One Gavel 

The Dallas-based law firm of Regis Mullen & Shane Mullen thinks its found the way to win over the hearts of potential clients: promise to actually meet with them more than once should they hire the firm.

"By choosing our office you will not experience the common practice of meeting your lawyer only on your first visit never to see or be able to speak with him again," the RM&SM site announces.

Wow!

What is an accident victim, someone who has not spent more than two decades in personal injury law -- as have RM&SM -- to think of a statement like that?  Imagine that you are a 'civilian' who has navigated through most of your adult life without need for a personal injury lawyer, only to have need to seek one out following an injurious accident.  Would you be reassured by RM&SM's promise?

RM&SM may win points for candor, but its web site reminds us of these late night television ads you see for relief from frequent urination or insomnia:  "may cause dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases loss of mental function. In rare instances, kidney failure and death has been known to occur."

Yes, RM&SM, you may be better than the rest, so focus your website on your strengths and don't scare away three-quarters of your visitors reminding them of just how sleazy some other lawyers can be.

What else don't we like about the RM&SM site.  How about the fact that the very first selling point it makes on the site is that RM&SM will cut its contingency fee to 28% from 33% if you "mention this website."  Honest, we're not making this up.

The graphics on the site feature an American bald eagle and an empty courtroom setting.  Powerful stuff.  Powerfully uninspired.

RM&SM states that during the past two decades the firm has "built a strong reputation for providing the best legal services to our clients."  Okay, we believe you.

But rather than tell visitors, why not let your clients speak on your behalf?  You state that you've helped thousands of injured victims.  Surely, as least a dozen or so of them ought to be willing to offer you testimonials.

RM&SM has the right idea when it comes to providing its clients superior service.  It is the firm's presentation that falls way short.