Attorney Profile

Andrew T. Thomasson

Andrew “Andy” Thomasson focuses his practice on litigating financial services and business disputes on behalf of consumers, including class actions, under various state and federal consumer protection statutes. He has spent many years litigating in state and federal trial courts and courts of appeal. His practice, while primarily New Jersey-focused, has also taken him to other states’ federal courts where he holds plenary admission to argue and try cases and counsel clients. In that regard, Andy has compiled an impressive record of legal achievements and earned a strong reputation within the legal communities where he is admitted to practice. He is Peer-Reviewed by Martindale-Hubbell[1] and has been selected for inclusion on the list of Rising Stars in the State of New Jersey by Super Lawyers® since 2016.[2]

Additionally, while Andy’s practice is exclusively devoted to representing consumers, he has represented a diverse range of clients in various types of disputes—from doctors, lawyers, tax professionals, debt collectors, and bankers, to homemakers, retirees, students, blue collar workers, and the unemployed. Many of Andy’s cases have been reported in various national print and online periodicals including, but not limited to, The New York Times, Pro Publica, Reuters, and Law360 (see, In the News).

Andy has successfully litigated numerous cases in courts throughout the United States which resulted in very favorable outcomes. By way of example, Andy defended a New Jersey lawyer whose life was “turned upside down,” when his psychologist sued to collect his unpaid bills; his work in that case resulted in a court Order redacting the private health information of at least 96 similarly situated patients—including children—whose information was publicly disclosed; the lawsuit gained national attention and ultimately led to suspension of the psychologist’s license. In a more recent case, Andy successfully certified and obtained final approval of class action settlement on behalf of 28,569 Texas residents consisting of: $41.2 million of medical debts being permanently waived; $100,000 in class damages; deletion of Class Members’ negative credit reporting tradelines; and the Court’s entry of a mandatory injunction requiring the defendants to include a prominent disclaimer on their collection letters when seeking payment of a time-barred debt from Texas consumers. (see, Monroe v. AssetCare LLC, et al., Case. No. 4:19-cv-05039 (S.D. Tex.))

¹ This recognition is conferred by Super Lawyers®, a part of Thomson Reuters. A description of the selection methodology can be found at www.superlawyers.com/about/selection_process.html. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. See Awards Methodology.

² This award is conferred by Martindale-Hubbell. A description of the selection methodology can be found at www.martindale.com/ratings-and-reviews/. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. See Awards Methodology.

Education & Credentials

  • Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Juris Doctor, Pro Bono Honors
    • ADR/Negotiations Moot Court, Member;
    • Environmental Negotiations Moot Court, Member
    • Tax Law Society, Vice President of Finance & Administration
    • ABA Insurance Coverage Litigation Section, Law Student Vice Chair
  • Arkansas State University, B.A., Political Science; Minor, German Studies
    • Pi Gamma Mu, International Honor Society
    • Pi Sigma Alpha, National Honor Society

Professional & Community Involvement

  • National Association of Consumer Advocates, Member
  • American Bar Association, Member
  • New Jersey Bar Association, Member
  • National Consumer Law Center, Donor
  • New Jersey Legal Services, Donor
  • Public Citizen, Donor

