 600 cases
30 years, 100 cases
33 years, 10 cases
21 years, 10 cases
21 years, 1 case
21 years, 10 cases
29 years, 5 cases
Po Box 1948
Orlando, FL, 328021948
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
FL | Member in Good Standing | 1988 | 12/20/2020 |
Legal answers | 292 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Certificate of Appreciation | Legal Advocacy Center of Central Florida | 2010 |
J.D. with Honors; Project Editor, Law & Contemporary Problems | Duke University School of Law | 1988 |
M.B.A. with Honors; Corporate Council Award | Crummer School of Business (Rollins College) | 1984 |
B.S.B.A. Summa Cum Laude; Beta Gamma Sigma | University of Central Florida | 1980 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Law Office of Donald E. Petersen | 1992 - Present | |
Senior Attorney | Florida Department of Insurance | 1990 - 1992 |
Associate | Commander, Legler, Werber, Dawes, Sadler & Howell | 1988 - 1990 |
Program Planner | Martin Marietta Orlando Aerospace | 1980 - 1985 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida | Admitted to Practice | 2012 - Present |
National Association of Consumer Advocates | Member | 2001 - Present |
United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit | Admitted to Practice | 1996 - Present |
United States Court of Claims | Admitted to Practice | 1995 - Present |
United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit | Admitted to Practice | 1993 - Present |
Orange County Bar Association | Member | 1993 - Present |
---|---|---|
Orange County Bar Association, Bankruptcy Law Committee | Member | 1993 - Present |
United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida | Admitted to Practice | 1989 - Present |
Consumer Protection Law Committee | Member | 2003 - 2008 |
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys | Member | 2003 - 2008 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
La Coe's Pleadings Under The Florida Rules of Civil Procedure | Forms for defending consumers in collection actions | 2006 |
Consumer Law Pleadings | Contributor : Forms for defending collection actions against Florida consumers | 2005 |
Corporate Compliance Officer | "Why Employees Bring Whistleblower Cases" | 1999 |
Computer Law Newsletter | "Southern District of Florida Follows Altai" | 1995 |
Law and Contemporary Problems | Project Editor : "Vice" Vol. 51, No. 1, Winter, 1988 | 1988 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Duke University School of Law | Law (With Honors) | 1988 |
Rollins College | MBA | 1984 |
University of Central Florida | B.S.B.A. | 1980 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
The Florida Bar : Annual Convention | Recent Influential Consumer Law Cases : Fair Debt Collection Practices Act & Fair Credit Reporting Act | 2014 |
HFC Collection Center v. S.A. | Testifying expert concerning attorney fees | 2013 |
WFTV (TV9) | "Man Sued By Check Cashing Store" (News Interview) | 2012 |
Testified as expert witness re : consumer's attorney fees in Arrow Financial v. R.J. | Collection Action | 2009 |
Testified as expert witness in Capital One v. J.S. | Collection Action | 2009 |
"Ask An Attorney" | Consumer Rights : Debt Collection & Credit Reporting | 2008 |
---|---|---|
Interview : "Predatory Mortgage Lending & Foreclosures" | Predatory Lending | 2007 |
"Real Talk With Kietta" (UPN) | Identity Theft | 2005 |
Consumer Awareness Symposium | Predatory Lending | 2002 |
Compliance: The Real Picture | Qui Tam False Claims Act actions against health care providers | 2001 |
HealthCon 2000 (Toronto Canada) | Using The Qui Tam Provisions of the False Claims Act to Punish, Deter And Prevent Health Care Fraud | 2000 |
Florida Association of Medical Coders : Annual Conference | Qui Tam False Claims Act actions against health care providers | 2000 |
Florida Employment Lawyers Association Winter Seminar | Introduction to the Qui Tam Provisions of the False Claims Act For the Plaintiff's Employment Lawyer | 1999 |
"Investigative Reports" with Tony Pippitone | Charter Settles Qui Tam Action | 1998 |
"Employment Law" | Employee Rights in the Workplace | 1994 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Ray Palmer Jr. on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated v. Dynamic Recovery Solutions LLC and Cascade Capital LLC | Final Class Certification Approved |
U.S. ex rel Mettevelis & Rowan v. Charter Hospital of St. Louis, Inc. d/b/a Charter Hospital Orlando South, et. al. | Settled on the eve of trial. |
Rosario & Phillips v. American Corrective Counselling | Reopened class representative's bankruptcy |
Posted by Jay
Fri Dec 15 2017
Posted by Hans Maslo
Sat Feb 27 2016
Posted by C. Wellborn
Sun Feb 15 2015
Posted by Jan
Thu Jan 23 2014
Posted by Deborah
Mon Dec 16 2013
Tina Willis, Debt collection Attorney on Mar 30, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Don Petersen is an outstanding consumer rights attorney, to whom I would be proud to refer any client or even a family member, without hesitation. As many other fellow attorneys reviewing Don have indicated, his knowledge of consumer rights, collections, alternatives to bankruptcy, and procedural laws are all superb. Orlando truly is fortunate to have such an exceptional consumer advocate to help regular people fight unfair tactics often utilized by big business. I have consulted with Don in various areas of his practice. I have always been extremely impressed with his ability to drill down the issues, and think of a solution. Best of all, he does not charge unless he wins, and then is paid by creditors, not the debtor. So, for anyone dealing with harassing creditors, or harassing phone calls to mobile devices from creditors, calling Don should be a no-brainer. Consultations are free.
