Americans are seeking legal advice on the internet more so now than ever before, according to the Wall Street Journal. It can cost roughly $1,000 per hour for a consultation in a law firm’s office but the rates do vary based on the expertise of the lawyer and the location of the firm. According to the Wall Street Journal, Pearl.com lawyers charge anywhere from $30 to $40 when answering questions.
Another such website, Avvo.com from Seattle, does not charge for advice it offers so it can promote its practice. Lawyers are able to save money on overhead costs by operating on the internet. The two sites also offer advice from other industries. Pearl.com provides assistance from relationship counselors and computer technicians. Avvo.com offers dental and medical advice as well while legal advice accounts for 80 percent of the site’s traffic.
Website that offer legal advice admit that they are suited best for straightforward tasks such as a will or incorporating a business. When things become too difficult to discuss online they suggest an in-person meeting. The chief executive of Pearl.com, Andy Kurtzig, told the Wall Street Journal, “You might be able to get key insights that will cut your appointment time from three hours to less than an hour.”
There are legal experts out there who are not completely sold on legal advice being handed out on the internet.