Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Divorce Attorney Defends Racy Billboard

More on that "racy" billboard ad promoting marital infidelity and divorce:
May 7, 2007 - A large billboard in Chicago is getting all the attention it was hoping to attract, but some say it's in bad taste.The ad shows the well-toned torsos of a man and a woman with the caption: 'Life is short. Get a divorce.'

A divorce attorney paid for the ad.

The sign on Rush Street is three times the size of a regular billboard, and features a scantily clad woman and man. It's causing a great deal of attention on the busy restaurant street.

"I think what she's promoting is, 'If you want to have a babe or a hunk like this, come to us, we can make this happen for you," said Geraldine Kimborugh.

"I think it's ludicrous," said Peter Citera.
[ED.: I'm assuming that this Peter Citera of Chicago is NOT Peter Cetera, formerly of Chicago. That is, unless he's had a change of heart regarding "the next time he falls in love".] "I think it's saying that marriage is no longer a commitment in this country."

The billboard provides the phone number of attorney Corri Fetman, who says she wanted a creative and sexy way to advertise her services. Fetman says it appeals to people who are already thinking of getting a divorce.

"If you are in an unhealthy relationship and you don't want to be in it anymore, you need to be honest with yourself. And, we provide a solution to that problem," Fetman says.

Fetman says she's promoting love, happiness and integrity with the billboard.
[ED.: Yeah, right, that's all you're promoting.] Others say, that's not what she's selling.

"To suggest you ought to change your life like you change a suit, that is not acceptable," said Joe Ducanto of the American Academy of Matrimonial Attorneys. "This reflects badly on women in general, and on lawyers. It is just in bad taste."
[ED.: See, even other divorce lawyers think this one crosses the line of decency. And that's saying something.]

On the surface, it's saying, 'Hey, let's all break the Seventh Commandment. And, if you do break the Seventh Commandment and get caught, then come see me'," said Jim Schmidt, advertising creative director for Downtown Partners. "I don't think it's promoting anything wholesome at all."

"I think it's obscene," Lewis Parenti. "I think it's not professional for the law firm."

"I think it's disgusting," said Donna Kleinman . "I think it's going to backfire on her because women are going to be so disgusted that she's not going to get the business she wants.

But Fetman says, "We're not promoting rash decision-making. It's a light-hearted way to deal with a serious subject."

ABC7 Chicago we talked to many attorneys Monday who considered the ad tasteless, unprofessional and degrading.

Fetman says her billboard is already paying off because of all the publicity she is receiving.
[ED.: It's called selling your soul.] She says she's planning to put up an ad that's even more racy next month. [ED.: And the world waits with baited breath.]
(emphasis added)

My Comments:
Lady (and I use that term loosely), I think you ought to be on the receiving end of an ethics and/or professional conduct investigation for this stunt. But I have a feeling you're going to be defending this one to a much higher Judge some day.


Previous Pro Ecclesia posts on this subject:
"Life's Short, Get a Divorce": Law Firm Ad Causes a Stir in Chicago

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2 Comments:

At 5/07/2007 10:47 PM, Blogger Michael D. said...

She's promising a racier billboard next month?

I know I don't want to know the answer to this, but how is this possible with the current regulations on billboards? And why does she need to get racier? Is there a part of her soul she hasn't managed to sell off yet?

 
At 5/08/2007 6:54 PM, Blogger a thorn in the pew said...

I was coming to post the same comment. I read the story and all I could think of was "selling one's soul". It is sad what is allowed and more devastating what is accepted as normal.

 

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