Kohn Law Firm S.C. is a Milwaukee-based debt collection law firm that has filed collection lawsuits in Wisconsin and Illinois since 1960. This page covers the firm’s obligations under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Wisconsin Consumer Act, the rights you hold, whether you received a phone call, a letter, or a court summons, and the steps available to you at each stage of the collection process.
Who Is Kohn Law Firm S.C.?
Kohn Law Firm S.C. is a high-volume creditor representation and debt collection law firm headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that has operated since 1960. The firm qualifies as a “debt collector” subject to the FDCPA under Heintz v. Jenkins, 514 U.S. 291 (1995), because its attorneys regularly file collection lawsuits as a core function of their practice. Kohn does not own the debts it collects; it serves as legal counsel for the plaintiff listed on each lawsuit or collection notice.
The firm files thousands of cases annually in Wisconsin circuit and small claims courts and operates across multiple collection sectors: retail credit, commercial debt, medical receivables, municipal fines and utility accounts, insurance subrogation, and auto deficiency balances after repossession. Its client roster includes original creditors such as Discover Card Financial Services, JPMorgan Chase, and U.S. Bank, as well as debt buyers including Midland Funding LLC, Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC, Unifund CCR, and Zenith Acquisition.
Public-entity clients include the City of Milwaukee for municipal fines and utility debts. Kohn also pursues subrogation claims on behalf of Progressive Mutual Insurance and other carriers.
To identify who Kohn is collecting for in your specific case, check the Plaintiff line at the top of any court summons you received, the “Current Creditor” and “Original Creditor” lines required on any collection letter under 15 U.S.C. 1692g(a)(2), or pull your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com and look for collection entries or public records associated with the creditors above.
Kohn Law Firm S.C. Firm Details
| Address | 735 N. Water Street, Suite 1300, Milwaukee, WI 53202 |
| Phone | (414) 276-0435 / (800) 451-1791 |
| Established | 1960 |
| Primary Function | Pre- and post-judgment debt collection litigation in Wisconsin and Illinois |
| FDCPA Status | Debt collector subject to 15 U.S.C. 1692 et seq. per Heintz v. Jenkins, 514 U.S. 291 (1995) |
| BBB Rating | A+ (33 complaints closed in the last 3 years; low consumer review rating) |
| Primary Courts | Wisconsin Circuit Courts, Wisconsin Small Claims Courts, U.S. District Courts (E.D. Wis.) |
Kohn Law Firm Phone Numbers
Kohn Law Firm contacts consumers from the following confirmed numbers. If any of these appear in your call log, the firm is attempting to reach you about a debt it has been retained to collect.
- (414) 276-0435
- (414) 276-0436
- (800) 451-1791
This list is not exhaustive. Kohn Law Firm may use additional numbers, and calls from unfamiliar Wisconsin area codes (414, 262, 608) should be verified against court records on the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP) portal and Illinois court records before you respond.
Your Legal Rights When Kohn Law Firm Contacts You
The FDCPA and the Wisconsin Consumer Act together grant you enforceable rights from the moment Kohn Law Firm first contacts you, and a violation of any one of them entitles you to statutory damages, actual damages, and attorney fees under 15 U.S.C. 1692k and Wis. Stat. 427.105.
Right to Debt Verification (15 U.S.C. 1692g)
Within five days of first contact, Kohn Law Firm must send you a written notice stating the amount owed, the creditor’s name, and your right to dispute the debt within 30 days. If you send a written dispute within that 30-day window, the firm must stop all collection activity until it provides written verification of the debt.
The dispute must be in writing; a verbal dispute alone does not trigger the verification obligation. Send your request by certified mail with a return receipt to 735 N. Water Street, Suite 1300, Milwaukee, WI 53202, and retain the green card as proof of delivery.
Prohibition on False or Misleading Representations (15 U.S.C. 1692e)
Kohn Law Firm may not make any false, deceptive, or misleading representation in connection with collecting a debt. Under 15 U.S.C. 1692e(2)(a), misrepresenting the character, amount, or legal status of a debt is prohibited. Under 15 U.S.C. 1692e(5), threatening legal action the firm does not actually intend to take is also prohibited.
Federal court records reflect a class action alleging that Kohn sent collection notices that obscured post-judgment interest accrual while applying a rate alleged to exceed Wisconsin’s statutory cap, a pattern implicating this section.
