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Madeline Houston
Houston & Totaro: decades of experience representing New Jersey Consumers
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Biography
At the law firm of Houston & Totaro we represent consumers across the state of New Jersey in cases involving consumer fraud, unconscionable conduct and illegal practices by car dealers, banks, mortgage servicers, landlords, credit reporting agencies and other types of businesses. We use a combination of e-mail communications, telephone conferences and Zoom to accommodate clients from all counties and appear in courts throughout the state of New Jersey, state and federal. We take the vast majority of our cases on a contingency basis to enable consumers to pursue meritorious claims even when legal representation would otherwise be out of their reach.
Education
- Rutgers School of Law-Newark
- J.D. (1976) | Law
- -
Professional Experience
- Partner
- Houston & Totaro, Attorneys-at-Law
- - Current
- Director of Litigation
- Passaic County Legal Aid Society
- -
- Staff Attorney
- Passaic County Legal Aid Society
- -
Speaking Engagements
- FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS REGULATORY RELIEF ACT OF 1995, Testimony Before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking
- United Stated Senate
- Consumer Law, New Jersey State Bar Foundation Seminar
- National Jersey State Bar Foundation
- Consumer Law, New Jersey State Bar Foundation Seminar
- National Jersey State Bar Foundation
- Predatory Mortgage Cases: Settlement and Trial Issues, National Consumer Law Center Annual Conference
- National Consumer Law Center
- Protecting Workers and Consumers from Corporate Abuse, The Eric R. Neisser Public Interest Program, Rutgers Law School
- Rutgers School of Law
Awards
- Certificate of Appreciation - Meritorious Public Service
- Supreme Court of New Jersey
- Establishment of annual Madeline L. Houston Outstanding Attorney Award
- Legal Services of New Jersey
- In 1993 Legal Services of New Jersey established the “Madeline L. Houston Outstanding Attorney Award,” an award that is given annually to a Legal Services attorney who has provided exceptional service.
- Ronald B. Atlas Award
- Legal Services of New Jersey
Professional Associations
- National Association of Consumer Advocates
- Member
- - Current
- New Jersey State Bar  # 010591976
- Member
- - Current
- New Jersey State Bar Association Ad Hoc Committee on Consumer Protection Law
- Committee Member
- -
- District Ethics Committee
- Committee Member
- -
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
- New Jersey
Fees
- Contingent Fees
Practice Areas
- Consumer Law
- Class Action, Lemon Law
- Civil Rights
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Discrimination, Employment, Fair Housing, Police Misconduct, Privacy Law
Legal Answers
- Q. Am I responsible for payment of an exorbitant fee to Assisted Living facility that was the result of the facility error?
- A: In order to answer this question an attorney would need to review any contracts signed by your mother and by you. Some violations of the law allow you to demand that your attorneys fees be paid by the defendant t in certain circumstances and if an attorney thinks you have such a case and it is strong they might take the case on a contingency. You should contact a consumer attorney .
- Q. Can a discrimination suit be filed if unjustly banned from a Home Depot under false circumstances becuz im black ?
- A: Discriminating against customers in the way you describe is a violation of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, which provides for compensatory damages, punitive damages, and payment of the plaintiff's attorneys' fees if the case prevails. An attorney considering filing such a suit would want to obtain further details from you regarding the events as well as review the evidence you indicate that you have (e.g., videos, receipts, communications from HD).
- Q. Can an elderly disabled women be evicted for having a caregiver stay with her and for feeding stray cats?
- A: Based on the facts provided thus far it appears that your mother may well have rights under various federal and state laws regarding disabled persons that are being violated. More facts are needed to make a determination as to your mother's options. You should promptly contact an attorney and provide all the facts.
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