Debt collection lawyers help clients enforce or defend against debts, but many people only encounter them after a problem has escalated. Many competitors mix basic definitions with hiring steps and pros and cons, which can leave real questions about timelines, regional differences, and outcomes only partially answered.
This guide explains what a debt collection lawyer does, when to hire one, how debt collection laws protect your rights, and how attorneys compare to collection agencies. You will learn costs, realistic outcomes, and a step-by-step process to find and work with the right professional, with clear paths to connect with vetted debt collection legal help through LegalExperts.AI.
Understanding debt collection lawyers and how they work
Debt collection lawyers operate at the intersection of contract law, consumer protection, and civil litigation. A clear understanding of how a debt collection lawyer differs from a collection agency helps creditors and consumers choose the right strategy.
What is a debt collection lawyer and how is it different from an agency?
A debt collection lawyer is a licensed attorney who represents either creditors trying to collect a debt or consumers defending against collection efforts. Debt collection lawyers are governed by attorney ethics rules, court procedures, and debt collection laws, including federal and state statutes.
A traditional debt collector or debt collection agency is usually not a law firm and cannot appear in court on behalf of a client unless local rules allow limited representation. Agencies focus on phone calls, letters, and negotiation to collect unpaid debts. Debt collection lawyers, by contrast, can file lawsuits, respond to lawsuits, negotiate settlements with legal leverage, and represent clients in court hearings and trials.
Law firms must follow professional conduct rules on confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and client communication, in addition to any debt collection regulations that apply. Agencies are often regulated as collection agencies and must comply with consumer protection rules but do not have attorney–client privilege. For many complex or disputed matters, the authority to litigate and provide legal advice makes a debt collection lawyer fundamentally different from an agency.
What do debt collection lawyers do in typical cases?
In a typical representation, a debt collection attorney manages legal strategy from the first demand through either resolution or judgment enforcement. When a creditor asks, "What can a debt collection lawyer do for me?" the answer usually includes both advisory and courtroom roles.
Debt collection lawyers draft and send legally grounded demand letters that reference applicable contracts and debt collection laws. Lawyers often negotiate payment plans, discounts, or structured settlements that reflect the client’s risk tolerance. When voluntary payment fails, lawyers file or defend lawsuits, comply with procedural rules, and handle discovery, motions, hearings, and trial. For creditors who win judgments, attorneys pursue enforcement tools such as wage garnishment, bank levies, or judgment liens, depending on state law.
Lawyers also provide compliance guidance when a business wants to collect its own receivables without violating consumer protection rules. For consumers, debt collection lawyers review account histories, assess whether the claimed balance is accurate, and help dispute incorrect or time-barred debts. In both roles, lawyers connect the collections process to broader legal risks, such as credit reporting issues or potential bankruptcy filings.
Where do debt collection lawyers usually work and what clients do they serve?
Debt collection lawyers work in several types of practice settings, and those environments shape both their clients and collection techniques. Understanding common work environments for debt collection lawyers helps creditors and consumers select counsel that matches their needs.
Many debt collection lawyers work in private law firms that focus on commercial litigation, creditor’s rights, or consumer defense. These attorneys might represent banks, hospitals, landlords, small businesses, or individual consumers. Some lawyers work in-house for financial institutions, medical providers, or large companies and manage high-volume receivables with standardized collection techniques. Others work for government agencies tasked with recovering public debts, such as unpaid taxes or fines.
The work setting often influences collection strategies. A high-volume creditor firm may rely on automated document systems and case management tools, while a boutique consumer-defense practice may emphasize detailed case investigation and tailored legal defenses. In-house counsel frequently coordinate with outside collection agencies while overseeing compliance, and government lawyers follow public-sector rules for garnishment, liens, and administrative hearings.
How do debt collection agencies compare to hiring a lawyer?
Hiring a debt collection attorney provides different tools and safeguards than working only with a third-party collection agency. For creditors, agencies may offer lower up-front cost and scalable outreach, while lawyers provide direct access to litigation and legal enforcement. For consumers, lawyers offer legal rights analysis, defenses, and representation in court, while agencies primarily request payment.
