An online directory of lawyers is offering solicitors the enviable opportunity to obtain "expert" certificates in return for just £450.

Legal's Finest has been sending out emails to lawyers explaining that they have been "nominated" to be the "Expert Solicitor" in their jurisdiction and practice area. Nominees are reassured that Legal's Finest doesn't just get Barry in the corner to fire off emails to every lawyer in the world: its "accreditation process is by invitation only", whatever that means. And lucky lawyers must have been selected "internally by our internal research panel", including its "in house council" [sic].

In return for replying with an email saying "confirmed" and, of course, writing Legal's Finest a cheque for £450, lawyers will receive "two official Certificates (one for you and your law firm)". Plus a profile on their website, an appearance in their book, a "Finest Lawyer" logo, and hopefully a badge and some stickers, too.
 


  A Legal's Finest certificate (artist's impression) 

 
The email includes the names of five lawyers at large firms who are apparently already members: however one of their profiles has already vanished and been replaced with the line, "This is Somewhat Embarrassing, Isn't It?". Which should probably appear on all of them.
 
A few years ago Chambers attempted to flog plaques for £230, and RollOnFriday would like to take this opportunity to offer anyone, anyone at all, the Lawyer of the Universe Award. Featuring your name etched with the finest Bic ink into a Pret napkin and sellotaped round a full can of Fanta, this trophy is 100% recyclable and can be yours to cherish for only £1000. Unlike Legal's Finest, which charges its "nominal" fee "to cover adminstrive [sic] costs and the constant promotion of your profile", rest assured any money received by RollOnFriday will be pissed away on cocktails.
 
An agitated Legal's Finest spokeswoman told RollOnFriday, "You clearly do not understand what Legal’s Finest provides and entails in its nomination process".
 

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Comments

Anonymous 18 July 14 16:37

Are they also related to a Nigerian General, and would they like to offer you $15m in return for a small advance?

Anonymous 18 July 14 16:38

A certificate which demonstrates the finest gullibility and lack of commercial nous. Look and see who not to instruct...

Anonymous 22 July 14 09:43

A company which seemingly takes a random approach as to whether to use an apostrophe in its own name; the hallmark of a fine legal services provider.

Anonymous 22 July 14 14:27

Must be prestigious. run by a company called JBRT set up in 2013. MMM show me where to sign up....