United Law Group Offers Relief to People Struggling With Auto Loan Payments Irvine, CA - January 14, 2010 - United Law Group announced a program to help distressed families who are struggling to make their auto loan payments. Auto Payment Relief is a service offered by the law firm to help people who have been victimized by illegal practices and those facing financial hardships
"The automobile industry has a history of unethical and illegal sales and lending practices," said Robert Buscho, Senior Litigation Attorney for United Law Group. "Everything from failure to disclose fees to misleading clients as to the terms of the lease and more has gone on in this industry."
United Law Group Helps Prominent Podiatrist Reduce Mortgage by $3,347 Monthly and Save $925 Monthly on the Loan Held By Her Disabled Parents Irvine, CA - February 26, 2010 - United Law Group's litigation efforts continue to yield strong results for existing clients. Today the firm announced that Dr. Vanessa Taylor of Norco, CA obtained loan modifications for herself and her parents after the firm notified the lenders of its intent to file suit in the Riverside County Superior Court. These modifications cut $3,347 and $925 off their monthly mortgage payments. "The team we worked with from United Law Group were responsive and effective. I worked directly with the attorney and negotiator and was impressed with their professionalism."
United Law Group Sends Notice of Intent to Sue on Behalf of Disabled Man & His Wife; Couple to Save over $600 on Their Monthly Payment Irvine, CA - February 16, 2010 - United Law Group continues to service existing clients by litigating on their behalf. Today the firm announced that Mr. and Mrs. Matt Williams of Citrus Heights, CA were offered a trial loan modification. "The trial offer from the bank came after we notified the lender of our intent to file suit in the Placer County Superior Court" said United Law Group Managing Director Robert Buscho. "I went through the loan modification process on my own through Washington Mutual," said Matt Williams. "The process was difficult and the results had a minimal impact on my payment. Having legal representation from United Law Group made a significant difference. I'm looking at a remarkably better outcome thanks to United Law Group's litigation efforts."
Emergency Bankruptcy Filing Saves Home for Single Mother in Fontana, CA Irvine, CA - February 12, 2010 - Blanca Haro of Fontana, CA, sought help from United Law Group to save her home. Owing over $150,000 on a home valued at just over $118,000, this single mother did not qualify to refinance the five-year ARM that was about to adjust. Her loan servicer refused to re-negotiate the terms of her loan despite her three-and-a-half year payment history because her job with the school district was not a year-round position. Just months away from obtaining a teaching credential, which would give her a permanent position as a teacher in Fontana Unified School District, Haro is currently employed by the school district to help non-native speakers at the high school level to achieve proficiency in English. Haro hopes that others will be helped by her story.
United Law Group to Appeal Ruling in Case Against Bank of America and Subsidiary Countrywide Home Loans Irvine, CA - February 8, 2010 - United Law Group will appeal the dismissal of their suit against Bank of America and its subsidiary Countrywide Home Loans in the 19th Circuit Court of Appeals. Previously denied their motion to dismiss the lawsuit in the Santa Ana Federal Court, Bank of America attorney argued that the bank had the right to slander United Law Group because of California's "anti-SLAPP" (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) law. U.S. District Judge Andrew J. Guilford agreed to dismiss the case based on the law's broad-sweeping language, which offers protection to large corporations.
United Law Group Staffs Up to Take on Banks in Major Class Action Law Suits Irvine, CA - February 3, 2010 - Just under a year ago, United Law Group increased its staff by 30 to employ over 100 people. Today the firm is hiring another 30-40, this time to support its efforts to take on the big banks that have allegedly victimized homeowners by failing to honor government mandates.
"We're helping the local economy by putting people to work and helping the national economy by getting the big banks to do right by homeowners across the nation," said United Law Group Managing Director Robert Buscho. "Since its inception our firm has had one goal: to help honest families. We need additional employees to help as we prepare to take on the banks on behalf of the people who have been victimized by the unfair and often illegal practices of the financial institutions."
