Mary E. Philipps, contributing author to chapter 9, is a partner in the Palos Hills, IL law firm of Philipps & Philipps, Ltd., representing consumers in both individual and class actions under the FDCPA and other consumer protection statutes for over thirty years. She has been appointed class counsel in scores of cases in the federal courts, including dozens of contested class actions. She has spoken frequently on topics related to the FDCPA, class actions, and other consumer issues.