In the News

Class Counsel Certifications

  • Pascal, et al. v. Steine & Associates, P.C., et al.,
  • E.D.N.Y. Case No. 2:12-cv-04436-JFB-WDW
  • Fischer v. NCB Management Services, Inc.,
  • S.D.N.Y. Case No. 7:12-cv-09451-CS
  • Freeman v. General Revenue Corporation,
  • E.D.N.Y. Case No. 1:12-cv-01406-RER
  • Goldman v. Horizon Financial Management, LLC,
  • S.D.N.Y. Case No. 7:12-cv-07592-LMS
  • Dabbas v. Alpha Recovery Corp.,
  • E.D.N.Y. Case No. 1:13-cv-05169-SMG
  • Sabri v. E. Hope Greenberg d/b/a Law Office of E. Hope Greenberg,
  • E.D.N.Y. Case No. 1:13-cv-00699-FB-VMS
  • Bryan v. National Enterprise Systems, Inc., et al.,
  • E.D.N.Y. Case No. 2:13-cv-03740-LDW-WDW
  • Gillman Harris v. Midland Credit Management, Inc.,
  • S.D.N.Y. Case No. 1:13-cv-03125-TPG
  • Graff v. United Collection Bureau, Inc.,
  • E.D.N.Y. Case No. 2:12-cv-02402-GRB
  • Rice v. National Enterprise Systems, Inc., et al.,
  • E.D.N.Y. Case No. 2:13-cv-05118-LDW-ARL
  • Mazzucco, et al. v. Certified Credit & Collection Bureau,
  • D.N.J. Case No. 3:13-cv-07422-TJB
  • Kavalin v. AmeriFinancial Solutions, LLC,
  • S.D. Fla. Case No. 0:13-cv-62789-DPG
  • Cohen v. M.L. Zager, P.C.,
  • D.N.J. Case No. 2:14-cv-03143-JBC
  • Manuel, et al. v. Caliber Home Loans, Inc.,
  • D.N.J. Case No. 2:14-cv-05233-SRC-CLW
  • Babcock, et al. v. C.Tech Collections, Inc., et al.,
  • E.D.N.Y. Case No. 1:14-cv-03124-MDG
  • Mansour v. Seas & Associates, LLC,
  • D.N.J. Case No. 2:14-cv-02935-SCM
  • Avila v. Law Office of Gary M. Feldman, Esq.,
  • E.D.N.Y. Case No. 2:13-cv-07407-GRB
  • Dispennett v. Frederick J. Hanna & Associates, P.C.,
  • W.D. Pa. Case No. 2:15-cv-00636-MPK
  • Jones v. Delta Management Associates, Inc.,
  • E.D. Wis. Case No. 1:15-cv-00267-WCG
  • Zavian v. Client Services, Inc.,
  • D.N.J. Case No. 2:15-cv-0682-SCM
  • Kopchakv. United Resource Systems, et al.,
  • E.D. Pa. Case No. 5:13-cv-05884-MSG
  • Kavalin v. AFNI, Inc.,
  • S.D. Fla. Case No. 0:15-cv-60143-BB
  • Maldonado, et al. v. Raymond Meisenbacher & Sons, Esqs., P.C., et al.,
  • N.J.D. Case No. 3:15-cv-01845-DEA
  • Gamilv. Rubin & Rothman, LLC,
  • E.D.N.Y. Case No. 2:15-cv-00981-ARL
  • Wood v. New Century Financial Services, Inc.,
  • N.J. Superior Court, Docket No. MRS-L-002679-15
  • Prendergast v. Certified Credit & Collection Bureau,
  • D.N.J. Case No. 3:15-cv-07411-TJB
  • Kielbasinski v. A.R. Resources, Inc.,
  • W.D. Pa. Case No. 3:15-cv-00066-KRG
  • Rittle v. Premium Receivables, LLC,
  • M.D. Pa. Case No. 1:15-cv-00166-SHR
  • Specht v. Eastern Account System of Connecticut, Inc.,
  • S.D.N.Y. Case No. 7:15-cv-02159-PED
  • Gadimev. NRA Group, LLC,
  • E.D.N.Y. Case No. 2:15-cv-04841-SJF-AKT
  • Hayes v. Convergent Healthcare Recoveries, Inc.,
  • C.D. Ill. Case No. 1:14-cv-01467-JES-JEH
  • Maldonado, et al. v. Nelson, Watson & Associates, et al.,
  • D.N.J. Case No. 2:15-cv-05940-MAH
  • Sandoval v. LVNV Funding LLC, et al.,
  • D.N.J. Case No. 2:15-cv-06728-KM-MAH
  • Chung v. CCB Credit Services, Inc.,
  • D.N.J. Case No. 2:15-cv-05198-KM-MAH