United Law Group Senior Managing Attorney Refutes Allegations of Misconduct in Jacobs Case Irvine, CA - February 24, 2010 - United Law Group's senior managing attorney Robert Buscho today released a statement and documentation that counters the allegations made about the firm. The documents include the request for information submitted to United Law Group via the internet on January 18, 2009, a recording of the message left by a United Law Group representative following up on his request, a recording of the call where Jacobs retained the firm and was advised that the firm would not tell him to stop making his monthly mortgage payments, and a copy of the trial modification agreement dated March 2, 2009 in which the bank offered to reduce his payments by $664 by cutting his rate from 8.2% to 5.75% and reducing his principal by over $50,000.
Irvine Attorney Travels During the Holidays to Bring Help to Homeowners In Need Irvine, CA - January 19, 2010 - For many troubled homeowners, the holiday season didn't provide a much-hoped-for reprieve from foreclosure proceedings. In fact, to some it seemed that bankers were working overtime. Fortunately, many of those homeowners were not alone. Showing his commitment to supporting families in need, United Law Group Managing Director Robert Buscho put his personal plans aside and traveled to several towns to personally fight to keep people from being locked out in the cold.
"Without legal support, families are left to fight for rights they often don't know they have against bankers with deep pockets and a slew of high-powered attorneys." said Buscho. "It's wrong for the banks to bully homeowners into eviction. At United Law Group we are focused on supporting homeowners through this process. If that means traveling six hours by train to tell a judge they can't let the banks get away with this, then that's what we do."
United Law Group Litigating on Behalf of Homeowners Victimized By Lenders and Servicers Who Aren't Honoring President Obama's Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) Irvine, CA - December 9, 2009 - United Law Group today announced a plan to help distressed current and former homeowners by filing litigation and class action lawsuits against lenders and mortgage servicers. Anyone that has been harmed by these companies can contact the firm for a free consultation or to be entered into the class action suit for no charge.
United Law Group is currently reviewing complaints for cases against major financial institutions including Bank of America, Wachovia, Ocwen, JP Morgan Chase, Washington Mutual, and others.
United Law Group to Litigate on Behalf of Over 40,000 Homeowners Against Major Servicers and Lenders for Alleged Improprieties Irvine, CA - November 4, 2009 - United Law Group announced the formation of Class Action lawsuits against Bank of America, Countrywide, Washington Mutual, JP Morgan Chase, Wachovia, Ocwen and several others. Over 40,000 defendants are involved in the suits, alleging unfair- and deceptive-practices.
United Law Group is currently reviewing complaints from homeowners. This national law firm has active lawsuits against Bank of America and its subsidiary Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. (case number 30-2009 00121999) and JP Morgan Chase and its subsidiary Washington Mutual (case number 30-2009 00122403) for tortuous interference with contract, defamation (slander) and unfair business practices (pursuant to B&P Code §17200).
The firm has seen a great deal of interest in class action suits from homeowners who are disenfranchised with the tactics used by lenders and servicers.
United Law Group Granted Trial Against Bank of America and Subsidiary Countrywide Home Loans Irvine, CA - October 21, 2009 - United Law Group made another positive step on behalf of homeowners when a federal judge denied Bank of America's motion to dismiss the case against the bank. Focused on protecting the rights of homeowners, United Law Group filed a complaint in the Superior Court of the State of California County of Orange Central Justice Center against Bank of America and its subsidiary Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. for tortuous interference with contract, defamation (slander) and unfair business practices (pursuant to B&P Code §17200) (case number 30-2009 00121999) in April of 2009.
"In order to truly help its clients, a law firm must earn their trust,"
said Robert Buscho Senior Litigation Attorney for United Law Group.
"Bank of America and its subsidiary Countrywide Home Loans cannot be allowed to make statements that increase anxiety and cause our clients undue duress during an already difficult time."
United Law Group Applauds Governor Schwarzenegger's Veto of State Bar Fee Bill Irvine, CA - October 20, 2009 - United Law Group agreed with statements made by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger about issues with the State Bar following his refusal to sign SB 641. His veto of the State Bar dues bill came on the heels of a report issued by the State Auditor in July of 2009 which cited problems with the cost of managing the Bar's disciplinary system, a lack of internal controls which led to the embezzlement of $676,000 from the State Bar, and questions regarding the organization's impartiality in considering judicial appointments.
"There is no justification for the State Bar of California to have the type of problems it has," said Robert Buscho, Senior Litigation Attorney for United Law Group. "The Bar has an obligation to the public and to its membership to do some serious housekeeping and drop the political agenda."
