Comments on: The Controversial World of Avvo http://koehlerlaw.net/2010/01/the-controversial-world-of-avvo/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-controversial-world-of-avvo Criminal and DUI Defense in Washington, D.C. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:38:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: jamison http://koehlerlaw.net/2010/01/the-controversial-world-of-avvo/comment-page-1/#comment-183 jamison Mon, 18 Jan 2010 22:27:25 +0000 http://koehlerlaw.net/?p=1306#comment-183 Mr. King: Thank you for the comment. It was probably unfair to tell the "jerry k" story since that did not happen on Avvo. And I have heard the Avvo is very quick to investigate and take action should something like this happen. My wife points out the Martindale-Hubbell has been doing ratings for years, apparently without objection. The only difference, as I understand it, is that a lawyer can opt out of the M-H rating system if he/she doesn't like the rating he/she receives. Finally, whatever commercial motivations may drive Avvo, I think Avvo provides a valuable public service. Avvo is free to both lawyers and the people who need a lawyer. While no substitute for the hiring of legal counsel, the questions and answers can address any immediate concerns of the poster while sending the poster in the right direction (which usually will be to hire a lawyer). Best, Jamison Koehler Mr. King:

Thank you for the comment. It was probably unfair to tell the “jerry k” story since that did not happen on Avvo. And I have heard the Avvo is very quick to investigate and take action should something like this happen.

My wife points out the Martindale-Hubbell has been doing ratings for years, apparently without objection. The only difference, as I understand it, is that a lawyer can opt out of the M-H rating system if he/she doesn’t like the rating he/she receives.

Finally, whatever commercial motivations may drive Avvo, I think Avvo provides a valuable public service. Avvo is free to both lawyers and the people who need a lawyer. While no substitute for the hiring of legal counsel, the questions and answers can address any immediate concerns of the poster while sending the poster in the right direction (which usually will be to hire a lawyer).

Best, Jamison Koehler

]]> By: Josh King http://koehlerlaw.net/2010/01/the-controversial-world-of-avvo/comment-page-1/#comment-182 Josh King Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:10:25 +0000 http://koehlerlaw.net/?p=1306#comment-182 Jamison, one thing to keep in mind with respect to client reviews is that Avvo's system is significantly more responsible than most. We review every posting before it goes live to ensure it meets our community guidelines. As a result, nearly one-third of all reviews posted to Avvo never see the light of day, and the "jerry k" example could not happen. As for as the Avvo Rating goes, we've put a lot of thought into the algorithm, and while years of experience is important, many other factors contribute as well. There are numerous attorneys with only a few years experience who are rated "superb" on Avvo by virtue of their early and active involvement with legal organizations through leadership, writing and speaking. In any event, I'm glad your experience with Avvo has been a positive one - even if it has resulted in Google associating you with public urination. Josh from Avvo Jamison, one thing to keep in mind with respect to client reviews is that Avvo’s system is significantly more responsible than most. We review every posting before it goes live to ensure it meets our community guidelines. As a result, nearly one-third of all reviews posted to Avvo never see the light of day, and the “jerry k” example could not happen.

As for as the Avvo Rating goes, we’ve put a lot of thought into the algorithm, and while years of experience is important, many other factors contribute as well. There are numerous attorneys with only a few years experience who are rated “superb” on Avvo by virtue of their early and active involvement with legal organizations through leadership, writing and speaking.

In any event, I’m glad your experience with Avvo has been a positive one – even if it has resulted in Google associating you with public urination.

Josh from Avvo

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