Avvo Creator Jumping Ship

In the April 24 edition of the electronic version of the ABA Journal, the revelation was made that the original creator of the above online service to connect consumers and attorneys had sold his interest in the company and was looking for new horizons to conquer.

            The fact that Avvo has been banned in some states by bar associations and courts, been a defendant in several lawsuits and a class action case did not deter the founder of Avvo from boasting that his company had helped many millions of consumers and hundreds of thousands of lawyers while he was heading Avvo.

            Since 2007 Avvo Legal Services has referred prospective clients to attorneys for a flat fee and additional payment of advertising costs.  Some state bar associations have asserted violation of statutes or court rulings pertaining to fee sharing with non-lawyers and the unlicensed practice of law.

            He basically criticizes the organized bar as being engaged in “protectionism” and reluctance to change.  He never discusses any aspect of the publics declining image of the legal profession and suggests that Avvo and other legal service providers will be responsible for further positive change in the profession.

            No mention is made of whether the legal profession has evolved into a legal business that has advanced the publics “right to know” as described in the 1978 directive from the United States Supreme Court.

I encourage you to buy local products and hire local, reputable attorneys!