CAMBA is proud to share that attorney Matthew Schedler, who directs CAMBA Legal Services’ (CLS) Consumer Law Unit, has been recognized by the New York City Bar Association for his years of providing full-time, free legal services to indigent clients.
New York State Attorney General Letitia James presented Mr. Schedler with the award at a ceremony on May 18th at the City Bar Association offices in Midtown Manhattan.
CAMBA President and CEO Valerie Barton-Richardson said: “Although he’d be the last to say it, Matt deeply deserves this honor for his tireless efforts on behalf of New Yorkers who otherwise would have no legal representation.”
Mr. Schedler established the Consumer Law Unit in 2008 as a young housing lawyer who spotted an unmet need among his clients. He’s since expanded it into the largest full-representation consumer defense team in New York City, and possibly the country.
“Matt has helped thousands of consumers through individual representation, affirmative litigation, policy advocacy, supervision, and training,” Ms. Barton-Richardson said. “He embodies a fierce commitment to economic justice—to affirming and expanding the rights of low-income New Yorkers, to removing barriers to financial freedom, and to holding creditors, banks, and debt collectors accountable for misconduct.”
The New York City Bar Association established the awards to recognize the efforts of lawyers and non-lawyers who have directly provided free legal services to indigent clients on a full-time basis for an extended period of time.
The Unit consists of a total of five attorneys who provide full representation and brief advice to low-income New Yorkers in all five boroughs in a wide range of consumer matters, involving credit card debts, auto fraud, unfair debt collection, collection abuses by landlords, unfair lending, and checking and credit card fraud, with a special focus on victims of crime, including domestic violence survivors. In 2025 alone, CLS estimates that the Consumer Law Unit saved consumers approximately $1 million.
About CAMBA:
Founded in 1977, CAMBA, Inc. is one of Brooklyn’s largest community-based social service organizations. Its mission is to provide services that connect people with opportunities that enhance their quality of life and develop their communities. CAMBA annually provides services to more than 72,000 individuals and families in six core areas: Economic Development; Education and Youth Development; Family Support; Health, Housing and Legal Services. CAMBA clients are those who are: moving from welfare to work; individuals and families experiencing, at risk of or transitioning out of homelessness; individuals living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS; immigrants and refugees; children and young adults; entrepreneurs; and others struggling to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency.
About CAMBA Legal Services:
CLS provides free, high-quality legal representation and advice to New Yorkers facing eviction or foreclosure, people fighting high consumer debt, immigrants and refugees seeking U.S. residency, and victims of domestic violence. CAMBA serves more than 4,500 low-income people each year, working to protect their rights and promote access to justice in the civil legal system and beyond. CAMBA’s attorneys also connect clients to our programs and services, meeting their needs beyond legal aid.
Media Contacts:
Steve Greenberg, 518-469-9858, [email protected]
Bob Bellafiore, 518-928-8471, [email protected]
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