United Law Group Helps Joseph Pieciak to Fight for His Home Irvine, CA - October 15, 2009 - Joseph Pieciak's story reads like that of so many others. When the housing bubble burst he lost 1/3 of his income. He kept his position in research and development for a fastener company but lost the overtime and bonus opportunities, which he'd been using to make his monthly mortgage payments. Fearing foreclosure on his home, this father of four contacted his lender directly. Months of the run-around convinced him that he needed an attorney.
"I started working with United Law Group when I realized that I wasn't going to get anywhere with my bank," said Pieciak. "The firm did a great job. They got my lender to respond and even worked out new terms on my loan."
United Law Group Provides Over $1 Million in Pro Bono Litigation Services to Homeowners in Need Irvine, CA - September 29, 2009 - United Law Group proved itself to be a leader in homeowner protection by handling litigation services for cases that furthered the cause for California homeowners at its own expense. Focused on compelling judges to establish precedents for California Civil Code Section 2923.5, the firm went to court on behalf of over 30 clients with expenses exceeding $1 million.
"We took on cases that had the potential to shape California law to help homeowners through this crisis," said Vito Torchia, an attorney for United Law Group. "The newly enacted laws are untested in the judicial process. By pushing the courts to review them for application in real-world situations, United Law Group is blazing the path for homeowners to benefit from the very laws that were designed to protect them."
United Law Group Recruits Veterans to Help Distressed Homeowners Irvine, CA - September 23, 2009 - United Law Group today announced its participation in the Camp Pendleton Fall Career Fair to recruit spouses new to the area and transitioning service-members seeking employment.
The semi annual Camp Pendleton Career Fair hosts over 100 employers. The event offers major companies within high-growth, high-demand industries the opportunity to connect with veteran military personnel who are actively seeking positions. United Law Group hopes this event will support its efforts to hire additional employees to help distressed homeowners from its Irvine, CA offices.
United Law Group Joins More Than 30 Top Law Firms In Crisis Commission on Homeowner Representation Irvine, CA - September 17, 2009 - United Law Group, the leading provider of legal foreclosure prevention and foreclosure litigation services today announced that it joined forces with over 30 top law firms becoming part of the Crisis Commission on Homeowner Representation. The commission's first objective is to seek the modification of language in SB 94 that would impede the rights of distressed homeowners by making it impossible for attorneys to provide counsel in these situations.
SB 94 raised concern in the legal community because, as it reads currently, the bill would prohibit lawyers from accepting a retainer up front for services. Members of the commission assert that this bill would negatively impact the constitutional rights of distressed homeowners to seek representation by preventing attorneys from offering services related to home loan modification and foreclosure prevention.
Seasoned Litigators Vito Torchia, Jr. and Jerold Gardner Join United Law Group Irvine, CA - September 15, 2009 - Vito Torchia, Jr. and Jerold Gardner add to the collective breadth of experience at United Law Group. Individually each attorney brings a unique understanding of the complexities and subtleties of real estate law that can tip the scales in favor of United Law Group's clients.
"Torchia and Gardner bring experience and knowledge in the practice and application of real estate law and general civil and Chapters 7 and 13 bankruptcy litigation matters," said Ruel Caneda, attorney for United Law Group. "Their strengths complement the core competencies of our team and will empower us to continue to help the large number of Americans who are in need of legal representation at this challenging time."
United Law Group Helps Patricia and John Gallup Save Their Home by Reducing Their Monthly Payment from $1,528 to $468.47 Irvine, CA - September 8, 2009 - Patricia and John Gallup were losing hope. This disabled couple had been taken advantage of by unreliable contractors and ended up in a predatory loan as they attempted to make needed improvements to their almost 100 year old home in Redlands, CA. The couple called United Law Group to help. Seven months later, their payment has been reduced from $1,528 to $468.47, a monthly savings of almost $1,100.
"We can't thank United Law Group enough for the assistance they have given us," said Patricia. "We feel blessed that they cared enough to represent us and that we now have a home to live in, and are moving forward in our lives. I just hope that other people understand that no matter how bad things seem, there are options and there is hope."