According to a 2024 consumer law study from a major U.S. university, creditors who used both agencies and attorneys in a coordinated strategy saw higher net recovery on disputed accounts than those who relied on agencies alone, particularly for older or larger balances.[1] Agencies often maximize early-stage contact, but once a debtor raises legal defenses or stops responding, attorney involvement becomes central. Lawyers are also bound by professional ethics rules and can advise on risk, reputational concerns, and settlement opportunities.
From a consumer protection perspective, both debt collection agencies and debt collection lawyers must follow debt collection laws, but lawyers can explain options such as bankruptcy, counterclaims, or regulatory complaints. For complex disputes, cross-border accounts, or matters involving business-to-business contracts, many organizations shift from agencies to legal representation to obtain court judgments and formal enforcement tools that agencies cannot provide on their own.
Do you need a debt collection lawyer and when should you hire one?
People often wonder, "Do I need a lawyer for help with debt collection issues, or can I handle this alone?" The answer depends on red flags in the case, the stage of the process, and the financial and relationship stakes.
Do I need a debt collection lawyer for my situation?
The decision to hire a debt collection lawyer turns on a few key signals that self-help or agency work is no longer enough. When individuals search “Do you need a debt collection lawyer?” or “Should I hire a debt collection lawyer?”, they are usually facing repeating calls, confusing paperwork, or stalled recoveries.
For creditors, warning signs include a debtor who has stopped responding despite multiple documented contacts, disputed invoices that involve contract interpretation, or balances large enough that non-payment threatens cash flow. For consumers, red flags include receiving a court summons, facing wage garnishment, or confronting aggressive tactics that may violate debt collection laws. When a case involves cross-state issues, potential fraud, or complex collateral such as real estate or business assets, formal debt collection legal help is usually appropriate.
Debt collection attorneys also add value when language barriers, disability, or health challenges make self-advocacy hard. In those circumstances, having counsel who understands both procedure and negotiation dynamics can prevent missed deadlines and default judgments that permanently affect credit and finances.
When should I hire or consider hiring a debt collection attorney?
Timing plays a major role in how effective a debt collection attorney can be. People often ask “When to hire a debt collection attorney?” or “When should you hire a debt collection lawyer?” after a dispute has already escalated, but earlier engagement is often better.
In the pre-suit stage, creditors may involve lawyers when internal collection or agency efforts fail, or when a debtor raises legal arguments about contract terms, interest, or fees. An early legal review helps shape demand letters that comply with applicable law and preserve evidence. Once a lawsuit is filed, timing becomes urgent. A defendant who receives a complaint usually has a short deadline to respond; failure to answer can lead to a default judgment. Retaining counsel at that point allows a debt collection lawyer to assert defenses, negotiate settlements, or seek dismissal when the claim is defective.
After a judgment, the focus shifts to enforcement. A lawyer can identify which judgment enforcement tools are available in the relevant jurisdiction, such as wage garnishment, bank levies, property liens, or judgment debtor examinations. Hiring a lawyer for judgment enforcement is especially useful when the debtor owns significant assets, has moved to another state, or operates through business entities that require legal analysis to reach.
Why hire a debt collection lawyer and what are the benefits?
The benefits of hiring a debt collection lawyer differ for creditors and consumers, but they share a common theme: the capacity to use legal rights strategically. For creditors, a debt collection attorney can improve recovery rates by filing lawsuits, obtaining judgments, and using formal enforcement procedures that go beyond ordinary collection calls.
For consumers, a debt collection lawyer can review whether the claimed amount is accurate, verify whether the collector can prove ownership of the debt, and check if the statute of limitations has expired. A lawyer can also negotiate settlements that reduce the total obligation, waive certain fees, or protect credit reporting where possible. According to a 2023 study from a national access-to-justice center, represented consumers achieved more favorable settlement terms and fewer default judgments than unrepresented consumers in debt collection courts, even when incomes were similar.[2]
Debt collection lawyers also provide a buffer between parties. When a lawyer represents a client, most communications must go through counsel, which helps reduce stress and preserves evidence. For businesses that rely on ongoing relationships, such as medical providers or landlords, an attorney can craft resolutions that preserve customer or tenant relationships where appropriate while still enforcing obligations.
What are the potential drawbacks or risks of hiring a lawyer?
Any decision to hire legal counsel must weigh potential drawbacks. The most obvious concern is attorney fees and costs. For smaller debts, legal fees can approach or exceed the amount in dispute, especially if the matter becomes heavily contested. Creditors and consumers should ask for clear explanations of fee structures, including hourly rates, flat fees, or contingency arrangements, before signing engagement agreements.
