Collections Law Firm Eltman, Eltman and Cooper Launches Philanthropy Department

Eltman, Eltman & Cooper PC has a long tradition of public service. With its Department of Philanthropy, EEC has created initiatives to assist a wide variety of people from New York to Africa and made numerous donations to a number of charities.

Eltman, Eltman & Cooper EEC appointed a Director of Philanthropy in March 2008, which may be the first such position established by a credit and collections law firm. The principle goals of EEC’s philanthropy department are twofold: to educate and encourage employee interest in philanthropy, and to promote financial literacy and poverty alleviation. The programs that EEC chooses to initiate or support reflect these goals.

EEC believes that it can benefit all employees to participate in volunteer work throughout their respective communities, and in the long run, will build a stronger working environment. The department holds regular employee workshops on fundraising, volunteering and other aspects of charitable work in an effort to help the firm’s employees become more effective in their individual and collective philanthropic endeavors. The firm also hosts nonprofit programs within the office in which the employees are active, enthusiastic participants.

Financial literacy and poverty alleviation are especially important components of EEC’s philanthropic mission because of how they relate to the debt servicing industry. In an effort to help financially disadvantaged individuals manage their debt, EEC extensively trains its employees to listen and respond respectfully to each debtor’s financial situation and to help them take the appropriate steps to clear up their debts and credit reports. Also, to be proactive in helping people manage or avoid excessive debt, an EEC lawyer visits local nonprofits to promote financial literacy to their clients. Recognizing that some people even lack access to credit, EEC supports charitable programs and projects that provide individuals with basic needs, like access to quality education, infrastructure development, and microcredit.

In addition to its own programs, EEC has supported charities across the country, such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Susan G. Komen Foundation, HeartShare Human Services and the American Cancer Society.

Eltman, Eltman & Cooper PC
EEC (www.eltmanlaw.com) was founded in 1947, the firm has been a leader in the credit and collections bar in the New York metropolitan area. Since 2003, it has broadened its scope to become a national presence. It has offices in New York and California and manages a network of more than 50 other law firms practicing in some 30 states.

Compliance and Ethics
The firm employs a senior attorney to monitor its compliance with all legal requirements. Building on the principles of The Eltman Way, this attorney supervises training the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) for all collection employees. This attorney also trains and instructs collectors on appropriate and professional conversations with debtors, monitors compliance and ethical matters, and is integral to the development and management of the firm’s Hardship Program.

Eltman Eltman and Cooper is a member of the National Association of Retail Collection Attorneys (NARCA) and Debt Buyers Association, and adheres strictly to the DBA Code of Ethics.