consumer protection
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Why I’ve Stopped Feeding the Machines
If you’ve been a regular reader here, you’ve probably noticed my posting cadence has changed. Where I used to publish multiple times a month, it’s now sporadic at best—mostly thoughts on AI and what it’s doing to the world we used to know. This is a deliberate choice, and I feel that maybe I owe…
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Lawyers, We’re Having the Wrong Conversation About AI
Picture this: You’re at a bar function, someone mentions they’re using AI for legal research, and immediately three people jump in with: “Oh, you have to check the citations!”… “It hallucinates!”… “I heard it gave someone completely fake cases!” Yes, we know. That was 2023. Don’t get me wrong—those were valid concerns when ChatGPT first…
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How to Disable eBay’s Hidden AI Data Collection Setting
I’ve been using eBay for years. With a 132 million active users, chances are that you are an eBay user, as well. Recently, while adjusting some of the payment preferences in my account, I stumbled upon a surprising setting buried deep in my account settings. It’s a toggle that provides “consent” for eBay to use…
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Dear Florida HOAs, Enough with the Estoppel Extortion
As a real estate closing attorney here in beautiful Lakewood Ranch, board certified in real estate, in fact, I can honestly say that I love handling real estate closings. Having navigated the thrillingly adversarial waters of other practice areas earlier in my career, such as representing both the harried debtors and the hopeful creditors in…
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Selling Your Florida Home? Don’t Skip That HOA Payment!
As a real estate attorney handling closings right here in Florida, specifically in the Sarasota, Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch area, I get this question a lot from sellers: “Should I pay my upcoming HOA assessment if I’m selling my house?” The short and sweet answer is a resounding YES! I understand why the question comes…
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If They Build It, You Will Come: New Construction Contracts in Florida
So, you want to buy a brand new home in Florida? Join the crowd. As a real estate attorney in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, I am often asked by folks to review their new construction purchase contract for buying a home from a builder. I’m always happy to do it, but I will always caution that…
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Band-Aid, Not a Cure: Medical Debt Banned from Credit Reports
Easing the Burden of a Broken Medical System Millions of Americans burdened by medical debt are about to receive significant financial relief. A new federal rule finalized by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will remove and prevent all medical debt from appearing on credit reports, significantly improving credit scores and boosting access to loans…
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A Trojan Horse for Insurers? Florida’s 2025 Civil Procedure Rule Changes and their Impact on Injury Claims.
As of January 1, 2025, significant amendments to the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure take effect, raising serious concerns about access to justice for consumers, particularly in the context of injury claims against insurance companies. As someone who follows legal trends and advocates for consumer protection, I’ve been closely examining these changes, especially in light…
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The Right to Repair is the Right to be Free From Tyranny
From Light Bulbs to Washing Machines. A Culture of Disposable Tech. In the 1920s, a cartel of lightbulb manufacturers, including Osram, Philips, and General Electric, banded together and agreed to intentionally shorten the lifespans of light bulbs that they manufactured. A light bulb that breaks is a light bulb that needs to be replaced. A…
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Wholesaler? Partly Manure!
Something About This Stinks. As a board certified real estate attorney, I often am contacted by distressed homeowners who have fallen prey to some less than desirable real estate practices, particularly wholesaling. These homeowners, often desperate for a quick sale due to any number of reasons, but commonly due to financial hardship, become easy targets…