In the business of Internet law, particularly when handling Internet defamation legal matters, you encounter an unbelievable cast of characters. I can only think of criminal defense and domestic relations as the only practice areas that could get more bizarre, but who knows.
In any event, to the impersonators. Recently there have been a rise in lawyer impersonators, some of them even claiming to be Domingo Rivera. These characters are sending certain short and sweet cease and desist notices to other people. These letters are just that, short. Since most of these letters concern defamation or Internet legal matters, I will describe them in more detail in the Internet Law Blog.
Which brings us to the second group. On my way to learning the ropes and growing as a lawyer, I had the opportunity (and sometimes the misfortune) to work with law firms of all sizes and types. I have been part of the small firms, the mid-sized boutiques, the specialty litigation firms, and even one of the five largest law firms in Virginia. Some past affiliations make you proud realizing that you were trained by the best. Others, well let's say there is room to learn in all kinds of places, even if you learn what not to do. What does this have to do with the careless or are you simply getting out of subject, you may ask.
Well, the only thing that wories me more than poor quality lawyer impersonators on the Internet is actual law firms with good search engine rankings claiming that Domingo Rivera, yours truly, works for them. Not only do I work for them, but I am all of a sudden a Massachussetts divorce lawyer. For those who do not know me, I live in Virginia and, in fact, have never been to Massachussetts, but I digress.
Since they say a picture is worth a thousand words, here it is:
I know, there could be another Domingo Rivera who is actually a Massachussetts lawyer. I thought about that and decided to investigate further.... and I found MY BIO! Here it is:
Well, unless this Domingo Rivera also has a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, an M.B.A., and worked for the Department of Defense... I know exactly what happened here. Somebody did a mighty copy/paste and forgot to change the important stuff. If that is a reflection of....
Now to the third and most interesting ones, the stalkers. When you are an attorney, you can be sure of one thing: if you do your job right the opposing party will probably dislike you. Most people eventually grow up and understand that, just like them, I have to do my job to the best of my abilities. If my client has an edge, I will take it. It is my ethical and professional duty to zealously represent my client. Some take it personal... then some get creepy. Again, let the pictures do the talking.
So what is wrong with the picture you may ask. The not so smiley individual is, yours truly, Domingo Rivera. The name, not mine. No I am not into molotovs and overtuned cars. A good therapist, anyone? In the meantime, here is some more:
I guess he thinks its "cute" to use my picture on his profile, or maybe he wishes to be me. I never saw myself in a "like Mike" fashion, but with law firms wishing that I worked for them and others trying to look like me, maybe I'm up to something here. And the cease and desist letters....
Well, this post was an attempt to see the situation in a positive light. To the third one, it will be funny until you fully get my attention and a trip HERE. Keep up the good work!
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