Prohibition on Harassment and Abuse (15 U.S.C. 1692d / Wis. Stat. 427.104)
Kohn Law Firm may not engage in conduct whose natural consequence is to harass, oppress, or abuse you. Prohibited conduct includes causing your phone to ring repeatedly with the intent to annoy, using obscene language, and contacting you before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. in your local time zone.
Wisconsin’s Consumer Act provides parallel protections under Wis. Stat. 427.104, which applies to original creditors in addition to third-party collectors, broadening the coverage beyond the federal standard.
Restrictions on Communication (15 U.S.C. 1692c)
Once you notify Kohn Law Firm in writing that you wish to cease contact, the firm must stop all communication except to confirm receipt or notify you of a specific intended legal action. Under 15 U.S.C. 1692c(a)(2), if you are represented by an attorney, Kohn must communicate only with your attorney once it receives the attorney’s contact information. Kohn may not contact your employer about your debt after being told your employer prohibits such calls, and it may not disclose your debt to third parties such as family members or neighbors under 15 U.S.C. 1692b.
Prohibition on Unfair Practices (15 U.S.C. 1692f)
Kohn Law Firm may not use unfair or unconscionable means to collect a debt. This includes collecting any amount not expressly authorized by the original agreement or permitted by law. A federal class action against Kohn alleged the firm applied a post-judgment interest rate of 23.6 percent when Wisconsin’s statutory cap at the time was 5.5 percent, a potential violation of both 15 U.S.C. 1692f(1) and Wis. Stat. 815.05(8), which governs permissible post-judgment interest rates in the state.
Documented Consumer Complaints and Federal Cases Against Kohn Law Firm
Formal complaints against Kohn Law Firm appear on the Better Business Bureau and the (CFPB), and the firm has been named in multiple federal FDCPA class actions available through PACER.gov.
Robo-Litigation Without Attorney Review (Maria v. Kohn Law Firm): A federal class action alleged that Kohn’s attorneys filed approximately 1,385 cases within 75 days, averaging roughly 270 court appearances per week across the firm. The lawsuit alleged that no individual attorney could have meaningfully reviewed the validity of the underlying debts before signing and filing each complaint, raising issues under 15 U.S.C. 1692e regarding false representations that a licensed attorney had reviewed the account.
Illegal Post-Judgment Interest Rate (Federal Class Action): A federal class action alleged that Kohn sent post-judgment collection notices that obscured how interest was accruing and applied a rate of approximately 23.6 percent against a Wisconsin statutory cap of 5.5 percent at the time. Consumers reported balances increasing by hundreds of dollars within a single quarter as a result. The conduct implicates 15 U.S.C. 1692f(1) and Wis. Stat. 815.05(8).
False Proof of Service and Phantom Default Judgment (Stanaszak v. Kohn Law Firm S.C.): A consumer sued Kohn and Midland Funding alleging that Kohn falsely represented to a circuit court judge that the consumer had been legally served with a summons when in fact the consumer had never received the lawsuit. Kohn obtained a default judgment on the unserved case and subsequently contacted the consumer at their place of employment to enforce collection, which separately implicates 15 U.S.C. 1692c(a)(3).
BBB records also reflect a pattern of consumers reporting garnishment of income legally exempt under Wis. Stat. 815.18, including Social Security disability benefits, without a corresponding release after exemption claims were filed. If you believe exempt income has been garnished, file a claim of exemption with the court immediately and contact the CFPB, the FTC, or the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
If Kohn Law Firm Has Filed a Lawsuit Against You
Ignoring a lawsuit from Kohn Law Firm results in the court automatically entering a default judgment against you, which gives Kohn immediate authority to freeze your bank account, garnish your wages, and place liens on real property. The steps below apply once you have been served with a summons.
Step 1: Confirm Your Answer Deadline. In the Wisconsin Circuit Court, you have 20 days from the date of service to file a written Answer. In Wisconsin Small Claims Court, the deadline can be as short as 5 to 10 days and is stated on the face of the summons. The service date appears on the process server’s return-of-service document.
Check the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal at wcca.wicourts.gov to confirm whether a case has actually been filed under your name before responding to any threat of litigation.
Step 2: File a Written Answer Before the Deadline. An Answer must be filed with the court clerk and served on Kohn Law Firm before the deadline expires. It must respond to each numbered paragraph in the complaint, either admitting, denying, or stating that you lack sufficient information to admit or deny. A denial is proper when you are unsure; you do not need certainty to deny. The Answer must also assert any affirmative defenses, including the statute of limitations, payment, identity theft, or lack of standing.