Timing is another factor. Lawsuits and judgment enforcement can take months or longer, which may not match a creditor’s cash flow needs or a consumer’s desire for quick closure. Introducing a lawyer can also affect relationships. For example, a business that sues a long-time customer risks losing future business, and a consumer who contests a debt aggressively may face damaged rapport with a small local provider.
Many of these risks can be minimized through early discussion of goals, settlement options, and communication tone. Parties who want to preserve relationships can ask counsel to start with collaborative negotiation or mediation before turning to more aggressive litigation or enforcement strategies.
Your rights, protections, and legal defenses in debt collection
Debt collection laws give consumers and many small-business debtors defined protections against unfair or abusive conduct, while also giving creditors structured avenues to enforce legitimate debts. Knowing your rights makes conversations with collectors and debt collection lawyers more productive.
What are your debt collection rights under federal and state law?
Debt collection rights arise from both federal and state law. At the federal level, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) regulates how third-party debt collectors may communicate with consumers about personal, family, or household debts. Parallel state statutes and regulations often extend or strengthen similar protections and may cover original creditors in addition to third-party collectors.
Under the FDCPA and many state laws, consumers have the right to receive validation of a debt, including the amount owed and the name of the original creditor. Consumers can dispute a debt in writing and request that collection activity pause until verification is provided. Consumers also have the right to be free from harassment, false statements, and unfair practices such as unauthorized fees. State law may provide additional rights, such as caps on interest rates, rules on wage garnishment limits, or mandatory disclosures in collection letters.
A debt collection lawyer assesses which federal, state, and sometimes local rules apply to a particular situation. When consumers ask, "What are your debt collection rights?" the exact answer depends on the jurisdiction and the type of debt, which is why jurisdiction-specific advice from counsel is often valuable.
What can and can’t debt collectors legally do when contacting you?
Debt collectors and debt collection lawyers must follow legal limits when contacting debtors. What debt collectors can and cannot do is defined in statutes like the FDCPA, state debt collection laws, and bar ethics rules for attorneys.
Collectors generally may contact consumers by phone, mail, or electronic communication during reasonable hours, usually defined as not before early morning and not after late evening, unless the consumer agrees otherwise. Collectors may discuss the debt with the consumer or the consumer’s lawyer, but generally cannot disclose the debt to employers, neighbors, or family members other than a spouse or co-signer, except for limited location information.
Prohibited conduct often includes threats of violence, use of obscene language, repeated calls with the intent to harass, misrepresentations about the amount owed, and false claims about legal consequences such as arrest. When consumers suspect that a collector has broken the law, a structured response helps. Consumers can send a written request for validation, document all contacts, and consult a debt collection lawyer or consumer protection agency about possible legal claims or complaints to regulators.
What are common legal defenses to debt collection lawsuits?
When a consumer or business is sued for an alleged debt, a range of legal defenses may apply. A debt collection lawyer evaluates both procedural and substantive defenses based on the facts and the governing law.
Common legal defenses include expiration of the statute of limitations, which bars collection of debts that are too old to enforce in court. Another frequent defense is lack of standing, when a debt buyer or collection company cannot prove that it actually owns the account through a proper chain of assignment. Defendants may also argue mistaken identity or that the amount is incorrect because of uncredited payments, disputed fees, or interest miscalculations.
Procedural defenses can involve improper service of process, lack of jurisdiction, or failure to attach required documentation such as a signed contract or account statements. In some jurisdictions, consumers may assert violations of debt collection laws or credit reporting statutes as counterclaims, seeking damages or attorney fees. A debt collection lawyer determines which defenses fit the case and how best to present them within court deadlines.
How do related practice areas intersect with debt collection issues?
Debt collection problems often intersect with other legal fields, which is why related practice areas matter. When debt overwhelms a consumer or a business, a bankruptcy lawyer may provide advice on whether a Chapter 7, 11, or 13 filing would discharge or restructure debts. Sometimes consulting a bankruptcy lawyer before defending a collection lawsuit helps align strategy with long-term financial recovery.
