#299 Who Is Lesley Fair? A Conversation With a Consumer Protection Law Legend
Nov 11, 2024
auto_awesome
Lesley Fair, a consumer protection law legend and former Senior Attorney at the FTC, discusses her impressive 37-year career dedicated to simplifying complex legal concepts. She highlights the evolving challenges of consumer protection, especially in the digital age, and emphasizes the importance of public education. Fair also shares insights on the Janet Steiger Fellowship to inspire the next generation of lawyers. Plus, she offers personal anecdotes and valuable advice for emerging professionals while engaging in fun movie recommendations.
Lesley Fair's career showcases her pivotal role in making consumer protection laws accessible and understandable to the public and businesses alike.
The ongoing evolution of technology necessitates updated consumer protection laws, highlighting the FTC's commitment to adapt amidst rapid changes.
Deep dives
Leslie Fair: A Consumer Protection Pioneer
Leslie Fair, who recently retired from her position at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), has made significant contributions to consumer protection law over her 37-year career. Known as the 'voice of the FTC,' she has effectively communicated the agency's rules and responsibilities to both the public and businesses through accessible language and engaging presentations. Her work has included litigating high-profile deceptive advertising cases, such as those involving tobacco companies and infomercials, allowing her to advocate for vulnerable consumers effectively. Fair's ability to engage with diverse audiences has also led her to deliver educational talks across various platforms, promoting the importance of truthful advertising and consumer privacy.
Evolution of Consumer Protection Matters
The landscape of consumer protection has changed dramatically since Fair began her career, particularly with the advent of the internet and social media. She highlighted how the FTC, despite its reduced workforce, has adapted to new technology-related challenges while remaining effective in its consumer protection mission. Notably, Fair emphasized the importance of the FTC's foundational principle that unfair or deceptive acts in commerce are unlawful, a guiding tenet that has enabled the agency to address emerging issues effectively. This adaptability demonstrates the agency’s commitment to consumer welfare even amid evolving technological landscapes.
The Future of Consumer Protection in the Age of AI
Fair expressed a cautious yet optimistic view on how consumer protection laws need to adapt to the rapid development of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. She advocated for legislative updates, particularly in response to Supreme Court decisions that have limited the FTC's ability to address false advertising and fraudulent activities. Fair also highlighted the importance of public participation in policymaking, as the FTC actively seeks insights from consumers and experts alike to craft effective regulations. Engaging with global counterparts has proven fruitful, allowing the FTC to learn from international best practices in consumer protection while shaping the future regulatory framework in an increasingly interconnected digital environment.
On the occasion of Lesley Fair's retirement after 37 years in the Bureau of Consumer Protection at the Federal Trade Commission, she returns to Our Curious Amalgam to talk with co-hosts Alicia Downey and Jaclyn Phillips about some of the highlights of her illustrious career. Lesley has been described as “the voice of the FTC,” with a unique ability to translate the agency’s work into plain English. Listen to this episode to learn about Lesley's contributions to the evolution of U.S. consumer protection law, as well as her work with the Antitrust Law Section's Janet Steiger Fellowship program to encourage law students to follow her footsteps to rewarding careers in government service.
With special guest:
Lesley Fair, Former Senior Attorney, U.S. Federal Trade Commission
