A variety of laws to protect consumers from fraud or other improper conduct in connection with the sale of goods or services exist at both federal and state levels.  Consumer protection law or consumer law regulates private relationships between individual consumers and the businesses that design, manufacture, sell or distribute goods and services.   These laws deal with bankruptcy, credit issues, product safety, service contracts and more.   Areas that are protected often include those related to safety and public health issues.  In New Jersey, the Consumer Fraud Act regulates many areas including home improvement contractors.  Cohn Lifland has successfully litigated both individual claims and class actions in a variety of matters dealing with product liability, privacy rights, unfair business practices, fraud and misrepresentation, among others.  Jeffrey W. Herrmann heads the consumer protection practice that includes Leonard Z. Kaufmann, Joseph A. Maurice, Richard A. Schnoll, Charles R. Cohen and Andrew R. Macklin.