Daniel Ciment, the founder of Ciment Law Firm, PLLC, more widely known as The Debt Defender, has made it his life’s work to shield consumers from unfair collection practices, leveraging his unique insider perspective to benefit those in financial distress.
Ciment’s professional journey is a testament to transformation and advocacy. Beginning his legal career in 2003, he initially found himself on the opposite side of the courtroom from where he stands today. Working for debt collection agencies, this attorney was responsible for suing individuals who defaulted on credit card debt. However, this first-hand experience with the aggressive and often unethical practices utilized by some of these agencies quickly soured Ciment’s perception of the industry.
“Debt collectors are paid a commission based on what they collect, so they would say anything or do anything to collect as much as possible,” Ciment shared during a recent interview.
It was not long before Ciment found himself facing a moral quandary. His insight into the industry became his impetus for change.
“Because I’ve been on the other side, I know the tricks used by collectors and the inner workings of debt buyers,” Ciment stated. “That insight knowledge of how they operate and their practices is a really valuable asset when defending people who are filing for bankruptcy.”
Ciment’s unusual career trajectory proved to be an asset, not an obstacle. Transitioning from the collection industry to consumer defense was a unique professional journey that gave Ciment an invaluable perspective. This transition enabled him to apply his knowledge to protect consumers from the very same tactics he had once witnessed firsthand.
“Today, being able to apply that knowledge in defense of consumers is immensely beneficial for our clients,” Ciment added.
In his early days as a bankruptcy attorney, some of his counterparts on the collector side attempted to discredit Ciment for his background working as a litigator.
“Something amusing is that early on in my career as a defense attorney, debt collection agencies would try to point at my background in that industry to try to disqualify me,” Ciment said.
Ironically, Ciment’s past work with debt collection agencies became the asset that provided him with a unique advantage when suing predatory collection companies.
“Because of the insight knowledge that I had on the debt collection industry, I knew what they were going to do even before they did it,” Ciment shared.
The decision to open Ciment Law Firm, PLLC, in 2018 was spurred by his desire to do more for consumers in financial distress. Ciment wanted to provide a haven for individuals grappling with debt and provide them with viable solutions to their problems. At the heart of his mission was his determination to create a practice where he could fulfill his vocation and significantly impact people’s lives.
“At the end of the day, the goal is to use that [insider] knowledge as a tool to better help our clients and protect them from being taken advantage of by debt collectors,” Ciment said.
True to his vision, Ciment and his team, The Debt Defenders, have aided thousands of individuals, helping them navigate through their debt-related problems and shield them from abusive debt collectors.
Unlike other bankruptcy law firms, Ciment Law Firm, PLLC, has adopted a holistic approach to defending consumers. They not only offer legal representation to people filing for bankruptcy, but they also provide consumers with tools to rebuild their credit, thereby creating a path toward a better life.
Ciment’s journey is an inspirational tale that reaffirms the importance of understanding one’s sense of service and commitment to making a positive impact.
Looking forward, Ciment has ambitious plans for the Debt Defenders. He hopes to expand the firm’s reach nationwide, extending its protective umbrella over consumers nationwide. The aim remains constant: to help more people defend themselves against predatory debt collectors and offer them the chance at a better financial future.
By Juan Sebastian Restrepo,
With Artistic Initiative Agency
