State First Lady Quits Alleged 'Pro-Collector' Resolution Firm

Minnesota’s First Lady, Mary Pawlenty, has left a general counsel position with a private dispute resolution company, The National Arbitration Forum.

Neither side is commenting on the “why,” citing attorney-client confidentiality.  However, many are speculating that it’s the NAF’s pro-debt collection/anti-consumer activities that led to the First Lady’s not-a-good-fit leaving.

NAF disputes the pro-collection agency/anti-consumer portrait presented by critics.

Pawlenty started with the firm on February 20.  She left March 19.  As general counsel, Pawlenty managed the company’s legal affairs, including overseeing the company’s growing network of more than 1,500 "neutrals," or private arbitrators, who include retired judges and law professors.

NAF’s high-profile PR issues regarding what some perceive to be anti-consumer stances may be a part of what prompted Pawlenty’s decision to leave the firm.