Patricia and John Gallup
"Without this modification the Gallups would have lost John's childhood home," said Robert Buscho, Senior Litigation Attorney for United Law Group. "Their circumstances made them a prime target for predatory lending practices. United Law Group is proud to help people, like the Gallups, to find solutions to their financial hardships."
United Law Group Negotiates Payment Reduction of $1,542 Per Month for Jean Russell of Altadena, CA Irvine, CA July 30, 2009 - Foreclosure loomed ominously in front of Jean Russell. This retired nurse spent over 20 years in her home. She saved and planned. But circumstances conspired against her. Caring for her sick mother, rebuilding a home destroyed by a tree and dealing with the fallout from the banking and housing meltdown, Jean was afraid. But this Altadena, CA woman didn't sit back and take it. She came out of retirement, returned to her position at USC Medical Center and called United Law Group to help her save her home. Nine months later, she has a payment of $2,570 - down from $4,112 - which she can afford. "I was caring for my sick mother who had Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases," said Jean. "My retirement account balance had dwindled when the market crashed and I'd lost the income property I bought to supplement my retirement. I didn't want to lose my home but I didn't know how to keep it. United Law Group saved my home and gave me hope for the future."
United Law Group Negotiates Payment Reduction of $402 for David and Denise Miller of Uma Tilla, FL Irvine, CA June 18 2009 - David and Denise Miller were 12 months behind on their mortgage when they retained United Law Group to prevent foreclosure on their Central Florida home. They attempted to work with their lender but after three months, were told the lender wouldn't accept any attempt to repay the past due bills. Fearing that they'd lose their home, the couple contacted the United Law Group. ULG worked with Countrywide to prevent foreclosure on their home and reduce their rate to 7.75%. With the $402 a month savings the Millers can get caught up on bills and stay in their home. "We were trying to get ourselves back on track but the lender didn't want to hear it," said Mr. Miller. "United Law Group worked with the lender to save our home and reduce our payment from $1,478 to $1,076 per month."
United Law Group Negotiates 3.95% Interest Rate for Linda Smith of Red Bluff, CA Irvine, CA and Sacremento, CA - June 16 2009 - United Law Group, the leading provider of legal foreclosure prevention and foreclosure litigation services today announced that it successfully negotiated a rate reduction for Linda Smith of Red Bluff, CA. Ms. Smith works as a nighttime nursing supervisor at Mercy Hospital in Redding, CA. She planned on retiring within the next five years until the financial crisis robbed her of that choice. Having lost 1/3 of her 401(k) and almost 50% of the value of her home, Ms. Smith was struggling to save for her future and pay her current bills. "I knew that I needed an attorney to deal with the lenders," said Ms. Smith. "United Law Group helped me to navigate this difficult process."
United Law Group Reduces Payment from $1,146 to $714 for Randall Byrd of Fairfield, CA Irvine, CA - June 9, 2009 - United Law Group, the leading provider of legal foreclosure prevention and foreclosure litigation services today announced that it successfully negotiated a rate reduction for Randall Byrd of Fairfield, CA. Mr. Byrd is retired and lives on a fixed income. When his roommate moved out he fell behind on his payments. ULG negotiated with CitiMortgage to reduce his rate to 3.5% for a savings of $431 per month. "The value of my home was falling and I didn't know where to turn," said Mr. Byrd. "United Law Group saved my home."
United Law Group Donates $15,000 to Organization Rebuilding Bomb Shelters in Israel Irvine, CA - June 5, 2009 - United Law Group made the first of several planned donations to Tikvat Am Yisrael. The Costa Mesa, CA based organization rebuilds private communal bomb shelters in Nahariya, a town located in the northern region of Israel. The United Law Group-sponsored shelter will house more than 60 men, women and children from this region in the event of an attack.
"We thank United Law Group and Tikvat Am Yisrael from the bottom of our hearts for all that you have done for our family and all the other families in our building."
"We now have the security of knowing that if another war breaks out, we will be safe from the missiles because we now have a clean and organized bomb shelter."
- The Brosona Rodriguez Family
The Brosona Rodriguez Family holding a plaque for United Law Group.
"This is a very real threat for these people," said Sean Rutledge, Managing Director for United Law Group. "United Law Group is happy to be part of the effort to make these shelters livable for the people that need them."
