Fla. Bar Reverses Course, Allows Lawyers to Tout Avvo Rankings
The controversial lawyer-ranking website Avvo is fighting battles on several fronts in its effort to list lawyers in every state.
In the most recent skirmish, the Florida Bar’s Standing Committee on Advertising has reversed course and decided that lawyers may tout their Avvo ratings in advertising, the Financial News and Daily Record reports.
The committee changed its decision after a presentation by Avvo President Mark Britton, who explained the ranking methodology. Britton says the site gives lawyers a rating of 1 to 10 based on work experience, industry recognitions, case history and disciplinary action. Clients can also post reviews.
“We know we’re new and different,” Britton told the publication. “Sometimes I think there is the tendency of beating up the new kid on the block, and it just takes time to understand.”
Earlier this month, the state of New Jersey reversed course and agreed to provide Avvo with lawyer records that include their names, year of admission and current bar status.
