I first learned that a very negative review of me had been posted on Avvo when I received an email from Avvo telling me that it wasn’t too late to get the situation resolved and the bad review taken down. Because we care a great deal about our clients and strive never to disappoint anyone, I immediately read the review. It puzzled me in two very important respects.
First, within any recent memory, and as confirmed by a review of records, we don’t even have anyone named “Joe” for whose mother we have done planning. Second, and more importantly, we don’t have any client situation that is even remotely close to the one described in the review. Simply put, it’s false. It either didn’t happen, or it involved a different attorney.
I wondered if perhaps it might have been posted by some jealous competitor. But I seriously doubt it. The Illinois chapter of NAELA (National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys) recently awarded me the Ron Runkle award, conferred annually upon the member selected by his or her peers as the most helpful member. I’m co-chair of a committee to start a mentorship program for elder law attorneys. Bar organizations in both Missouri and Illinois have frequently called upon me to be a continuing legal education presenter. I enjoy an excellent reputation among my peers. I value them, and they value me.
Then, sadly, I was informed of what now seems to be a much more likely explanation. Guess what Avvo’s Better Business Bureau rating is? It’s an F! What I have learned is that many people believe that Avvo’s business model is essentially a Mafia-style protection/extortion racket. They either arrange for, or carelessly allow, negative reviews to be posted of attorneys. Then they pounce, offering to help get the review taken down and guard against future ones, but only if you sign up to be a member, for a monthly fee. That’s an expense that I certainly do not want to, and should not have to, pass along to our clients.
We are proud to have earned very positive reviews from our clients. Are we perfect? No, of course not; no one is. Do we do our best to help our clients to achieve the best outcome their circumstances will permit, and do we treat them with understanding, care and compassion? I’ll promise you that we do.
To read testimonials from our clients or to give us a review, visit:
“Your Trusted Advisor on the Elder Care Journey”
Coulson Elder Law is dedicated to providing families in the St. Louis area with their Elder Law needs. Our practice areas include Asset Preservation Planning, Veterans Benefits, Medicaid Eligibility, Alzheimer’s Planning, Special Needs Planning, Estate Planning and more. We understand the financial challenges you may face as you and your loved ones grow older. At Coulson Elder Law, our clients’ well-being is our number one priority. For immediate help, call (877)995-6876 or Contact Us and we will get in touch as soon as possible.
