Panchenko, Lessons Learned - TL

Panchenko v. Comenity, the largest FCRA verdict in history, offers trial attorneys a rare opportunity to learn from the strategic decisions behind a landmark case. Hear how the attorneys used discovery to uncover the bank’s policies and dispute-handling practices—and built a record that ultimately became central to the trial.

You’ll also get an inside look at the challenges and surprises of trying the case, including how the attorneys introduced a sympathetic but unfamiliar client to the jury, made the human cost of the defendant’s conduct concrete, and approached the difficult task of asking jurors to consider a substantial award. Most of the session will focus on voir dire: identifying jurors’ assumptions about debt and credit, exploring those assumptions with the panel, and reflecting on what the trial team would do differently the next time.

What You Will Learn
• How to find and follow clues in discovery;
• How to centerpiece client testimony;
• How to conduct voir dire.

Charles Cummins

A California native, Charles Cummins is the first person in his family to attend college and law school. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, receiving his bachelor’s degree in history. After relocating to the Central Coast, Charles began working and advocating in mental health. While in that role, he developed a deep sense of purpose in helping individuals facing adversity and societal challenges. Drawing from his previous experience in mental health, Charles also brings a wealth of practical insight and a strong sense of purpose to his legal work. A graduate from San Luis Obispo College of Law, Charles is a board member of the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association, a leadership team member of the San Luis Obispo County Unity Bar, teaches Civil Procedure at San Luis Obispo College of Law, and currently mentors law students preparing for the California State Bar exam. He brings his personal history and legal prowess to fruition through staunch advocacy for the consumer.

Matthew Loker

Loker Law, APC

After meeting his wife, Kim – a California native – while studying abroad in Alicante, Spain, Matthew Loker decided to follow love and moved to San Diego to attend California Western School of Law. Matt served as President of the Entertainment & Sports Law Society and Vice President of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Society and earned various awards such as the Academic Achievement Award and the Telecommunications Award while in law school. Matt then joined one of the top consumer protection firms in the country straight out of law school where he was a Partner for several years. In 2019, Matt decided to start Loker Law, APC and focuses on consumer protection cases involving identity theft, credit reporting issues, and unfair debt collection practices. Matt also teaches Contracts to first year law students at the San Luis Obispo College of Law.