Earlier this month I reported that Avvo Legal Services was shutting down; but I also stated that I was sure ALS' demise would not be the last time we hear about client-lawyer matchmaking services. Where Avvo left off, someone else will pick up...
And now we have a new participant in the market.... Say hello to Text A Lawyer, ("TaL") a service that will provide a platform for prospective clients to ask lawyers questions via text. For now, the service is available only in Oregon and Washington but its developer plans to expand the service nationwide if he can find investors to help fund the project. You can read more about Text a Lawyer here.
Aside from the fact that I have serious doubts that texting is a good way to discuss legal matters with a client a lawyer has not even met, the billing process used by TaL has already been criticized as having some of the same problems that got Avvo in trouble in so many jurisdictions. You can read about it here. Of course, if jurisdictions decided to change the applicable rules, then things might be different, but until then, the discussion we were having about Avvo Legal Services will continue.
Here is a video that explains the service (taken from its website). What do you think?
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