by Tom Gordon Consumers of legal services seeking a quick way to find lawyers while guarding against the prospect of runaway hourly billing will now have to look a little harder. Avvo has stopped offering its popular Avvo Legal Services. The service is no longer offered on its website, and the general counsel for Internet Brands, which recently acquired Avvo, has indicated that the service will be discontinued by the end of this month. The decision shouldn’t come as a complete surprise to those who have followed Avvo’s recent battles with state bars attempting to prohibit their members from participating in services of this type. Responsive Law has warned these state bars that the anticompetitive nature of these bans could subject them to antitrust liability. In response to these concerns, the North Carolina State Bar had been considering a more nuanced set of regulations of attorney-client matching systems (ACMS) such as Avvo’s, rather than an outright ban. However, in the wake of the discontinuation of Avvo’s ACMS, that bar’s ethics committee decided to table its proposal. The tide may be turning on ACMS regulation. Illinois recently joined North Carolina in seeking more nuanced regulation of ACMSs. That state’s Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission recently issued a study calling for solutions beyond an outright ban on lawyer participation in these services, as a way of addressing the access to justice gap. Unfortunately, these developments have come too late for Avvo Legal Services. From a business perspective, it is understandable that Internet Brands didn’t want to continue this service given the regulatory obstacles it faced. However, consumers are now faced with a huge gap in the marketplace for easily accessible, fixed-price legal services. State bars will have to take a more accepting view of ACMSs, or they will not only face antitrust liability, but will also have abdicated their duty to protect access to justice. Tom Gordon is Executive Director of Responsive Law Read more blog posts about online legal services here.
16 Comments
7/7/2018 04:30:02 pm
When people realize that they need not measure an issue by an attorney's cost per hour to determine what their rights are, that attorneys can help on many issues from the trivial to the traumatic, a subscription model may make more sense.
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4/7/2022 05:28:37 pm
Avvo has stopped offering its popular Avvo Legal Services. The service is no longer offered, Thank you for making this such an awesome post!
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4/7/2022 05:52:34 pm
Thanks for your report on AVVO closing. I found nothing about this in a Google search and their website found me a trial defense attorney in my zip code just now. Where did you get your information?
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4/7/2022 05:58:22 pm
Lawyer participation in these services, as a way of addressing the access to justice gap. Thank you for making this such an awesome post!
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8/13/2022 03:29:47 pm
That state’s Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission recently issued a study calling for solutions beyond an outright ban on lawyer participation in these services, Thank you, amazing post!
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8/13/2022 04:20:48 pm
However, consumers are now faced with a huge gap in the marketplace for easily accessible, fixed-price legal services. Thank you for the beautiful post!
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6/21/2023 07:56:30 am
This article sheds light on a significant development in the legal field. It's unfortunate that Avvo's services, which provided accessible, fixed-price legal aid, had to be discontinued due to regulatory constraints. It underscores the need for regulatory bodies to adapt in favor of consumer accessibility and affordability in legal services.
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That state’s Attorney registration and disciplinary commission recently issued a study calling for solutions beyond an outright ban on lawyer participation in these services, as a way of addressing the access to justice gap. Thank you for making this such an awesome post!
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Asha
10/29/2023 10:22:11 am
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1/30/2024 12:23:25 pm
The article by Tom Gordon brilliantly elucidates the complex dynamics between legal service providers like Avvo and state bars, striking a chord with its insightful analysis of the recent termination of Avvo Legal Services. It masterfully highlights the critical balance between consumer protection and the need for innovative, accessible legal services, making a compelling case for the importance of nuanced regulation over outright prohibition. The thorough exploration of the antitrust implications and the ongoing struggle for equitable access to justice deepened my understanding of the multifaceted challenges in the legal landscape. This piece not only educated me but also evoked a sense of urgency and empathy towards consumers facing the daunting world of legal services. Kudos to the author for shedding light on such a pivotal issue with clarity and depth, leaving me significantly more informed and emotionally invested in the future of legal service accessibility.
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2/15/2024 08:12:27 pm
Tom Gordon's article offers an insightful examination of the intricate relationship between legal service platforms like Avvo and regulatory bodies such as state bars, capturing the reader's attention with a detailed critique of Avvo Legal Services' recent shutdown. It skillfully discusses the delicate balance required to protect consumers while fostering innovative and accessible legal solutions, advocating for thoughtful regulation rather than outright bans. The article delves deep into the antitrust concerns and the continuous fight for fair access to justice, enhancing my comprehension of the complex issues facing the legal sector. This work not only informed me but also stirred a sense of urgency and compassion for individuals navigating the complex legal services landscape. Hats off to the author for illuminating such a critical topic with such clear and comprehensive detail, significantly enriching my understanding and emotional engagement with the ongoing efforts to improve legal service accessibility.
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2/19/2024 11:35:05 pm
The article excellently highlights the challenges faced by Avvo's Legal Services due to regulatory hurdles, shedding light on the broader issue of access to affordable legal assistance. It effectively emphasizes the importance of innovative platforms like Avvo in bridging the gap between legal services and consumers, especially those seeking fixed-price options. The writer's passionate tone and clear explanations make it easy to grasp the significance of these developments, leaving me feeling informed and inspired to advocate for more inclusive regulations that prioritize access to justice for all. Great job conveying the complexities of the topic in a way that's accessible and engaging!
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2/21/2024 06:26:11 am
Tom Gordon's piece provides a thorough exploration of the complex dynamics between legal service platforms, like Avvo, and regulatory entities, such as state bars, engaging readers with an in-depth analysis of the reasons behind Avvo Legal Services' cessation. The article adeptly navigates the fine line needed to safeguard consumer interests while promoting innovative and reachable legal assistance, arguing for nuanced regulation over simple prohibitions. It thoroughly investigates the antitrust issues and the persistent struggle for equitable access to legal representation, deepening my insight into the multifaceted challenges the legal industry faces. This article not only enlightened me but also evoked a sense of urgency and empathy for those trying to find their way through the intricate maze of legal services. Kudos to the author for shedding light on such an essential issue with clarity and exhaustive detail, greatly enhancing my knowledge and emotional connection to the efforts aimed at enhancing the availability of legal services.
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3/19/2024 10:50:38 pm
The decision to discontinue Avvo Legal Services is disheartening. It's frustrating to see regulatory hurdles obstructing innovative solutions for accessing legal help. Tom Gordon's article sheds light on the challenges faced by consumers seeking affordable legal services amidst the complexities of legal regulations. His insight into the anticompetitive nature of some state bars' actions and the potential ramifications, such as antitrust liability, is eye-opening. Understanding the importance of nuanced regulation for attorney-client matching systems (ACMS) is crucial for bridging the access to justice gap. Gordon's perspective urges us to rethink how we approach legal services, emphasizing the need for more accepting views from state bars to ensure access to justice for all. This article has helped me grasp the complexities surrounding online legal services and the regulatory landscape, highlighting the urgency for change.
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