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Marcus & Zelman, LLC

A Consumer Rights Law Firm

5.0 (7 reviews) |
Employment & Labor Law Personal Injury
701 Cookman Avenue, Suite 300, Asbury Park, NJ 07712 English
2012 Founded
8+ Attorneys
2 Practice Areas
50 States Licensed

About Marcus & Zelman, LLC

Marcus & Zelman Review – Consumer Protection, Credit Reporting, Debt Collection & Class Action Legal Services Explained

Introduction

Marcus & Zelman, LLC is a consumer rights law firm that focuses almost exclusively on protecting individuals from unfair, deceptive, and unlawful business practices. Unlike traditional law firms that divide their attention among criminal defense, family law, estate planning, or corporate transactions, Marcus & Zelman has built its reputation around one specialized area: consumer protection litigation. According to the firm's website, it has recovered more than $35 million in settlements since 2012, resolved thousands of consumer cases, and represents clients in both individual lawsuits and class actions.

Headquartered with offices in New Jersey, New York, and Florida, Marcus & Zelman represents consumers nationwide in many types of federal and state consumer protection claims. The firm is particularly recognized for handling disputes involving inaccurate credit reports, unlawful debt collection practices, robocalls, background check errors, unlawful vehicle repossessions, identity-related reporting issues, and consumer financial rights.

Rather than representing banks, lenders, debt collectors, or corporations, Marcus & Zelman represents consumers. Throughout its website, the firm emphasizes that large institutions often possess significantly greater financial resources than individual consumers, making experienced legal representation essential when asserting consumer rights. The attorneys describe their mission as helping ordinary people challenge unfair corporate conduct while obtaining financial compensation where appropriate.

This review explains what Marcus & Zelman is about, the legal services it provides, and why it has become a recognized consumer protection litigation firm.

What Is Marcus & Zelman?

Marcus & Zelman is a boutique litigation firm dedicated primarily to consumer protection law.

Consumer protection law consists of federal and state laws designed to protect individuals from deceptive, unfair, or abusive business practices. These laws regulate many everyday financial and commercial activities, including debt collection, credit reporting, telemarketing, consumer finance, warranties, and other consumer transactions.

The firm's website describes its mission as helping consumers enforce these legal protections through both individual lawsuits and class action litigation. Since its founding, Marcus & Zelman has positioned itself as a plaintiff-focused law firm that seeks accountability from corporations, credit reporting agencies, debt collectors, lenders, employers, and other entities when consumer rights have allegedly been violated.

Its primary practice areas include:

  • Consumer protection litigation
  • Credit reporting errors
  • Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) claims
  • Debt collection harassment
  • Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) claims
  • Robocall and text message litigation
  • Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) claims
  • Background check disputes
  • Unlawful vehicle repossessions
  • Incorrect deceased reporting
  • ADA accessibility claims
  • Employment wage disputes
  • Personal injury
  • Class action lawsuits

Unlike general practice firms, Marcus & Zelman concentrates its resources on protecting consumers against unfair conduct in the marketplace.

Consumer Protection Law Services

Consumer protection is the foundation of the firm's practice.

Consumer protection laws exist to prevent businesses from engaging in deceptive, unfair, abusive, or fraudulent practices. These laws cover a wide range of consumer transactions involving credit, loans, debt collection, advertising, telecommunications, and financial services.

Marcus & Zelman represents consumers who believe companies have violated these protections.

The firm's attorneys evaluate whether businesses have complied with federal consumer protection statutes and pursue litigation when legal violations may have occurred.

According to the firm's FAQ, consumer litigation allows individuals to challenge abusive practices while seeking compensation for the harm they have suffered.

Credit Reporting Error Litigation

One of the firm's largest practice areas involves credit reporting errors.

Modern consumers rely heavily on accurate credit reports when applying for:

  • Mortgages
  • Car loans
  • Credit cards
  • Apartments
  • Employment
  • Insurance

Even a small reporting error may significantly affect a person's financial opportunities.

Marcus & Zelman represents individuals whose credit reports contain inaccurate or misleading information.

