About

Our Mission

Our Mission

The Financial Protection Law Center is a non-profit public interest law firm founded in 2001. We provide legal services and support to protect low-income people and families from unfair and predatory financial practices to preserve home ownership and enhance their ability to build equity and prosper.

Mallam J. Maynard

Our Founder

Mallam J. Maynard

The Financial Protection Law Center was founded by Mal Maynard. He served as Executive Director through 2019 and retired from the firm in 2020. Mal is a nationally recognized consumer advocate who saved thousands of family homes and farms and served as co-counsel in class action cases against mortgage and payday lenders throughout his distinguished legal career. FPLC owes its existence to Mal and his legacy and spirit continue to inspire our work.

FPLC Board of Directors

Stella Adams

Durham, NC

Charles A. Bentley, Jr.

Durham, NC

Richard P. Cook

Wilmington, NC

Andre C. Brown

Wilmington, NC

Auley M. (Lee) Crouch, III

Wilmington, NC

Anne J. Randall

Wilmington, NC

Meet Our Dedicated Team

Maria McIntyre

Maria McIntyre

Maria has been an attorney with FPLC since its inception and became the Executive Director in 2020. Her advocacy is focused on defending and seeking justice for lower-income and financially distressed homeowners and clients. Maria practices primarily in the areas of foreclosure defense, mortgage and mobile home lending litigation and consumer bankruptcy. She is a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and the National Association of Consumer Advocates and currently serves as Vice-Chair of the NC Equal Justice Alliance. Maria is a proud Tar Heel, having received her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of North Carolina.

April Cheers

April Cheers

With over 30 years of experience working in the legal field, April joined our organization in 2011 as an Office Manager and North Carolina State Bar Certified Paralegal. She is a native of the Wilmington, NC, area and graduated from UNCW with a B.A. in English.

Protection. Representation. Respect. Professionalism. Experience. Low or No Cost. 20+ Years Protecting and Serving Neighbors in Need