UC Hastings Appellate Project Celebrates Victory in Mortgage Crisis Case

In its second victory in two years before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the UC Hastings Appellate Project received a favorable decision in Matza v. Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. 

Pictured left to right are: Gary Watt, Josephine Mason, Gabriel McWhirter, and Stephen Tollafield.

During their third year as UC Hastings students, Josephine Mason '11 and Gabriel McWhirter '11 represented Steven Matza, a former homeowner from Las Vegas, who challenged the legality of his foreclosure proceedings under both state and federal law. The court remanded Mr. Matza's case to allow Mr. Matza an opportunity to amend his complaint, and ordered the Nevada District Court to consider more carefully the issues of first impression that Mr. Matza alleges.

"The entities involved in this nationwide and historic housing crisis have an obligation to interact truthfully and responsibly with homeowners and Mr. Matza's complaint alleged conduct to the contrary," said Gary Watt '97, Director of the UC Hastings Appellate Project and appellate attorney at Archer Norris. "The Ninth Circuit's order reinstating Mr. Matza's suit implies more careful judicial scrutiny of the loan servicers' handling of the matter -- a positive development for all homeowners during this crisis."

The UC Hastings Moot Court Program provides the opportunity for talented third year advocates to represent pro se litigants through the Hastings Appellate Project. This representation is made possible and coordinated by the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Pro Bono Program.

Article by Stephen Tollafield, Professor & Assistant Director, Legal Writing & Moot Court Department