Common credit reporting issues include:

  • Incorrect account balances
  • Accounts that do not belong to the consumer
  • Identity theft errors
  • Incorrect payment histories
  • Duplicate accounts
  • Incorrect collections
  • Mixed credit files

The firm's attorneys help consumers dispute inaccurate information and, when appropriate, pursue claims under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Claims

The Fair Credit Reporting Act establishes standards governing consumer reporting agencies and entities that furnish credit information.

According to the firm, FCRA litigation often involves situations where:

  • Credit reporting agencies fail to investigate disputes properly
  • False information remains on credit reports
  • Consumers suffer financial harm because of inaccurate reporting

Marcus & Zelman's managing partners specifically identify FCRA litigation as one of the firm's core areas of expertise.

The attorneys assist clients throughout the dispute process and pursue legal action when reporting agencies or furnishers fail to comply with federal requirements.

Debt Collection Harassment

Debt collection harassment represents another major area of practice.

While creditors have legal rights to collect legitimate debts, federal law restricts abusive collection practices.

Marcus & Zelman assists consumers who experience conduct such as:

  • Repeated harassment
  • Threatening communications
  • Misleading collection practices
  • Improper collection attempts
  • Other unlawful debt collection behavior

The firm's website specifically asks consumers whether they are tired of hearing repeated collection calls and explains that federal law protects individuals against abusive collection tactics.

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)

Many debt collection cases involve the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

The FDCPA regulates how third-party debt collectors communicate with consumers.

Potential violations may include:

  • Harassing phone calls
  • False statements
  • Threats
  • Misrepresentations
  • Improper communication practices

Marcus & Zelman evaluates whether collection agencies have complied with these legal requirements and represents consumers who may have valid FDCPA claims.

Robocalls & Text Message Lawsuits

Another rapidly growing area of the firm's practice involves robocalls and unsolicited text messages.

Telemarketing companies often use automated dialing systems and prerecorded messages.

Federal law generally requires written consent before many marketing calls or texts may legally be sent.

Marcus & Zelman represents individuals who receive unlawful:

  • Robocalls
  • Automated telephone calls
  • Marketing text messages
  • Unwanted prerecorded messages

The firm's website specifically states that telemarketers must obtain proper written consent before placing certain communications.

Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)

Many robocall cases arise under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).

TCPA claims may involve:

  • Automated dialing systems
  • Prerecorded messages
  • Unauthorized text messages
  • Marketing communications without proper consent

The firm's attorneys evaluate whether telemarketing practices comply with federal requirements and pursue litigation where statutory violations may have occurred.

Background Check Litigation

Background check errors represent another distinctive service offered by Marcus & Zelman.

Background reports often affect:

  • Employment opportunities
  • Housing applications
  • Professional licensing
  • Financial opportunities

An inaccurate background report may cause a qualified applicant to lose employment or housing.

Marcus & Zelman assists clients whose background reports contain inaccurate or misleading information that results in financial harm.

Incorrect Deceased Reporting

One of the firm's most unusual practice areas involves incorrect deceased reporting.

Occasionally, consumers are mistakenly reported as deceased by credit reporting systems.

Although uncommon, these errors may produce severe consequences, including:

  • Frozen financial accounts
  • Credit denials
  • Loan rejections
  • Administrative complications

Marcus & Zelman specifically offers legal representation for individuals affected by these reporting mistakes.

Unlawful Vehicle Repossessions

Vehicle repossessions must comply with applicable state and federal laws.

Marcus & Zelman represents consumers alleging unlawful repossession practices.

These claims may involve:

  • Improper repossession procedures
  • Violations of consumer rights
  • Unfair lending practices

The firm's website provides dedicated intake forms for repossession-related matters.

ADA Accessibility Litigation

The firm also handles claims involving ADA accessibility.

The website explains that equal access is a legal right and that businesses must comply with federal accessibility requirements for individuals with disabilities.

The firm represents clients seeking enforcement of accessibility obligations where appropriate.

Employment Wage Claims

Marcus & Zelman also provides limited employment representation.

The firm's employment practice focuses primarily on compensation-related issues, including:

  • Unpaid wages
  • Overtime claims
  • Break violations

The website emphasizes that employees deserve payment for all hours worked.

