Sued by RAS Lavrar? 5 Steps to Take Now

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If you have been sued by the law firm RAS Lavrar, you are not alone.

Who is RAS Lavrar

RAS LaVrar, LLC is one of the largest collection law firms in Florida.  RAS LaVrar is located at 1133 S University Dr, Plantation, FL 33324.  In addition, they maintain several offices in numerous other states.  According to the Florida Department of Corporations, the firm opened in 2019.  David Schneid, Flynn Lavrar, and Krystal Allen Nethken are listed as the managing attorneys.  The Florida Bar indicates that David Schneid has been licensed since 1994 with no 10-year discipline history; Flynn Lavrar has been licensed since 1996 with no 10-year disciple history; Ms. Krystal Allen Nethken does not appear to be a member of the Florida Bar.

RAS LaVrar is not BBB accredited; however, they are given an “B” rating by the BBB in spite of 17 complaints in the last 3 years (as of 6/22/2021).

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau complaint database reflects 38 complaints (as of 6/22/2021 – with a 3 year lookback).

Why have I been sued by RAS Lavrar

RAS Lavrar often represent creditors and debt collection in collection lawsuits to try to secure payment for their clients.  Their firm focuses on legal collection on consumer debt.  Therefore, if RAS Lavrar has sued you, it is most likely that they are represent a creditor who claims you owe them a debt.

Is there a class action lawsuit against RAS Lavrar

Consumers have sued RAS Lavrar a number of times for claims of improper collection practices.  A search of the federal court “PACER” system reflects 33 cases in federal court where RAS Lavrar, LLC was listed as a defendant (as of 6/22/2021).

Consumers have sued RAS Lavrar in at least one class actions.  In a 2019 class action filed in New York, the Plaintiff claimed that collection notices sent by RAS Lavrar misled consumer regarding “meaningful attorney involvement” in the collection process.

What can I do about my lawsuit by RAS Lavrar?

1. Show Up 

First, don’t bury your head in the sand!  Florida Courts are divided into 3 levels depend on how much the lawsuit is for:  small claims, county court, and circuit court.  In small claims cases, a defendant is required to attend a hearing early on called a “case management conference”; whereas in county court and circuit court, the defendant has 20-days to file a written response from the day the lawsuit papers are served.  If a defendant doesn’t appear (in small claims) or they fail to respond (in county court or circuit court), the court will likely enter a default judgment against them.  Make sure to respond (or hire someone to do so) so you don’t lose off the bat!

2. Review the claim

Next, review the records from the case.  When a lawsuit is based on the records of another company, it may be that the records are inaccurate.  Review the claim and don’t assume it is correct just because they have written it.  See if the claim and the amount are accurate.

3.  Consider your options

Evaluate the alleged debt from the lawsuit, along with your other debt and your income.  Is there a defense to the claim?  Can you realistically afford settlement, or does it make more sense to consider bankruptcy?  Here is where you may want to have a free consultation with a debt resolution professional who can help you to objectively review your options.

4.  Negotiate

Assuming bankruptcy is not your best option and depending on the merits of your case, negotiation may be the next best step.  If you hire a debt settlement attorney to assist you with the lawsuit, your attorney will negotiate for you.  However, if you are determined to go it alone, you are generally better talking to the opposing firm than doing nothing (*this is a generalization; each situation is different).  Just keep in mind, they are not looking out for your best interest.  They are likely not going to tell you about your defenses to the lawsuit or your protections from collection.  Their job is to get you to pay.

5. Any Settlement Agreement Should be in Writing

Finally, if you reach a settlement agreement, even if you are representing yourself, your agreement should be in writing.

Questions on Your RAS Lavrar Lawsuit?

We offer a complimentary consultation with our experienced attorneys.  We’ll evaluate your case and review your options with you.