Donald Edward Petersen

Donald Edward Petersen

5.0
Rating: 9.3

Licensed for 37 years

Class action Lawyer at Orlando, FL
Practice Areas: Class Action, Debt Collection, Litigation ... +12 more

Po Box 1948, Orlando, FL

About Donald

Biography

Practice Areas

15

Practice Areas

Class Action 21%

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.

21 years | 4 cases

21%
Debt Collection 20%

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

35 years | 200 cases

20%
Litigation 20%

Primarily representing consumers with several major complex litigation cases (qui tam health care fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, derivatives, and systemic fraud on consumers).

38 years | 400 cases

20%
Bankruptcy and Debt 10%

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.

35 years | 800 cases

10%
Credit Repair 10%

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.)

35 years | 300 cases

10%
Consumer Protection 5%

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.

38 years | 30 cases

5%
Identity Theft 5%

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.

26 years | 12 cases

5%
Health Care 2%

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.

34 years | 6 cases

2%
Banking 1%

38 years | 10 cases

1%
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy 1%

35 years | 100 cases

1%
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy 1%

35 years | 600 cases

1%
Credit Card Fraud 1%

26 years | 10 cases

1%
Debt Settlement 1%

26 years | 1 case

1%
Foreclosure 1%

26 years | 10 cases

1%
Government Contracts 1%

34 years | 5 cases

1%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 37 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1988

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Donald Edward Petersen

Po Box 1948, Orlando, FL, 328021948

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Donald Edward Petersen's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

5 Client Reviews

5 star (5)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Jay | December 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent in Consumer Debt Collection

Mr. Petersen is extremely knowledgable in consumer debt collection and consumer collection cases. Hired this attorney for an aggressive debt collector that had incorrectly reported to credit report and was calling continually, violating several laws. He was able to quickly resolve the issue and repre...sent me in the court case. He thoroughly understands and defends consumer rights against these companies that will try to bully you while they knowingly violate laws, and I had utmost confidence in his handling he case. He is on your side as a consumer, and fee structure was very fair. I have hired numerous attorneys over the years for different needs, and for consumer collection and litigation he is the best I've hired, can't recommend enough.

Posted by Hans Maslo | February 27, 2016 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Terrific Advice

I called the counselor's office line, he answered and after listening to my foreclosure matter he gave me some great advice on how to proceed. He was very direct, to the point and after about 15 minutes I had a pretty good idea on how to proceed. Never once was compensation discussed and I was not ch...arged for his valuable time. I would highly recommend Mr. Petersen.

Posted by C. Wellborn | February 15, 2015

Impressed with first conversation

My son wants to take over the matter and I want him to. The issue was about his father's debt, so I have not hired Mr. Petersen yet. I had called Mr. Petersen right after a strange call from a debt collector. It was right before Christmas and he still took the time to talk to me, even in detail. H...e seemed very knowledgable and no nonsense. He said "Just answer my questions" which was difficult because the situation was goofy and I felt he needed more details, but I believe it was because he knew so well what he was doing...very experienced with debt collection. He gave me step one which I did and am still waiting on the collector or bank to prove the debt. I would feel comfortable hiring Mr. Petersen and I believe I am very choosey when it comes to attorneys. He seemed to genuinely care about helping folks over earning money, so I believe he will be blessed for that.

Posted by Jan | January 23, 2014

Can not recommend more.

I was served by a third party debt collector (at work none the less) for an old credit card from my prior marriage. After researching the company suing me I was determined to not let myself be one of the folks who rolls over and simply gives in. I researched several Attorneys and after seeing the ...amount of information Attorney Petersen had on his web site (very detailed and informative on the debt collecting business) he was one of several that I contacted. Most called me back relatively quickly but none spent the time on the initial phone call that Attorney Petersen did. After that conversation I had a gut feeling that he was my guy. I met with Attorney Petersen shortly thereafter and was extremely impressed by his knowledge, quickness and the notion to me that he thinks outside the box. (It should be noted that those seeking an Attorney with an Armani suit, flashy contemporary office furniture and a TV pitch should look elsewhere). To sum Attorney Petersen was not only extremely capable but also sincere and genuine. He also gave more time to my case than I ever imagined and not once did I feel like he was there to get as much money from me as he could. Rather I felt he was there to do battle for me and that he certainly did. In the end my outcome was more than I could if ever wished for. I've met a lot of lawyers (I dated one for three years) and I can sincerely state that Attorney Petersen is absolutely the best I've had the pleasure to have met.

Posted by Deborah | December 16, 2013

Donald Edward Petersen

Mr. Petersen spent a great deal of time to understand my situation and the background. He is very knowledgable of the debt collection laws in Florida as well as the rest of the nation. His representation of me reflected his concern for my best interests. Thanks to Mr. Petersen's expertise, and eff...orts, my case was dismissed. I highly recommend Mr. Petersen for matters related to debt collection.

See All Client Reviews

Donald Edward Petersen's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Donald
Tina M. Willis headshot
Tina Willis

Debt collection lawyer | Mar 30

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 Lee Burdge headshot
Ronald Burdge

Debt collection lawyer | May 07

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."