  • Wood v. Credit Control, LLC,
  • Feliciano, et al. v. Forster, Garbus & Garbus,
  • D.N.J. Case No. 2:15-cv-02496-CLW
  • Maldonado, et al. v. Law Offices of Faloni & Associates, LLC,
  • D.N.J. Case No. 2:15-cv-02859-CLW
  • Dickon v. Rubin & Rothman, LLC,
  • D.N.J. Case No. 2:15-cv-7961-SCM
  • Williams v. Pressler & Pressler, LLP,
  • D.N.J. Case No. 2:11-cv-07296-CLW
  • Bell v. Adler Wallach & Associates, Inc., et al.,
  • W.D. Tex. Case No. 5:16-cv-00366-OLG
  • Thomas v. ARS National Services, Inc.,
  • D.N.J. Case No. 2:15-cv-03635-JAD
  • Ballaj v. Gatestone & Co. International, Inc.,
  • D.N.J. Case No. 2:16-cv-01311-CLW
  • Bordeaux v. Ltd. Fin. Servs., L.P., et al.,
  • D.N.J. Case No. 2:16-cv-00243-KSH-CLW
  • Safranski v. Professional Placement Services, LLC,
  • E.D. Wis. Case No. 1:17-cv-00129-WCG
  • Smith v. Simm Associates, Inc.,
  • E.D. Wis. Case No. 1:17-cv-00769-WCG
  • Heerema v. AFNI, Inc.,
  • U.S. District Court, D.N.J. Case No. 2:16-cv-00244-JBC
  • Zirogiannis v. National Recovery Agency, Inc.,
  • E.D.N.Y. Case No. 2:14-cv-03954-DRH-AYS
  • Heerema, et al. v. Collecto, Inc., et al.,
  • D.N.J. Case No. 2:16-cv-02087-MF
  • Steffek, et al. v. Client Services, Inc.
  • E.D. Wis. Case No. 1:18-cv-00160-WCG
  • Volkman v. Enhanced Recovery Company, LLC d/b/a ERC,
  • E.D. Wis. Case No. 1:18-cv-00091-WCG
  • Medicine to Go Pharmacies, Inc. v. Macoven Pharmaceuticals LLC, et al.,
  • D.N.J. Case No. 2:16-cv-07717-MF
  • Hovermale v. Immediate Credit, Inc.,
  • D.N.J. Case No. 1:15-cv-05646-RBK-JS
  • Weiss v. The Law Offices of Frederic I Weinberg & Associates, P.C., et al.,
  • D.N.J. Case No. 1:16-cv-01679-KMW
  • Vandehey v. Allianceone Receivables Management, Inc.,
  • E.D. Wis. Case No. 1:18-cv-00481-WCG
  • Long v. Michael C. Koehn,
  • E.D. Wis. Case No. 1:18-cv-00943-WCG
  • Aronne v. Credit Control LLC,
  • E.D.N.Y. Case No. 2:18-cv-03744-ADS-AYS
  • Ramos, et al. v. Credit Control LLC,
  • E.D.N.Y. Case No. 2:16-cv-04098-JMA-SIL.
  • Sandri v. Asset Recovery Solutions LLC,
  • E.D. Wis. Case No. 1:18-cv-01182-WCG;
  • Henhaffer v. Simeone & Raynor LLC,
  • N.J. Superior Court, Docket No. CAM-L-001620-18;
  • Vandehey v. Client Services, Inc.
  • E.D. Wis. Case No. 1:18-cv-01669-WCG;
  • Panico v. Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC,
  • N.J. Superior Court, Docket No. SOM-L- 001183-18;
  • Oh, et al. v. Cavalry Portfolio SPV I, LLC, et al.,
  • D.N.J. Case No. 2:16-cv-05127-MF (Lead);
  • Garcia v. Allied Interstate LLC, et al.,
  • W.D. Tex. Case No. 5:15-cv-00294-RCL;
  • Nagan v. Optio Solutions LLC d/b/a Qualia Collection Services,
  • E.D. Wis. Case No. 1:19-cv-00170-WCG; and
  • Cole v. Menn Law Firm, Ltd.,
  • E.D. Wis. Case No. 1:19-cv-00527-WCG.
  • Heredia v. Capital Management Services, L.P.,
  • E.D. Wis. Case No. 1:17-cv-00248-WCG
  • Filgueiras v. Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC,
  • N.J. Superior Court, Docket No. ESX-L-006277-18; and
  • Monroe v. AssetCare LLC, et al.,
  • S.D. Tex. Case. No. 4:19-cv-05039

