Online Reviews Draw Bar Charges
The Illinois Administrator has charged an attorney with both giving himself favorable online reviews and posting a negative review of opposing counsel.
At all times related to this complaint, Avvo.com (“Avvo”) was a website which provided lawyer referrals and access to a database of previously answered legal questions. On any lawyer’s Avvo profile, clients may leave reviews of the lawyer’s services by providing a summary of their experience and rating the lawyer’s services between one and five stars.
Charges
Beginning in August 2019 and continuing to May 2024, Respondent submitted at least twenty-eight false five-star reviews to the Avvo profile for himself, Aaron Korson…
For example
Aaron Korson is the best attorney I have ever met. He works hard for his clients, he cares about how they do, he is kind and courteous and goes the extra mile for everyone. He is the best at divorce and child custody matters. I greatly appreciate him
Aaron is a great attorney to work with. I thoroughly appreciate the hard work and kindness he has shared with me
Aaron provided great services per usual. He is a hard and aggressive litigator. He knows how to stick it to the other person. I thoroughly loved his skills
Working with Mr. Korson has been an incredible experience. His dedication and effort are beyond words of gratitude. I deeply appreciate all his hard work-without his help, I could not have navigated through my divorce and child custody issues. Thank you, Mr. Korson
Charge
Respondent knew the reviews submitted to his Avvo profile between August 2019 and May 2024, as set forth…above, were false at the time he submitted the reviews.
Findlaw profile allegations
Beginning in June 2023 and continuing to May 2024, Respondent submitted at least ten false five-star reviews to the FindLaw profile for himself, Aaron Korson…
For example
Amazing Attorney Doing Gods Work. That’s how I describe Aaron Korson and his staff. He is an amazing attorney who won my case with ease and he has been a delight to work with. We are very grateful
Aaron managed to get me a child support trust. He froze over $300,000 of my ex’s and got me a very favorable outcome. I can’t thank him enough for all of his hard work. He has been a phenomenal attorney
More reviews
Beginning in December 2023 and continuing to May 2024, Respondent submitted at least six false five-star reviews to the FindLaw profile for his law firm, Chicago Family Attorneys, LLC (“CFA”)…
Opposing counsel in a domestic relations matter
On October 18, 2023, Respondent posted a one-star Google review for Almanza’s law firm which stated: “An extremely rude practitioner. Steer clear.”
Respondent’s statements in his Google review of Almanza, as set forth… above served no purpose other than to embarrass, delay, or burden Almanza…
Also alleged
On October 21, 2023, at 11:27 p.m., Respondent emailed Almaza and stated: You realize that I have not had a single day with my mom who is sick WITH CANCER and UNDERGOING SURGERy [sic] without a ridiculous statement or stupid comment by you directed to me?
You have known that I have been out of the office for two days. I can’t get one single day to my family.
I am going to show the ARDC this, I am going to show Judge Boyd when I ask for sanctions, and I will mention this in my review of your inappropriate behavior.
You are an absolutely terrible human being and I hope you and your loved ones have to endure the same harassment that I have undergone one day. (emphasis in original)
Charge
Respondent’s statement “You are an absolutely terrible human being and I hope you and your loved ones have to endure the same harassment that I have undergone one day” served no purpose other than to embarrass, delay, or burden Almanza.
Bad review
On November 14, 2023, at 10:23 p.m., Respondent submitted a one-star review to Almanza’s Avvo profile which said: “We hired Mark by recommendation but clearly he waa [sic] to inexperienced, emotional and did Not [sic] care about the seriousness of the case. He allowed the case to drag for years w/o filing any motions& [sic] was constantly inappropriate with his comments. If you or your loved one’s life is hanging in the balance, Do Not Hire this man!! He will do a poor job & bail on you.” The review was submitted by info@chiattorney.com and was associated with the IP address 185.217.168.115
The review submitted to Almanza’s Avvo profile, as set forth in paragraph 64, above, was false because Respondent submitted the review, not a current, former, or prospective client of Almanza.
Respondent also is charged with client related misconduct. (Mike Frisch)