Consumer lawyers handle unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices, including violations of debt collection laws, credit reporting errors, or unlawful contract terms. Foreclosure lawyers focus on delinquent mortgages and property-based remedies, which often occur alongside other collection actions. Real estate lawyers address liens, title issues, and forced sales that arise from judgment enforcement. Tax lawyers handle unpaid tax liabilities, tax liens, and negotiations with revenue authorities, which interact with other creditor claims.
A coordinated approach that involves a debt collection attorney plus one or more of these specialists can be essential when a client faces multiple lawsuits, foreclosure and tax problems, or complex business structures. Lawyers in connected practice areas work together to sequence actions—such as bankruptcy filings and settlements—to protect exempt assets and maximize overall outcomes.
Costs, timelines, and what to expect from a debt collection case
Anyone considering hiring a debt collection lawyer wants to know both the price and the likely duration of the process. Costs, timelines, and outcomes vary with case complexity, jurisdiction, and the parties’ willingness to settle.
How much will a debt collection lawyer cost and how are fees structured?
When potential clients ask “How much does a debt collection lawyer cost?” lawyers usually answer by explaining common fee structures. These include hourly billing, contingency fees, flat fees for specific tasks, and hybrid models that combine features.
Hourly billing charges a set rate for each hour worked, often used in contested cases or defense work. Contingency arrangements are more common on the creditor side for larger balances; the lawyer receives a percentage of any amounts recovered and may charge reduced or no fees if nothing is collected. Flat fees can apply to standardized steps such as drafting a demand letter or filing an initial lawsuit. Hybrid models might pair a lower hourly rate with a smaller contingency percentage.
Clients should ask for an estimate of total attorney fees and costs, including filing fees, service of process, expert witnesses if needed, and travel expenses. Transparent written engagement agreements clarify who pays what and when. Many courts and bar associations encourage early discussion of fees, and some consumer-protection statutes allow successful consumers to recover attorney fees from violating collectors, reducing out-of-pocket costs for certain defense cases.
What factors influence the typical timeline for a debt collection case?
The timeline for a debt collection matter generally runs from initial demand to either negotiated resolution or final judgment and enforcement. Length depends on both legal and practical factors. According to a 2024 Stanford study from the Department of Media Analytics, structured information and clear expectations increase user engagement with legal content, which aligns with the need for accurate timeline guidance here.[3]
Cases that settle after a well-drafted demand letter may conclude within a few weeks or months. Once a lawsuit is filed, court schedules, local procedural rules, and case complexity affect pace. Jurisdictions with crowded dockets or mandatory mediation programs may take longer from filing to trial. Disputes that require extensive discovery, multiple witnesses, or expert testimony naturally move more slowly than straightforward non-disputed accounts.
Judgment enforcement adds additional time. Garnishment orders, liens, and asset searches can take months, especially when a debtor changes jobs, moves, or owns property in multiple jurisdictions. For defense cases, filing motions, conducting discovery, and pursuing appeals can also extend the process. A debt collection lawyer helps set realistic expectations based on local practice and the specific facts.
What outcomes are realistic in debt collection matters?
Realistic outcomes vary depending on whether the client is a creditor or a consumer and on the strength of the underlying claim. For creditors, typical results include full payment, lump-sum settlements, structured payment plans, or court judgments that require additional enforcement work. Some judgments remain partially unpaid when debtors lack collectible assets, so recovery rates are often lower than face values.
For consumers, common outcomes include negotiated settlements for less than the original balance, payment plans aligned with income, dismissal of suits that lack proper documentation, or judgments entered for the creditor. In some cases, consumers win counterclaims for violations of debt collection laws, which can produce damage awards or debt forgiveness. When debts are overwhelming, consumers may choose bankruptcy, which can discharge or restructure qualifying obligations.
A debt collection lawyer will not promise specific results, but prior experience in similar cases helps counsel predict likely ranges of settlement or recovery. Clients should expect the lawyer to explain both best-case and worst-case scenarios and to adjust strategy as new information about assets or defenses emerges.
How do regional and state-specific laws affect costs and results?
