A new class-action lawsuit has been filed against a private vocational school, accusing it of fraudulent practices and misleading students. Plaintiffs Colleen Cummane and Gabrielle Van Eck have brought the suit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on January 2, 2025, targeting National Laser Institute, LLC, On Demand Health and Beauty Marketing LLC (doing business as Louology), and Louis Silberman.
The complaint alleges that the defendants violated several laws, including the Illinois Private Business and Vocational Schools Act of 2012 and the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act. The plaintiffs claim that National Laser Institute (NLI) misled students by offering courses that promised certifications as "cosmetic laser technicians," a certification not recognized under Illinois law. According to the lawsuit, NLI is a for-profit vocational school operated by Louis Silberman, who marketed these courses without obtaining necessary approvals from the Illinois Board of Higher Education. The plaintiffs allege that Silberman aggressively recruited students through social media, promising lucrative career opportunities upon course completion.
Plaintiffs argue that they were lured into enrolling in NLI's courses based on false promises about job prospects and earning potential. They claim to have incurred significant financial costs due to tuition fees and associated expenses but found their certificates worthless when seeking employment. The lawsuit details how NLI's marketing strategies targeted individuals with little experience in cosmetology or esthetics, enticing them with assurances of immediate job placement assistance and business opportunities through its sister company Louology.
Cummane and Van Eck are seeking damages for themselves and other similarly affected students. They demand restitution for tuition fees paid under false pretenses, along with declaratory judgments against NLI's unlawful operations. The plaintiffs also seek injunctive relief to prevent further deceptive practices by the defendants.
Representing the plaintiffs is Luisi Holz Law, while no specific attorneys are mentioned for the defense in this document. The case is presided over by an unnamed judge under Case ID 1:25-cv-00036.