United Law Group Sponsored Team in Newport Beach CA Relay for Life Irvine, CA - May 19, 2009 - More than 50 people from United Law Group participated in the 2009 Relay for Life. They did it for their co-worker and cancer survivor Myrna Adriano and countless family and friends who have been touched by this disease.
"Myrna is a co-worker, a survivor and an important part of our United Law Group family."
"Our office is involved in this event because we want to support her and all those who battle this disease."
- Sean Rutledge, Managing Director for United Law Group.
Myrna Adriano Walks the Survivor Lap at the Relay for Life in Newport Beach, CA
In addition to the fun, this year the American Cancer Society was on hand to enroll people in a long-term study called the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). This study will help researchers better identify the lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer.
"I tried to modify my loan on my own through Countrywide." said John Wright. "I thought I could do this but they weren't cooperating very much. I felt swept under the rug. I needed help. I needed an attorney."
Mr. Wright retained United Law Group to represent him. ULG has since filed a complaint against Bank of America and its subsidiary Countrywide Home Loans for unfair business practices.
John Wright recounts his experience with United Law Group and his lender, BofA subsidiary Countrywide Home Loans.
United Law Group takes an aggressive stance against predatory lending practices and is an outspoken advocate on behalf of honest citizens who have been hurt by the housing and mortgage crisis.
Senate Bill 94 Threatens Citizens' Rights Even While It Claims to Protect Them Irvine, CA - May 12, 2009 - United Law Group issued a statement today against SB 94 stating that the bill threatens the very rights it claims to protect. Authored by Senator Ron Calderon to prevent unethical loan modification companies from charging an upfront fee for services, the bill includes language that would prevent citizens from obtaining legal representation for foreclosure prevention and during foreclosure litigation proceedings.
Irvine, CA & New York, NY - May 7, 2009 - United Law Group has filed a complaint in the Superior Court of the State of California against JP Morgan Chase and Washington Mutual alleging they made statements and recommendations to our clients that caused undue distress and confusion regarding the services being performed by us.
"JP Morgan Chase and Washington Mutual made a calculated move to mislead our clients in order to weaken confidence in our firm and the process," said Richard Stinstrom, Senior Litigator for United Law Group. "Damaging the reputation of another is not only unethical, it's illegal. We filed this suit to protect our clients from further harm from these predatory bank negotiating tactics."
United Law Group Reduces Monthly Payment by $459 for Gary and Sandra Fuller of Globe, Arizona Irvine, CA - May 6, 2009 - Gary and Sandra Fuller received a rate reduction of 3.25% on their mortgage. Owing $141,000 on a home that had lost value, this retired couple was unable to manage their mounting bills and mortgage payments and considered foreclosure. "The process was intimidating and a bit overwhelming," said Mr. Fuller. "United Law Group simplified things and helped us to prevent foreclosure by working with the bank to reduce our interest rate and our payment." Previously the couple paid $1,351 per month. Their new payment of $892 will enable them to pay their bills and begin paying down their debt.
United Law Group Prevents Foreclosure on DeLuca Family; Negotiates 2.25% Rate Reduction Enabling New York Couple to Keep Their Home New York, NY - May 5, 2009 - Terry DeLuca and his wife Donna retained United Law Group nine months ago to prevent foreclosure on their home in Greenwich, New York. Having lost their granddaughter just two years prior, the couple was struggling under a burden debt and emotional despair. ULG worked with their lender to reduce the rate and incorporate their property taxes into the payment so the couple could weather this storm.
Seven months later, United Law Group successfully negotiated a principal reduction from $409,000 to $211,250.
Talbert's negative amortization loan was at 9.00% and scheduled to increase. With ULG's help, she is now paying 5.875% on a 30-year fixed rate loan. "United Law Group protected my rights," said Ms. Talbert.
Gail Talbert Stands In Front of the House United Law Group Helped Her Keep
"I had no equity and couldn't make my payments. United Law Group got the bank to reduce my principal and my payments dropped to $1,652 on a 30-year fixed loan. Now I can stay in my house and sleep at night."
Irvine, CA - April 28, 2009 - The lawsuit alleges that Bank of America and it's subsidiary Countrywide Home Loans deliberately and maliciously sought to harm United Law Group's reputation with its clients in order to stall and mislead consumers.