Step 3: Assert Your Defenses. Kohn Law Firm’s documented use of high-volume robo-litigation creates specific defenses. In debt buyer cases, Kohn must prove a complete, unbroken chain of assignment from the original creditor to the current plaintiff. Missing any link in that chain requires dismissal.
Additional defenses include expiration of the statute of limitations (six years for written contracts in Wisconsin under Wis. Stat. 893.43), failure to provide a pre-lawsuit “Right to Cure” notice required under Wisconsin Consumer Act Wis. Stat. 425.104 for certain consumer credit transactions, identity theft documented in writing, and FDCPA counterclaims if the firm violated your rights during collection. A successful FDCPA counterclaim shifts all attorney fees and costs to Kohn under 15 U.S.C. 1692k.
Step 4: Understand Default Judgment Consequences. A default judgment in Wisconsin is valid for 20 years and renewable. Kohn Law Firm can use it to garnish up to 20 percent of your disposable earnings, freeze and levy your bank accounts, and place a lien on any real property you own in the judgment county.
Wisconsin’s poverty exemption under Wis. Stat. 815.18 protects individuals whose income falls below 600 percent of the federal poverty level, and Social Security, SSI, VA benefits, unemployment compensation, and pension income are categorically exempt. File a claim of exemption with the court promptly if any of these income sources are being garnished.
If you have been served or found a case filed against you, call 877-700-5790 or submit a free case review request to speak with an attorney about your deadline and available defenses.
Payments, Settlements, and Resolution Options
Kohn Law Firm regularly resolves debts for less than the full claimed balance, particularly on charged-off accounts and accounts held by debt buyers who purchased the paper at a discount. The following options apply depending on your situation.
Lump-Sum Settlement. Debt buyers who purchased accounts for a fraction of face value frequently accept 40 to 60 percent of the claimed balance as a lump-sum payment. Never authorize payment without first receiving a signed, written settlement agreement that specifies the exact settlement amount, confirms that the amount satisfies the debt in full, identifies the account being resolved, provides for dismissal with prejudice if a lawsuit is active, and addresses how the account will be reported to the credit bureaus. Do not provide ACH access, routing numbers, or direct bank account information over the phone.
Structured Payment Plan. Kohn Law Firm may agree to a monthly installment arrangement if a lump-sum payment is not feasible. Confirm all payment plan terms in a signed written agreement before remitting any funds. Plans that are not documented carry the risk of misapplied payments, disputed balances, and continued litigation.
Litigation Settlement. Settlement negotiations remain available throughout the court process and through the day of trial. A negotiated resolution during active litigation typically results in a stipulated dismissal filed with the court. Confirm the dismissal is actually filed after your payment clears; BBB complaints reflect a pattern of Kohn failing to timely file court paperwork after consumers paid, in some cases resulting in default judgments entered against consumers who had already settled.
Bankruptcy. Filing bankruptcy triggers an automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. 362 that halts all collection activity immediately, including pending garnishments and bank levies. Whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is appropriate depends on your income, assets, and the types of debts involved. Consult a licensed bankruptcy attorney in Wisconsin for eligibility analysis.
Note on Credit Reporting: A debt reported as “settled for less than full amount” carries a greater negative impact on your credit score than one reported as “paid in full.” Confirm the credit reporting language in your written settlement agreement before authorizing any payment. Wisconsin judgments that have been satisfied must be documented with a Satisfaction of Judgment filed with the court; if Kohn fails to file it, you may petition the court to compel the filing.
Caution on Time-Barred Debt: Wisconsin’s statute of limitations for written contracts, including credit cards, is six years under Wis. Stat. 893.43. Making a partial payment or signing a written acknowledgment of a debt whose limitations period has expired can restart the clock in some circumstances, converting an unenforceable obligation into a new legal liability. Do not pay or acknowledge any debt past or near the six-year mark without first confirming the account’s activity history with an attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kohn Law Firm S.C. a legitimate company?
Yes. Kohn Law Firm S.C. is a licensed Wisconsin law firm that has operated since 1960. It holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau based on complaint response rates, though its consumer review rating across public forums is low. The firm files real lawsuits in Wisconsin and Illinois courts and should not be ignored. Its A+ BBB rating reflects how quickly it responds to formal complaints, not consumer satisfaction with its collection practices.