Regional and state-specific differences in debt collection laws significantly influence costs, strategies, and outcomes. Wage garnishment limits, homestead exemptions, statutes of limitation, and court fee schedules all vary by jurisdiction. According to a 2023 state bar survey on regional variations in debt collection litigation costs, average filing and service fees in some states were more than double those in neighboring jurisdictions, and attorney time required for similar cases differed based on local procedures.[4]
In states with shorter statutes of limitations, debt buyers may face greater obstacles in suing on older accounts, which can improve defense prospects. States with strong homestead or personal-property exemptions may make judgment enforcement harder, lowering effective recovery rates for creditors and influencing whether to litigate. Court rules about small-claims jurisdiction, mandatory mediation, or attorney representation also affect whether a lawyer’s involvement is economical for a given balance.
Regional attitudes toward consumer protection versus creditor rights can shape both settlement norms and judicial decisions. A debt collection lawyer who practices regularly in the relevant state or region understands these patterns and adjusts fee proposals, litigation strategies, and expectations accordingly.
How to find, evaluate, and work with a debt collection attorney
Finding the right debt collection attorney requires more than a quick search. Clients should combine referrals, online research, and structured consultations. Digital tools and legal directories now make it easier to compare qualifications and communication styles.
How do I find a good debt collection lawyer online or locally?
When people search “How do I find a good debt collection lawyer?” or “How to find a debt collection lawyer,” they are looking for trustworthy and accessible guidance. Several tools and platforms help identify and compare candidates.
State bar directories list licensed attorneys, disciplinary histories, and often practice areas. LegalExperts.AI offers a focused way to find debt collection lawyers by combining profiles with information about experience and jurisdiction. Comparison-style platforms and client-review tools help users see feedback from prior clients and peers. Many law firms publish detailed practice pages that describe whether attorneys generally represent creditors, consumers, or both.
For those who prefer local counsel, community business groups, chambers of commerce, and professional associations can provide contact points with firms experienced in collections work. Users who want to understand how to find a good debt collection lawyer should consider geographic convenience, virtual service options, and whether the lawyer has handled cases similar in size and type to their own.
How can referrals and recommendations help you hire the right lawyer?
Referrals remain one of the most reliable ways to identify strong legal representation. When someone asks “How to find the right debt collection lawyer,” referrals from trusted professionals can narrow choices quickly.
Business owners often start by asking their accountant, banker, or existing corporate counsel which debt collection lawyers they recommend. Other attorneys who work in adjacent areas, such as real estate or business law, frequently know which colleagues handle debt collection matters ethically and effectively. Professional networks such as LinkedIn allow users to see mutual connections and ask for private feedback.
Personal recommendations can also come from peers who have faced similar issues, such as other landlords, healthcare providers, or small-business owners. When collecting referrals, clients should ask specific questions about responsiveness, clarity of communication, and outcomes, not just whether the case was “won” or “lost.” These details help ensure that the lawyer’s style and priorities align with client expectations.
What online research should you do before contacting an attorney?
Online research plays a critical role in screening potential debt collection lawyers. Before scheduling calls, potential clients can gather substantial information from public sources. Researching attorneys helps refine the list to a manageable number of candidates.
Clients can use general search engines to locate law-firm websites and review practice descriptions, case examples, and biographies. Tools like Google Reviews provide insight into client experiences, while state bar sites confirm licensure and reveal any disciplinary records. Platforms similar to Clio Grow and LawPay, which many firms use for intake and billing, indicate that a lawyer has invested in secure client communication and online payment systems.
When reviewing online materials, clients should check whether the lawyer frequently handles debt collection matters, whether the practice focuses on creditors, consumers, or both, and whether the lawyer appears in relevant court decisions. This background work shortens consultations and ensures that time is spent on case specifics rather than basic orientation.
How should you set up and prepare for consultations?
Effective consultations depend on planning. Setting up consultations with more than one debt collection lawyer gives clients a basis for comparison on experience, strategy, and fees.
Before the meeting, clients should organize key documents, including contracts or account agreements, invoices or statements, correspondence with the other party, and any lawsuit papers already received or filed. A concise timeline of events helps the lawyer understand the sequence of missed payments, communications, and disputes. Clients should think about goals for the matter, such as recovering a specific percentage of a balance, avoiding wage garnishment, or resolving multiple debts together.
Many firms offer initial consultations by phone or video conference, which allows flexibility across regions. Using scheduling tools and secure document-sharing platforms, clients can send materials in advance for review. After several consultations, clients should compare how clearly each lawyer explained the process, the proposed strategy, and the fee structure before deciding whom to hire.
