About
My name is Anne Hansen Gathje*, and I help people deal with debt collectors.
[*It's pronounced GHET-kee, with a K not a J, even though that makes no sense.]
I know being an attorney is not the most popular job in the world, but I love my job. I love having my own law firm in St. Paul, and I love helping Minnesotans deal with their debt collection and other consumer rights issues.
What is consumer law? It includes things like bankruptcy, debt collection defense, dealing with abusive debt collectors who violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), and other Minnesota state and federal consumer protection matters. If I cannot take your case or do not believe I am the right lawyer, I can usually provide a referral.
I ONLY represent Minnesota consumers. I do not represent original creditors (banks, credit card companies, etc.) or debt collectors (third parties who collect debts on behalf of original creditors, or who purchase defaulted debts and collect in their own name) under any circumstances. I do not accept referrals from so-called debt settlement or debt negotiation companies because in general I think their interests are adverse to consumers. If a company or law firm (especially an out-of-state business) promises to settle your debts for pennies on the dollar, wipe out your debt or fix your credit score, think twice before handing over your hard earned money. If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.
So, you know what I do, but who am I? I’m just a fair-skinned girl who doesn’t look her age (I’m 31) and who grew up in a rural farming town south of Rochester, MN. Holidays are crazy because I have a very large (and very fantastic) blended family. My husband Josh and I live in St. Paul with two cats we adopted from the Humane Society. Some of my favorite things are photography, cheesecake, learning about more ways to be environmentally friendly, fizzy water, and the bulk dark-chocolate-covered almonds at Mississippi Market Co-op. My husband suckered me into racing even though I can’t actually run, and I’m preparing for my first marathon in June 2012. Wearing suits is my least favorite part of being a lawyer, so I wear jeans most days.
Back to business: If you have questions about your legal rights, contact me today for a free initial consultation at anne@mnconsumerattorney.com or 651.252.4611. And if you’re into reading resumes, my basic work information is posted below.
Thanks,
Anne
CONSUMER LAW PRACTICE AREAS
- Chapter 7 & 13 Bankruptcy
- Consumer Protection
- Debt Collection Defense
- Garnishment & Exemptions
- Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) Claims
I may provide additional services for my consumer clients upon request, although I will also refer clients to other attorneys when I think they would be better served by another lawyer.
EDUCATION
- J.D., William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul, MN (May 2008)
- B.A., cum laude, Drake University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Des Moines, IA (May 2002)
ADMISSIONS
- State of Minnesota
- U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
AFFILIATIONS
- NACA: National Association of Consumer Advocates
- NACBA: National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
- MSBA: Minnesota State Bar Association
- RCBA: Ramsey County Bar Association
- MLBA: MN Lavender Bar Association
- Quorum: The Twin Cities GLBT+Allied Business Community
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