Ronald Burdge, Debt collection Attorney on May 7, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Don and known of Don for probably a decade. I gladly endorse him for his legal skills and knowledge. He knows debt collector harassment law and how to explain it so people can understand it. He has even taught other lawyers about Credit Rights laws that few understand at all. You can read some of his answers to questions that have been published at Avvo and you'll see that he cares about making sure his clients know their rights too. And when you read some of his excellent blog articles at www.fdcpa.me you too will see that he knows the law, cares about his clients, and likes to win. More important, he knows how to win too. If you have a problem with your credit or a debt collector is hounding you and you want to get back your peace of mind, Don knows how to do that for you. He is one of the very best, anywhere. I highly recommend him to you.
Tina Willis, Debt collection Attorney on Mar 30, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Don Petersen is an outstanding consumer rights attorney, to whom I would be proud to refer any client or even a family member, without hesitation. As many other fellow attorneys reviewing Don have indicated, his knowledge of consumer rights, collections, alternatives to bankruptcy, and procedural laws are all superb. Orlando truly is fortunate to have such an exceptional consumer advocate to help regular people fight unfair tactics often utilized by big business. I have consulted with Don in various areas of his practice. I have always been extremely impressed with his ability to drill down the issues, and think of a solution. Best of all, he does not charge unless he wins, and then is paid by creditors, not the debtor. So, for anyone dealing with harassing creditors, or harassing phone calls to mobile devices from creditors, calling Don should be a no-brainer. Consultations are free.
Jeffrey Lapin, Debt collection Attorney on Mar 25, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
I endorse this lawyer.
Robert Branson, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Nov 14, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer wholeheartedly. Don's knowledge and experience set him apart from his peers. I believe this to the extent that I refer my clients to him for his expertise.
James Novak, Debt collection Attorney on Jul 17, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Donald Peterson is a highly skilled and an experienced Attorney. He is dedicated to providing high quality representation to his clients. He is a leader in the attorney networking community and moderates several community forums. He is thoughtful, passionate about helping his clients through their difficult matters. I consider him a friend, and excellent attorney. I endorse Donald Edward Peterson.
Michael Howard, Debt collection Attorney on Dec 23, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Mr. Petersen for a number of years and find him to be an extremely knowledgeable consumer advocate who I endorse without any reservation whatsoever.
Frederick Schwinn, Debt collection Attorney on Jul 22, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Don Petersen is my go-to guy in Florida for collection defense and consumer bankruptcy matters. I have known Don for more than a decade, and I highly recommend him for any Florida consumer who has been sued by a creditor or debt collector or who has experienced collection harassment.
M. Rawls, Debt and lending agreements Attorney on Jun 7, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Don is one of the most knowledgable attorneys in his area of the country...Florida is lucky to have such a compassionate and intelligent attorney!
Steven Fahlgren, Credit repair Attorney on May 16, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Don Petersen has been a consumer protection attorney for a long time and he has invested hundreds of hours becoming an expert at his trade. Whether it is defending a credit card collection case, filing a bankruptcy or pursing debtor collectors for abusive collection practices, Don is known to have the grit necessary to pursue these cases to the end. He is one of Orange County's best kept secrets.
Ronald Burdge, Debt collection Attorney on May 7, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Don and known of Don for probably a decade. I gladly endorse him for his legal skills and knowledge. He knows debt collector harassment law and how to explain it so people can understand it. He has even taught other lawyers about Credit Rights laws that few understand at all. You can read some of his answers to questions that have been published at Avvo and you'll see that he cares about making sure his clients know their rights too. And when you read some of his excellent blog articles at www.fdcpa.me you too will see that he knows the law, cares about his clients, and likes to win. More important, he knows how to win too. If you have a problem with your credit or a debt collector is hounding you and you want to get back your peace of mind, Don knows how to do that for you. He is one of the very best, anywhere. I highly recommend him to you.
Seksanh Panyanouvong, Debt collection Attorney on Dec 1, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I worked with Mr. Peterson representing a client being sued by a third party collections agency. Mr. Peterson knowledge of this area of law was astounding. He depth of understanding the nuances of the procedural practices are equally as impressive. He is tenacious in standing up for the client's rights and armed with the knowledge to back his aggressive approach. I would highly recommend him to any client or counsel.