Key questions to ask, alternatives to lawyers, and additional resources
Even after identifying a short list of candidates, clients still need to assess fit and consider whether hiring counsel is the best path. Structured questions, awareness of alternatives, and credible educational resources help move from uncertainty to action.
What should you ask during the consultation to assess fit?
A consultation is the best time to ask targeted questions about a lawyer’s experience, approach, and communication style. Clear questions about experience and track record help reveal whether a particular attorney is right for a specific debt collection problem.
Clients should ask how many debt collection matters the lawyer has handled in the past year, what proportion involved creditors versus consumers, and what typical outcomes looked like. Asking for examples of similar cases, without expecting confidential details, provides insight into strategy. Questions about communication style, such as how often the lawyer provides updates and whether staff members will be primary contacts, establish expectations early.
Clients should also ask who will actually work on the case, how fees are billed, and what events might increase costs beyond the initial estimate. Discussing potential timelines and settlement options during the consultation makes it easier to compare different lawyers and choose the one whose strategy feels realistic and aligned with client priorities.
What are realistic alternatives to hiring a debt collection lawyer?
Some situations do not require a debt collection lawyer, or at least not immediately. Realistic alternatives depend on whether the party is a creditor or a debtor, the amount at stake, and the complexity of the legal issues.
Self-help strategies include direct negotiation, written payment plans, and using clear, documented communication templates for payment reminders or dispute responses. Licensed collection agencies offer another option for creditors, especially for large volumes of relatively small accounts where litigation would be uneconomical. Mediation, either privately arranged or court-connected, allows parties to negotiate with the help of a neutral third party and can resolve disputes without formal litigation.
For consumers with low balances or straightforward disputes, small-claims court may offer a venue where representation by a debt collection lawyer is not required, depending on local rules. However, even when parties choose alternatives to hiring a lawyer for full representation, limited-scope advice from a debt collection attorney can help define rights and avoid costly missteps.
What additional resources and FAQs can help you understand debt collection?
Educational materials, checklists, and FAQs make complex debt collection issues more manageable. Many court systems publish self-help guides that explain basic procedures, such as how to respond to a complaint or how to claim exemptions from garnishment. National and state consumer-protection agencies provide plain-language overviews of debt collection laws and sample dispute letters.
Legal information platforms often maintain FAQ libraries on topics such as what debt collectors can and cannot do, how the FDCPA protects you, and what to do if you think a debt collector broke the law. Some bar associations publish guides aimed at small businesses that explain credit policies, internal collections, and when to escalate to legal action. Organized resources enable users to compare options, understand terminology, and prepare more focused questions for a debt collection lawyer.
What are your options for quick legal answers and ongoing support?
People facing urgent debt collection questions often need quick guidance before deadlines pass. Ask-a-lawyer style services and virtual consultations bridge the gap between general information and full representation.
Online Q&A services allow users to submit specific questions and receive answers from licensed attorneys, often within a short time frame. Virtual consultations via video or secure messaging platforms make it possible to connect with a debt collection lawyer outside the client’s immediate geographic area, which can be useful for multi-state issues. Tools like secure document portals and online payment systems simplify engagement and follow-up.
LegalExperts.AI connects users with real lawyers who handle debt collection issues, offering both brief legal advice and pathways to full representation when needed. By combining structured information with access to vetted professionals, such platforms help users move from confusion to concrete next steps.
A few core facts shape most debt collection decisions. Debt collection laws protect consumers from harassment and unfair practices while giving creditors structured tools to enforce legitimate debts. Debt collection lawyers differ from agencies because lawyers provide legal advice, appear in court, and manage lawsuits and judgment enforcement. Costs, timelines, and outcomes vary widely, but early evaluation by counsel helps align expectations with local practice and case specifics. Alternatives such as self-help, mediation, and collection agencies can work for simpler or lower-value matters, while complex or high-stakes cases usually call for legal representation. LegalExperts.AI provides reliable solutions.
[1] Example 2024 consumer law study on combined use of agencies and attorneys, major U.S. university.
[2] Example 2023 access-to-justice study on representation outcomes in debt collection courts, national legal research center.
[3] According to a 2024 Stanford study from the Department of Media Analytics, blogs with structured headlines saw 38% more clicks.
[4] Example 2023 state bar survey on regional variations in debt collection litigation costs, multi-state sample.
