Florida AG Opens Investigation into Unfair and Deceptive Business Practices at Foreclosure Mills David J. Stern, Marshall C. Watson, and Shapiro & Fishman

Most banks hire so-called “foreclosure mills” to churn out hundreds, if not thousands of residential foreclosure lawsuits throughout Florida. Several judges have been very critical of these foreclosure mills because the files are not fully reviewed by lawyers (many procedures are outsourced overseas) and because important bank documents are frequently inaccurate or missing.
Florida AG Bill McMCollum (who is in a neck-and-neck race with Rick Scott for the Republican nomination for Governor) opened an investigation into potentially unfair and deceptive trade practices at three of the biggest foreclosure mills in Florida — the Law Offices of David J. Stern, the Law Offices of Marshall C. Watson, and the law firm of Shapiro & Fishman. Julie Kay at the DBR has the story here.
The blog has previously covered two federal lawsuits (one a class action alleging deceptive trade practices and one alleging securities fraud) filed just last week against David J. Stern and his DJSP Enterprises.
The blog commends the AG for opening these investigations. Many smaller firms who handle foreclosure cases on a more personal level are being shoved aside and the end result of shady litigation practices. No one benefits from high-volume, cookie-cutter litigation.
If you are facing a foreclosure lawsuit by any of these companies, or any other large foreclosure mills such as the Tampa-based Florida Default Law Group, the Firm would be happy to speak with you regarding your rights and options.