Notable Decisions

  • Steffek v. Client Servs., 948 F.3d 761 (7th Cir. 2020) Represented Appellants and a certified class of Wisconsin consumers in reversing district court’s grant of summary judgment.
  • Heredia v. Capital Mgmt. Servs., L.P., 942 F.3d 811 (7th Cir. 2019) Represented plaintiff-appellant on dismissed FDCPA claim including oral argument. Court reversed finding collection letters falsely stated the possibility that the creditor “may” file an IRS Form 1099C if the consumer accepted a settlement because the creditor would never do so.
  • Prospect Funding Holdings, LLC v. Breen, 757 Fed.Appx. 130 (3d Cir. 2018) Personal injury attorney, who signed acknowledgment of a client’s agreement with a “litigation funding” company, had collateral estoppel defense against funding company when a different court in a prior lawsuit had ruled the agreement was unenforceable in violation of usury and champerty.
  • Panico v. Portfolio Recovery Assocs., LLC, 879 F.3d 56 (3d Cir. 2018) Delaware statute tolling its limitations period for claims against defendants outside Delaware did not apply in a lawsuit filed in non-Delaware court against a non-Delaware defendant who was amenable to service of process in the chosen forum notwithstanding enforcement of a Delaware choice of law provision in the parties’ contract.
  • Levins v. Healthcare Revenue Recovery Grp. LLC, 902 F.3d 274 (3d Cir. 2018) Reversed dismissal of FDCPA violation based on collector’s failure to use its true name in voicemail messages left to collect debts.
  • Boucher v. Financial. Systems of Green Bay, Inc., 880 F.3d 362 (7th Cir. 2018) A debt collector’s use of the Seventh Circuit’s previously-approved safe harbor language in collection letters does not shield a collector from liability when it uses that language inaccurately with respect to the debt it is collecting.
  • Bock v. Pressler & Pressler, LLP, 658 Fed. App’x. 63 (3rd Cir. 2016)
  • Bock v. Pressler & Pressler, LLP, 254 F. Supp. 3d 724 (D.N.J. 2017), recon. den., 2017 WL 4711472 (D.N.J. Oct. 19, 2017) Following remand to allow the district court to consider standing issues recently addressed by Supreme Court in Spokeo v. Robins, the falsity of implied representation of an attorney’s involvement in preparing and filing state court collection complaint was an invasion of a consumer’s substantive right sufficient for Article III standing. Therefore, judgment re-entered against debt collection law firm.
  • Franco v. Allied Interstate LLC, 602 Fed. Appx. 40 (2d Cir. 2015)
  • Franco v. Allied Interstate LLC, 718 F. App’x 1 (2d Cir. 2018) Twice obtained reversal of district court judgment based on an erroneous finding that a defendant’s unaccepted Rule 68 offer mooted the plaintiff’s individual claim in a consumer class action.
  • Avila v. Riexinger & Assocs., LLC, 817 F.3d 72 (2d Cir. 2016) Adopted Seventh Circuit’s safe-harbor language requiring disclosure of the amount of debt in collection letters if the balance will increase over time.
  • Manuel, et al. v. Caliber Home Loans, Inc., C.A. No. 2:14-cv-05233- SRC-CLW (D. N.J. August 20, 2015) Obtained $1 million national class settlement for claims under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), and Truth in Lending Act (TILA).
  • Hayes v. Convergent Healthcare Recoveries, Inc., No. 14-1467, 2016 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 139743 (C.D. Ill. Oct. 7, 2016)

Other Notable Appointments

  • Appointed by United States Bankruptcy Trustee to serve on Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the following consolidated Chapter 11 cases filed by publicly traded companies:
    • In re Pernix Sleep, Inc., et al., District of Delaware (Case No. 19-10323) [elected Committee Chairman]; and
    • In re SquareTwo Financial Services Corporation; Southern District of New York (Case No. 17-10659 jlg)
Bar Admissions
  • New Jersey
Court Admissions
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas
Get in touch with a dedicated consumer litigation attorney by calling Thomasson PLLC at (973) 312-0774 today.