Jeffrey Lapin headshot
Jeffrey Lapin

Debt collection lawyer | Mar 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Unknown lawyer | Mar 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Robert Bailey Branson headshot
Robert Branson

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Nov 14

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 E Novak headshot
James Novak

Debt collection lawyer | Jul 17

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 G. Howard headshot
Michael Howard

Debt collection lawyer | Dec 23

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 William Schwinn headshot
Frederick Schwinn

Debt collection lawyer | Jul 22

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. Kathi Rawls headshot
M. Rawls

Debt and lending agreements lawyer | Jun 07

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 Michael Fahlgren headshot
Steven Fahlgren

Credit repair lawyer | May 16

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."

Seksanh Joe Panyanouvong headshot
Seksanh Panyanouvong

Debt collection lawyer | Dec 01

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."

View All Endorsements
Joel Lee Gross headshot
Joel Gross

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Tina M. Willis headshot
Tina Willis

Personal injury lawyer

James E Novak headshot
James Novak

Criminal defense lawyer

Frederick William Schwinn headshot
Frederick Schwinn

Debt collection lawyer

Aurora Dawn Harris headshot
Aurora Harris

Debt collection lawyer

Lucius James Wallace headshot
Lucius Wallace

Litigation lawyer

Jason Meyer Krumbein headshot
Jason Krumbein

Identity theft lawyer

Robert Harlan Stempler headshot
Robert Stempler

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer

Leonard Peter Cabral headshot
Leonard Cabral

Landlord or tenant lawyer

Karen M Oakes headshot
Karen Oakes

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Pamela L. Stewart headshot
Pamela Stewart

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

John Addison Vos headshot
John Vos

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Ronald Joseph Kim headshot
Ronald Kim

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Jay S. Fleischman headshot
Jay Fleischman

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

David Howard Abrams headshot
David Abrams

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Dmitry N Feofanov headshot
Dmitry Feofanov

Lemon law lawyer

M. Kathi Rawls headshot
M. Rawls

Lemon law lawyer

Daniel C Johnson headshot
Daniel Johnson

Litigation lawyer

Edward Higgins Hurt Jr. headshot
Edward Hurt

Personal injury lawyer

Ronald Lee Burdge headshot
Ronald Burdge

Lemon law lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.3 (Superb)

Honors

2010

Certificate of Appreciation, Legal Advocacy Center of Central Florida

1988

J.D. with Honors; Project Editor, Law & Contemporary Problems, Duke University School of Law

1984

M.B.A. with Honors; Corporate Council Award, Crummer School of Business (Rollins College)

1980

B.S.B.A. Summa Cum Laude; Beta Gamma Sigma, University of Central Florida

Work Experience

1992 - Present

, Law Office of Donald E. Petersen

1990 - 1992

Senior Attorney, Florida Department of Insurance

1988 - 1990

Associate, Commander, Legler, Werber, Dawes, Sadler & Howell

1980 - 1985

Program Planner, Martin Marietta Orlando Aerospace

Associations

2012 - Present

United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida

Admitted to Practice

2001 - Present

National Association of Consumer Advocates

Member

1996 - Present

United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

Admitted to Practice

1995 - Present

United States Court of Claims

Admitted to Practice

1993 - 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

1989 - Present

United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida

Admitted to Practice

2003 - 2008

Consumer Protection Law Committee

Member

2003 - 2008

National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

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

See More Legal Cases

Education

1988

Duke University School of Law

Law (With Honors)

1984

Rollins College

MBA

1980

University of Central Florida

B.S.B.A.

Speaking Engagements

2014

The Florida Bar : Annual Convention

Recent Influential Consumer Law Cases : Fair Debt Collection Practices Act & Fair Credit Reporting Act

2013

HFC Collection Center v. S.A.

Testifying expert concerning attorney fees

2012

WFTV (TV9)

"Man Sued By Check Cashing Store" (News Interview)

2009

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

2008

"Ask An Attorney"

Consumer Rights : Debt Collection & Credit Reporting

2007

Interview : "Predatory Mortgage Lending & Foreclosures"

Predatory Lending

2005

"Real Talk With Kietta" (UPN)

Identity Theft

2002

Consumer Awareness Symposium

Predatory Lending

2001

Compliance: The Real Picture

Qui Tam False Claims Act actions against health care providers

2000

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

1999

Florida Employment Lawyers Association Winter Seminar

Introduction to the Qui Tam Provisions of the False Claims Act For the Plaintiff's Employment Lawyer

1998

"Investigative Reports" with Tony Pippitone

Charter Settles Qui Tam Action

1994

"Employment Law"

Employee Rights in the Workplace

Publications

2006

La Coe's Pleadings Under The Florida Rules of Civil Procedure Forms for defending consumers in collection actions

2005

Consumer Law Pleadings Contributor : Forms for defending collection actions against Florida consumers

1999

Corporate Compliance Officer "Why Employees Bring Whistleblower Cases"

1995

Computer Law Newsletter "Southern District of Florida Follows Altai"

1988

Law and Contemporary Problems Project Editor : "Vice" Vol. 51, No. 1, Winter, 1988

Activity

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