Why is Kohn Law Firm calling me?
Kohn Law Firm is contacting you to collect a debt on behalf of one of its clients. The firm represents original creditors, including Discover, Chase, and U.S. Bank, as well as debt buyers, including Midland Funding, Portfolio Recovery Associates, Unifund CCR, and Zenith Acquisition. It also collects municipal fines for the City of Milwaukee and subrogation claims for insurance carriers. The Plaintiff listed on any paperwork you received is the specific client in your case.
How do I verify a debt from Kohn Law Firm?
Under 15 U.S.C. 1692g, you have 30 days from the date of first written contact to send a written request disputing the debt and demanding verification. Send the letter by certified mail with a return receipt to 735 N. Water Street, Suite 1300, Milwaukee, WI 53202. Upon receipt, Kohn must halt all collection activity until it provides written verification, including the name and address of the original creditor. Retain the certified mail receipt and green return card as proof of your timely dispute.
What is the statute of limitations on debt in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin’s statute of limitations for written contracts, including credit card accounts, is six years under Wis. Stat. 893.43. This period typically begins on the date of the last payment or last account activity. If Kohn Law Firm sues after the six-year period expires, you can assert the limitations bar as an affirmative defense, and under 15 U.S.C. 1692e(2), filing a lawsuit on a time-barred debt may itself constitute a false representation of the debt’s legal status. Do not make any payment or written acknowledgment of a debt near or past this deadline without first consulting an attorney, as doing so may restart the limitations clock.
What happens if I ignore a lawsuit from Kohn Law Firm?
The court enters a default judgment against you automatically if you do not file a written Answer before the deadline, which is 20 days in Wisconsin Circuit Court and as few as 5 days in Small Claims. Kohn Law Firm then holds a court order enforceable for 20 years.
The firm can immediately garnish up to 20 percent of your disposable wages, freeze and levy your bank accounts, and place liens on real property you own. Reversing a default judgment requires demonstrating both good cause for the missed deadline and a meritorious defense to the underlying claim, which is substantially harder than responding to the original lawsuit. Call 877-700-5790 if you have been served.
Can Kohn Law Firm garnish Social Security or exempt income?
No. Social Security, SSI, VA benefits, unemployment compensation, child support received, and public assistance are categorically exempt from garnishment under Wis. Stat. 815.18. Individuals whose total income falls below 600 percent of the federal poverty level are also exempt. If Kohn Law Firm has garnished any of these income sources, file a claim of exemption with the court clerk immediately and contact the CFPB or the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection to file a formal complaint.
How do I stop Kohn Law Firm from calling me?
Send a written cease-and-desist letter to Kohn Law Firm via certified mail. Under 15 U.S.C. 1692c(c), once the firm receives your written request, it must stop all calls and letters except to confirm receipt or to notify you of a specific legal action. If you retain an attorney, provide Kohn with the attorney’s name and contact information; under 15 U.S.C. 1692c(a)(2), all further communications must then go to your attorney. Document every call you receive after sending the cease-and-desist letter, including date, time, and the number that called.
Can I sue Kohn Law Firm for FDCPA violations?
Yes. If Kohn Law Firm violated the FDCPA, you may file a lawsuit in federal court within one year of the violation under 15 U.S.C. 1692k(d). A successful claim entitles you to statutory damages of up to $1,000, actual damages for financial or emotional harm, and attorney fees and court costs. The fee-shifting provision of 15 U.S.C. 1692k means that in qualifying cases you pay nothing out of pocket; the defendant covers your legal costs. Documented violations, such as those alleged in Maria v. Kohn Law Firm or Stanaszak v. Kohn Law Firm, can serve as evidence of a pattern when establishing similar conduct in an individual claim.
Where do I file a complaint against Kohn Law Firm?
File complaints with the at consumerfinance.gov/complaint, the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection for state-law violations. You may also file a BBB complaint at the Kohn Law Firm BBB profile. Federal FDCPA lawsuits are filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
Dealing with a Lawsuit, Garnishment, or Calls from Kohn Law Firm?
Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC has represented consumers against debt collectors since 2010, holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and recovers attorney fees and costs under 15 U.S.C. 1692k when your rights are violated, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket in qualifying cases.
For a broader overview of your rights against collection attorneys, visit our collection attorneys hub. You can also browse our full list of collection agencies in the United States to research other firms that may have contacted you.
