Several weeks ago, I got a telephone call from Randy Wells,the LegalMatch CEO. Randy wanted to meetwith me in person, and (after I was certain the purpose of the meeting was notto serve me with summons) I suggested we meet during LegalTech New York. (Full Disclosure Time: LegalMatch picked up the tab for my trip toNYC.  I did not agree to do anything in exchange for the trip, other than meet with Randy Wells.)

Randy and I had a nice conversation during dinner – most of whichwas “off the record” – and we discussed LegalMatch’s reputation problem. I told Randy that, though my blog has becomesort of a clearinghouse for LegalMatch comments pro and con, my only problem with hiscompany’s service was (and remained) the methods they used to entice lawyers tosubscribe to their LegalMatch service.

While Randy assured me that things were changing insideLegalMatch, I suggested to him, in true ClueTrainfashion, that he needed to open a dialog with all those who seem to really hatehis company, including the people who continue to leave unfavorable comments onthis blog.  

Randy took my advice, and has sent me the following letterthat I post (unedited) in its entirety. Ifyou have comments, feel free to leave them to this post, because I knowLegalMatch is reading.   Otherwise, callRandy directly. His telephone number is atthe end of the letter.

 

OPEN LETTER FROM RANDY WELLS, CEO OF LEGALMATCH

To Our Colleagues in the Legal Community,

 On behalf of LegalMatch,I would like to personally apologize for a number of overly aggressive salespractices conducted by the company in the past. After consulting with many individuals and groups within the legalcommunity and after a thorough review of our internal practices, it became clearthat LegalMatch was less than professional in its approach.

As a result, since taking over the position of CEO at LegalMatch,I have implemented a number of improvements to our marketing team and their practicesthat will immediately address and rectify these issues, including: 

1)  Anew training program with focus on best-in-class, professional marketing practices.
2) Anew improved compensation system that is no longer 100% commission based - reducingthe ‘sell-at-all-costs’ mentality.
3) Areorganization of the marketing team that will make it much morecustomer-centric and friendly.

In addition, the company’s founder, DmitryShubov, understands that in order for the company to continueit’s phenomenal growth (53% 2004) that he must divest his majority stake in LegalMatch.

There are several negotiations in process.

Given Dmitry’s vast experience in the online legal category, LegalMatch will retain his services asan outside consultant.

This decision, along with our new programs and ongoing improvements,marks the end of one chapter in the company’s history, and the start of anexciting, new chapter in our continued growth. Our mission today is to build onthese renewed values and principles that aim squarely at serving the legalcommunity. Helping consumers find qualified attorneys and helping attorneysdevelop and focus a law practice is at the core of our company’s vision today.

Once again, I hope you will accept this apology and inviteeveryone to give LegalMatch another chance in the near future.

If you have any questions, please feel to email or call medirectly.

 
Sincerely,

Randy Wells

CEO of LegalMatch

Randy.Wells@legalmatch.com

415-946-0896