Personal Injury Services

Although consumer litigation remains the firm's primary focus, Marcus & Zelman also handles personal injury cases.

The firm explains that personal injury damages extend beyond physical injuries and seeks compensation that reflects the full extent of a client's losses.

These cases may include compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Other recoverable damages

Class Action Litigation

One of the firm's defining characteristics is its extensive involvement in class action lawsuits.

A class action allows many individuals with similar legal claims to pursue one combined lawsuit.

According to the firm's FAQ, class actions can be particularly valuable when individual damages are relatively small but affect thousands—or even millions—of consumers.

Examples may include:

  • Illegal bank fees
  • Widespread credit reporting errors
  • Consumer fraud
  • Large-scale statutory violations

The firm explains that class actions allow consumers to obtain meaningful legal remedies that might not be economically practical through individual lawsuits.

Contingency Fee Representation

One important aspect of Marcus & Zelman's practice is its contingency fee model.

According to the firm's FAQ:

  • Clients generally pay no upfront attorney fees.
  • Attorneys receive compensation only if they successfully recover money for the client.
  • Free consultations are available before representation begins.

This fee structure allows consumers to pursue claims against larger corporations without significant upfront legal costs.

Client Experience & Firm Philosophy

Throughout its website, Marcus & Zelman consistently emphasizes several core values:

  • Consumer-first representation
  • Results-oriented litigation
  • Free case evaluations
  • Individual and class action experience
  • Creative legal strategies
  • Zealous advocacy

The firm also highlights:

  • More than $35 million recovered since 2012
  • Thousands of resolved cases
  • Multiple office locations
  • More than 100 combined years of experience

Strengths of Marcus & Zelman

Some of the firm's strongest advantages include:

  • Exclusive focus on consumer rights litigation
  • Extensive Fair Credit Reporting Act experience
  • Debt collection harassment representation
  • Robocall and TCPA litigation
  • Background check disputes
  • Class action litigation
  • Contingency fee representation
  • Free consultations
  • Multi-state practice
  • More than $35 million in reported settlements since 2012

Potential Limitations

From a review perspective, several considerations stand out.

The firm intentionally concentrates on consumer protection matters rather than offering a full-service legal practice. Individuals seeking criminal defense, divorce representation, estate planning, immigration services, or business law would generally need different counsel. Additionally, while the firm handles cases nationwide in certain areas, its physical offices are located in New Jersey, New York, and Florida, so prospective clients should confirm whether their specific claim and jurisdiction can be accommodated.

Who Should Consider Marcus & Zelman?

Marcus & Zelman may be a strong choice for:

  • Consumers with inaccurate credit reports
  • Individuals experiencing debt collection harassment
  • People receiving unlawful robocalls or marketing texts
  • Job applicants affected by background check errors
  • Consumers incorrectly reported as deceased
  • Individuals facing unlawful vehicle repossessions
  • People with consumer protection claims
  • Clients interested in class action litigation
  • Consumers seeking contingency-fee representation against larger corporations

Final Verdict

Marcus & Zelman has established itself as a specialized consumer protection law firm dedicated to representing individuals rather than corporations. Its practice focuses on enforcing consumer rights through litigation involving credit reporting errors, debt collection harassment, robocalls, background check inaccuracies, unlawful repossessions, employment wage claims, and class actions. With reported recoveries exceeding $35 million since 2012, extensive experience under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and related consumer statutes, and a contingency-fee model that improves access to legal representation, the firm offers a focused and results-oriented approach for consumers seeking to challenge unfair business practices and protect their legal rights.

