Unfortunately, it'd be the state legislature - and their requirements for the state bar, and membership.


As for the Bar, I've complained to them - and while you don't need a log in to access the info, it requires searching, there is no overall listing.

 

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err wouldnt you have to actually first FIND that specific ratings website that happens to have your info posted on it and THEN do a search for you specifically on that website? I just think you're overreacting a bit..or at the very least like someone has said the object of your beef is very misplaced. Or either youre more pissed about them "making a profit" off of your info than them actually taking your personal info. That is understandable too but alittle off the mark when you're talking about personal information security.

 

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Prior to yesterday, if one were to search my name - the first result is this website purported to rate doctors and lawyers. They've been in existence for several years, and provide what they believe is a service to the public, offering ratings, and make money by selling advertising to doctors and attorneys.


In this first result, one could find my home address and phone number. Did I know that they were posted on the Bar's website? Absolutely, but to find it there - you have to search, pick the right one of the few people that share my first and last name, and dig for it.


Do I like this? Absolutely not, but there is a layer of protection for it, in that it requires some foreknowledge, and a search - one actually has to know about the listings on the bar's website.


Along comes this company, Avvo, trolling through the various state bar websites - stealing this information wholesale, in an attempt to make a profit from it.


They hold your information hostage by creating, without your permission, a profile that cannot be deleted, and can only be edited if you "claim," it, or call in and bitch at them about having your home address/phone number listed.


They flat out refuse to delete a profile that they created, with my information, for their profit.


So, it's a multi-front irritation. The state bar, and the state legislature, I have no control over - but at least there are some steps that they have taken, requiring an information search, before my data is visible. This other company, it's just there - for the whole world to see. And as I said, if someone is irritated by me - for whatever reason - they can go here and post it all over again.

 

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meh I still think its all six of one, half dozen of another

your personal information is out there for all to have access to, albeit because you are forced to have it there.

Its not like you have attorney client priv with the state and Avvo is "someone" listening in(clients have no reasonable expectations of privacy if there is a third party present in most cases in most states)

Or its not like they're hacking into the state's website or breaking into their offices for the info or something

Yeah it sucks but not much you can do about it. I wouldnt let it bother me.

I guess you could think of it like you are a celebrity. They have little expectation of privacy since most celebrities are considered public figures. : P You're a star baby!

 

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It is one of the downsides of being self employed. I'm self employed and even with a PO Box my address and other info can be found all over because it is required for some filings. As for complaining about needing a PO Box... you're serious? You work from home and don't understand the need for a PO Box? Even if it only sits and collects junk mail 99% of the time, like mine does, I wouldn't be without it as a business owner.

 

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lol


you mean public defenders?


those aren't lawyers...

 

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But unfortunately, they're doing it without permission. The State Bar of CA, along with other states do not permit outside companies to peruse their member lists, and take that information.





I never had a need of one before this, I'm not really working with any clients write now, in fact, most of the business I do(at the moment) has nothing to do with the law. And the business I am doing now is with people I know personally(and have known for years), I do not advertise my business. So, no - it wasn't a real issue before this concern.





Tongue in cheek I know, but they do their best to do good work - albeit they're very overburdened.

 

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