Debt Collection Abuses Cost Lawyer her License

by Mike Bevel, CollectionIndustry.com

Danielle Lenahan received a two-year time out from practicing law after her license was suspended by the New York Appellate Division of State Supreme Court for her part in abusive debt collection practices. Her father and law partner, John D. Lenahan, fared a little worse. After turning in his license in March of 2006, he cannot practice law again.

The Lenahan?s were paid by several debt collection agencies in the Buffalo, NY, area for the use of her law firm?s name. She did this, despite knowing ahead of time that the agencies were engaged in unlawful debt collection tactics.

A debt-buying company called Account Management Services agreed in July to pay $200,000 to settle civil charges of actually operating the Lenahan offices. That lawsuit had been brought by Maine’s attorney general.

Danielle Lenahan can re-apply for her license in 2008, at the end of her suspension.