 
 
 

Practice Areas

Employment & Labor Law
Personal Injury

Key Attorneys & Partners

Ari Marcus

Founding Partner

Bar Admission:

Yitzchak Zelman

Founding Partner

Bar Admission:

Joseph Kanee

Attorney

Bar Admission:

Lori Lynn Clifton

Attorney

Bar Admission:

Kevin Crick

Attorney

Bar Admission:

Shani Marcus

Attorney

Bar Admission:

Dexter Ryan Suarez

Attorney

Bar Admission:

Heather Missry

Attorney

Bar Admission:

Awards & Recognition

National Consumer Law Center

Consumer Law Professional Membership

National Association of Consumer Advocates

Consumer Rights Advocacy Membership

Client Review Platforms

5-Star Client Satisfaction Recognition

Client Reviews

7 reviews
Manpreet Singh
January 1970
Google Maps

"I am very happy with the work done by Yitzchak Zelman on my legal case. As an international, I was unfamiliar with the legal process and unsure how to resolve a mixed credit file that contained information belonging to another person with similar details to mine. I tried multiple times on my own to correct the errors but I was unable to get the incorrect information removed from my credit report. I found Marcus & Zelman LLC through a Google search and reached out to them with my situation. They took a genuine interest in my case and helped me build a strong legal claim against the credit bureaus and other companies that were falsely reporting incorrect information on my file. The firm demanded accountability, secured a settlement for the trouble I went through and ensured that my credit information was corrected. My credit issues have now been resolved and I received a satisfactory settlement from the agencies involved. I am very glad I found their firm and would highly recommend them to anyone dealing with similar issues."

Klajdi Plasari
January 1970
Google Maps

"I cannot recommend Mr. Zelman highly enough. From our first consultation, it was clear that he possessed a deep understanding of civil litigation .He was strategic, thorough, and kept me informed at every stage of the process. Ultimately, we achieved a fantastic result that exceeded my expectations. If you want someone who will fight for your interests with integrity, look no further.""

Steve poe
January 1970
Google Maps

"We are leaving Marcus and Zelman 5 STARS if we could give more we would. Mr Zelman was outstanding in representing us in our illegal car repossessions case. He fought for us and got us our money deserved. Whenever we had a question we would call and within a couple hours we would receive a call back he flew down here from New Jersey to attend our court dates he was very patient and understanding with us. I would definitely recommend him he knows what he’s doing and is outstanding. Thank you Mr Zelman Julie and I appreciate you and our so grateful you took our case!!!!!"

Lazaro Vento (Laz)
January 1970
Google Maps

"I have to say, Zellman is unlike almost any attorney I’ve dealt with in the past. Before going to him, I was speaking to another attorney referred to me by a friend, and it was always difficult to reach that attorney. Zellman, on the other hand, was there from the very start he even called me back on his cell phone on a Saturday. That impressed me right away. He has a deep knowledge of repo law, and honestly, the other guy seemed like an amateur in comparison. I immediately hired Zellman, and trust me, I’m glad I did. If you’re dealing with a repossession case, you need someone who won’t let the banks or their agents get away with violating the law and that’s exactly what Zellman does. We couldn’t have asked for a better resolution to our case, and it didn’t take years of waiting. Within about a year, everything was resolved favorably. Professional, diligent, and highly responsive Zellman is the attorney you want on your side. Don’t waste your time anywhere else."

E3ijahh
January 1970
Google Maps

"I’m extremely grateful for Mr. Zelman and the way he handled my lawsuit. The process was smooth and handled swiftly, and his professionalism and expertise made a stressful situation much easier to deal with. He communicated clearly and delivered exactly what he promised. Highly recommend."

Hunter Smith
January 1970
Google Maps

"10/10 and HIGHLY recommend. Mr. Zelman and his team exceeded all expectations and I am very satisfied with the outcome of my case. Great communication and direction every step of the way."

Luis Fuquen
January 1970
Google Maps

"Yitzchak Zelman, Esq. and team exceeded expectations with my case. Mr Zelman was very kind and professional throughout the whole process. He and his team explained in detail what and what not to expect and how long it would take. I am very grateful for taking and handling my case from beginning to end. Thank you"

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Frequently Asked Questions

Consumer protection laws, both federally and on a state level, are a means to protect consumers from fraudulent or unfair business practices, defective goods and services, and ensure individuals have adequate protections from major institutions. Consumer protection legal work can cover everything from product warranties, banking and credit, the purchasing of a car, or almost any other consumer interaction we participate in on a daily basis. Generally speaking, consumer litigation relies on the law as a way for individuals to fight back against abusive business practices and assure them compensation for the harm they have suffered.

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