LegalZoom Defends Right of Americans to Obtain Affordable Legal Protection
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 1, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Following multiple court decisions in LegalZoom's favor, the attorney plaintiff in the Alabama case of E. Allen Dodd, Jr. v. LegalZoom.com, Inc. dismissed his lawsuit on January 21, 2011 after it became clear that he had no legal justification for his allegations that LegalZoom was engaged in the unauthorized practice of law in the State of Alabama.
"Not surprisingly, Mr. Dodd wants out—so badly, in fact, that he voluntarily dismissed his claim in order to avoid a decision on the merits. We are pleased with the decision, as Alabama residents will continue to have the choice to use LegalZoom for an affordable self-help legal alternative," said Chas Rampenthal, General Counsel of LegalZoom.
"It's an access to justice issue. The decision shows that this attorney's attempt to block the right of Alabama residents to use legal software and self-help websites should never have begun. We view the decision to dismiss the case as an important legal victory for LegalZoom and the public as a whole. After multiple court rejections of his arguments, Mr. Dodd finally understood that his case had no merit and decided to dismiss the lawsuit in its entirety."
Facts about the lawsuit:
The Dodd action involved a claim by a single plaintiff, an Alabama lawyer, that LegalZoom practiced law in Alabama without a license. LegalZoom is an online self-help legal document service that uses technology to help customers gain convenient and affordable access to the legal system. No offers of settlement were made in this case and no money or other consideration was paid for the dismissal of the lawsuit.
"Some attorneys don't like the fact that LegalZoom is making it easier and more affordable for Americans to access the legal system," concluded Rampenthal. "We have an absolute commitment to defending ourselves in court against anyone who opposes convenient and effective alternatives to high hourly legal fees."
About LegalZoom.com
LegalZoom is the nation's leading provider of online legal document services. Using technology, it makes the law more accessible by offering a convenient, efficient and affordable way for people to handle common legal matters. Since its founding in 2001, LegalZoom has helped more than one million customers create a will or living trust, form a corporation or LLC, apply for a copyright or trademark, and more. The company was founded by top talents in law and technology, including famed attorney Robert Shapiro. LegalZoom is not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice. It provides self-help services for individuals to make their own legal decisions. Headquartered in Glendale, California, with offices in Austin, Texas, the company has over 400 employees. For more information, visit www.legalzoom.com.
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