LegalZoom Unveils Innovative Fix to Broken Legal Services Market

GLENDALE, Calif., Sept. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- LegalZoom.com, the most recognized brand name in law, today unveiled a new service to provide one-on-one consultations with a licensed attorney -- without shocking bills or expensive hourly fees.  By combining the company's popular platform for wills, corporations and trademarks with an attorney's legal advice, LegalZoom has created a powerful new way for Americans to obtain affordable legal protection.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110919/SF70552LOGO)

"We have married cutting-edge technology and a national network of respected law firms to create a solution that is more cost-effective and responsive than anything in the marketplace," said John Suh, CEO of LegalZoom. "For the millions of Americans for whom the law has historically been out of reach, this is a true alternative to a traditional lawyer. Without our size and scope, it wouldn't have been possible."

In 2011, Americans filed more trademarks through LegalZoom than the top 25 law firms combined. In California during the same period, more than one in five LLCs were created through LegalZoom. Earlier this year, powerhouse venture capital firms IVP and Kleiner Perkins invested $66 million in the company.

The groundbreaking legal advisory service rounds out the company's popular suite of online documents by providing an attorney's help on demand. "According to our surveys, 94 percent of customers say they would recommend LegalZoom to their friends and family," said Suh. "Adding the option of talking to an attorney to answer any questions can only improve the experience."

In most states, users can access an experienced attorney for free at the LegalZoom website. After an initial trial period, users can continue to get advice from an attorney on virtually any legal matter, as well as have legal documents reviewed on their behalf, by paying a low monthly fee.

Costs in the legal system have skyrocketed, with attorneys now averaging more than $300 per hour.  By harnessing a network of law firms, LegalZoom is taking a major step forward in its mission to provide access to fair and affordable legal protection to everyone at all levels.

"We've invested more than $20M into our technology infrastructure and have carefully recruited law firms over the past year that both embrace technology and high standards of customer care," said Suh. "Instead of working through the existing model, we re-imagined the way law should be delivered.  Never again will you have to wonder, 'Can I afford to talk to an attorney?'"

About LegalZoom

LegalZoom is the nation's leading provider of online legal document services and legal plans to families and small businesses. The company was founded by top talents in law and technology to make the benefits and protections of the law accessible and affordable. LegalZoom is not a law firm. We provide self-help services and a legal plan where customers have access to attorneys at a fixed monthly fee. The company is headquartered in Glendale, California, with regional headquarters in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit http://www.legalzoom.com/

SOURCE LegalZoom.com