What Robert Shapiro Does Not “Get”

Do you remember Robert Shapiro?

He was O. J. Simpson’s lawyer. Whether you like him or his style you have to admit that he is an impressive and imposing trial lawyer. Frankly, during the past few years, I was quite surprised to see him shilling for “LegalZoom” on TV commercials and on the internet. I asked myself: “Why would a world-famous trial lawyer lower himself to try and convince the public that they can avoid legal costs and draft their own trusts, wills and other important documents?”

Recently, I found out from ElderLawAnswers that he was not only the face of LegalZoom, he was the founder. I will leave it to you to make the call as to why he formed the company. There are other companies who try and sell pre-packaged divorces and other legal documents.

On behalf of consumers, I object to the existence of these companies.

My objection is not a personal financial objection. My law firm will get our share of legal business the “old fashioned way”. I object to the notion that lawyers do not have any role in the estate planning process. We regularly untangle legal work that was drafted by attorneys who should know better. We regularly advise clients who want a trust that they do not need one or convince clients that their goals can be better met with documents or a plan they never considered.

There are many options for clients and LegalZoom never engages clients in an educated discussion of those options. I submit that it is deceptive to declare that by filling out a “cookie-cutter” form that people can draft a legally acceptable and correct set of documents to meet their specific needs. Estate planning is not that simple a task. Class action lawsuits have been filed against LegalZoom for engaging in deceptive practices and for practicing law without a license. There are other lawsuits nationally against Shapiro and LegalZoom.


Modern estate planning involves constant attention to federal and state tax law (income and estate); Medicaid law and procedures; Veteran’s benefits; social security law; elder abuse (physical, emotional and economic) and manipulation; advance directive options; resources for elders losing capacity; resources and programs for remaining at home; care-giver contracts; family dispute resolution and mediation options; funeral and burial arrangements; and Probate Court decedent’s estate, guardianship and conservatorship law and practice.

Estate planning is an ongoing process which requires regular reviews whenever life circumstances change. Shapiro demeans himself and his profession by selling pre-packaged documents and forms.

Caveat Emptor.

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The Law Offices of Jeremy W. Howe, LTD. are ElderLaw attorneys in Rhode Island who specialize in Wills and Trusts, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Probate, and Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits.

They also are Newport Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers, Attorneys, Mediators, and Arbitrators providing services for Family Law issues such as Divorce, Child Custody and Visitation, Support, and Military Family Law. 

Call them today at 401-841-5700 or visit them on the web at http://www.CounselFirst.com.