Shameless Self Promotion

When searching for an attorney to hire for yourself on the internet, you should be wary of what I refer to as “shameless self-promotion.” An attorney’s website should be informative and provide useful information in an understandable manner. It should not, in my humble opinion, be an electronic soapbox for spouting self-laudatory prose. If, when reading an attorney’s website, you get the impression that the author truly thinks his poo doesn’t stink, the fees he will quote will most likely reflect his inflated sense of self-worth. If the website seems designed to dazzle you with difficult to understand technical language to sell you on the firm’s inflated fees, it probably is. On the other hand, be careful of anyone advertising rock-bottom prices. When bargain hunting for professional services, one often gets what one pays for.

The information on an attorney’s website should be useful to the public seeking help with a legal issue. It should not present information purely to impress the reader with the author’s knowledge. For example, I saw one attorney’s website which wanted every reader to know that you have the right to trial by jury in any drunk driving case in Virginia. This is true. It is also utterly reckless legal strategy in the vast majority of cases. For a first offense, a jury could easily impose a period of incarceration of up to twelve months, particularly if any member of the panel is involved with any of the “get tough on drunk driving” community groups like MADD. Judges, on the other hand, will rarely impose more than the statutory minimum penalty in all but the most aggravated cases. Trial by jury in a drunk driving case is generally something prosecutors threaten, not something defendants demand.

In short, use your common sense in selecting an attorney based on information contained in his or her website. If the text seems written by someone who is knowledgeable, honest and approachable, it probably was.

Feel free to contact me at inquiry@brianjgrossman.com.