"Representatives from Bank of America are telling our clients that we have not contacted them and that they have not received our notices and legal demands," said Richard Stinstrom, Senior Litigator for United Law Group. "This deliberate attempt to mislead our clients is a calculated move designed to shake consumer confidence so that these consumers cancel with United Law Group."
United Law Group Targets Predatory Lenders That Failed to Provide Contracts in the Borrowers' Native Languages Irvine, CA - April 21, 2009 - United Law Group, the leading provider of foreclosure litigation and debt settlement services today announced that it launched a campaign to protect citizens from predatory lenders that failed to comply with California Civil Code 1632. This often-overlooked piece of legislation requires that contracts be written in the same language in which they were negotiated.
Richard J. Stinstrom Joins United Law Group as Senior Litigation Attorney; Puts Philanthropic Passion to Work Irvine, CA - April 17, 2009 - United Law Group welcomes Richard J. Stinstrom to the role of senior litigation attorney. Focused on helping the firm's clients with foreclosure prevention and debt settlement, Stinstrom is an attorney with a passion for helping people. With over 15 years experience in the legal profession, this former Marine dedicates his down time to helping those in need.
Citizens Demand Legal Protection from Predatory Lenders;
United Law Group Responds Irvine, CA - April 15, 2009 - United Law Group welcomes David Johnson, Thomas Neusom, and Mark Fisher to their team of expert litigators. Johnson brings expertise in civil litigation and malpractice. Neusom is a licensed real estate agent with experience in real estate and family law. Fisher has experience as a general counsel and business litigator. The addition of these attorneys solidifies the firm's commitment to meeting the growing demand for legal representation from homeowner's suffering from the housing and mortgage crisis.
United Law Group is Working to Keep People in Their Homes Irvine, CA - Attorney Sean Rutledge from the United Law Group spends more hours than you can imagine mowing through mounds of paper, writing letter after letter to banks trying to arrange loan modifications for clients teetering on the brink of foreclosure. "Unfortunately," says Rutledge, "the banks continue to phone and harass homeowners and use every possible excuse to delay a final decision on loan modifications." Judging from what Rutledge and his firm have experienced the last few months, the situation for homeowners is appalling.
Michael J. Pitch, J.D. C.P.A. Joins United Law Group's New York City Office to Help Taxpayers Settle IRS Debt Irvine, CA - March 24, 2009 - United Law Group announced the addition of Michael J. Pitch as a partner in the New York office. Mr. Pitch has experience in tax law and will lead the firm's efforts to help taxpayers to navigate the challenging offer in compromise (OIC) and the partial-payment installment programs initiated by the Internal Revenue Service to help struggling taxpayers hit by the recession.
Orange County Businesses Foundations Stable; Playing to Strengths Irvine, CA - March 23, 2009 - Sean Rutledge, managing director at Irvine-based United Law Group Inc., initially planned for his new law firm to concentrate on consumer law - helping clients deal with credit cards and other bad debts. But then the California legislature passed a bill requiring lenders to make more of an effort to reach homeowners before foreclosing and Rutledge changed gears.
Seasoned Litigators Ruel Caneda and Robert J. Buscho Join
United Law Group, Inc. Irvine, CA - March 18, 2009 - United Law Group welcomed 23-year veteran litigator Robert J. Buscho and veteran attorney Ruel Caneda. Buscho will work with Caneda and others helping homeowners that seek representation from ULG in resolving their real estate and other debt issues. They bring a wealth of experience that will expand the firm's expertise in real estate law.
United Law Group Announces Opening of New Office in Irvine, CA Irvine, CA - March 16, 2009 - United Law Group, the leading provider of legal foreclosure prevention and debt resolution services, today announced the opening of a new 33,000 square foot office in Irvine, California. This office will employ over 200 attorneys, paralegals, processors and customer service personnel to help distressed Americans battling with the recession, by providing legal services at affordable prices.
OC METRO MINUTE - March 18, 2009 - President Barack Obama holds a town hall meeting in Costa Mesa today, 2009 Orange County Community indicators reports released this week, and United Law Group, the largest foreclosure prevention firm in the country, opens a new office in Irvine, CA.
