Defense Letter Program

[rockview]

I was just wondering... Is Oscar still running the Defense Letter Program? Back in January, I contacted Oscar's office via the email address listed on this site and never received a response. I followed-up via a phone call probably a week later and spoke to one of the assistants, who told me that he left my information for Oscar and that he would be in touch. I'm not sure the name of the person I spoke with, but he told me that he only handled the Getty lawsuits and that I'd have to speak with Oscar directly since I'm dealing with Sanders Law. I never heard anything and decided to let it go.

Since I was recently contacted again about this copyright infringement, I decided to contact Oscar's office another time. I sent an email two weeks ago and I haven't heard anything. Today, I called the phone number listed here, but received some automated directory.

I understand that this is a busy firm and that they have much more important things and higher paying clients to deal with. So, I didn't expect that I would hear back right away. But it seems to be impossible for me to get a hold of anyone and I'd like to get this copyright issued sorted as soon as possible before it's taken any further. I've spoken to a local attorney, but he basically laughed off the situation and told me to ignore it. (Helpful! Ha!)

[Matthew Chan]

Are you a client who has paid for service already? If so, email me matt30060 at gmail and I will forward the message to them.

If not, you will need to refer to this link for information:

http://www.extortionletterinfo.com/2012-update-expansion-of-attorney-oscar-michelens-defense-letter-program/

[rockview]

I'm not a client yet, so I haven't been able to pay them. When I spoke to someone in the office back in January, I was told that Oscar would contact me directly. I never heard anything, so I never found out what the next step was, how much I would need to pay them, or anything like that.

I've sent them all of my contact information, as well as a copy of the letter I received.

[Matthew Chan]

This is going to sound "mean" but it really isn't meant to be.  It is simply pragmatism and limits to how much servicing we can provide on "informational request for service". Early on, he handled initial contacts himself. But it has been many years since he has done it that way simply because it is not practical.

He is not going to call you back over your current submission. The information we have provided online is where you sign up and the instructions are clearly provided. If there are any inadvertent service issues, you can email me and I can escalate the matter but only if you are a paid client. There are plenty of free posts and videos if you need to "check us out".

You can ask people's opinion here if you need more info.  Honestly, time is a big issue and he isn't going to get on the phone to try to explain the Defense Letter Program. I openly tell people there are no callbacks on informational calls. Our reputation speaks for itself and we have an info page for that.  If that is insufficient, we understand we cannot help everyone or make everyone happy.

Don't take this personally but I also don't return calls to anyone wanting "just a few minutes" to explain what we do. We did this early on and we got overwhelmed.  It is unfortunate but we have to draw a line.  The ELI Forums provide lots of great information. If you need information on personalized service, the best we can offer is what is provided here on the Forums, the videos, and the informational descriptions we provide.

It is not a full-time endeavor for Oscar, me, or anyone else on the Defense side and it is not a significant revenue-generator for either of us.

As I said, don't take it personally but you are not likely to get a callback nor would I even encourage Oscar to do so. He might call you back AFTER you become a client. This is not a full-service, concierge legal servicing. It is a bare-bone, systematic legal service. It is the cold-hard reality for the price being offered. The alternative is going to a full-fledged retainer/hourly billing system.

If you want to sign up for the Defense Letter Program, you need to follow the instructions provided on the link I posted. The prices are there.  Non-Getty letters are generally $250.

http://www.extortionletterinfo.com/2012-update-expansion-of-attorney-oscar-michelens-defense-letter-program/

[rockview]

I think there was some confusion, so I apologize for that. I'm not simply seeking advice from Oscar. I am actually attempting to retain his services as part of the Defense Letter Program. I've read the instructions in the original post about this program and I have sent all of the required information (a short description of my case and a copy of the demand letter) on two separate occasions (once in January and again two weeks ago).

So, I'm most definitely trying to retain Oscar and I've provided his firm with all the information that was outlined. I have stated in my emails that I want to retain his services for this. I wasn't just seeking information, as I know neither of you have time for that. But the issue is, I haven't had anyone contact me back regarding what the next step of this process is where or how to send payment, etc.

And I appreciate your response. Not mean at all! I'm just trying to get this sorted out.

[Matthew Chan]

You can't just send information.  You have to be explicit in your email that you want to hire Oscar for the Defense Letter Program.  Some people are not explicit about wanting to hire Oscar and be on the program. Some people write "soft" emails expressing interest in the program without being pointed about it. His staff reads the initial emails. When in doubt, they go to the bottom of the stack.

If you do not feel you are getting the proper response, email me, then I will forward it to his office.

[rockview]

I have clearly stated in my emails that I want to hire Oscar to handle this. And since the original post outlining the details of this program stated to call the office if you don't hear back after two business days, I called them in January when I didn't receive a response. I spoke to one of the assistants and again told him that I wanted to hire Oscar. I guess my Bachelor's in Communications is failing me because I didn't think I could get any clearer. Haha!

But I am 100% serious about hiring him to deal with this.

[Matthew Chan]

I don't know what else to tell you. Hiring Oscar for the Defense Letter Program is not difficult but it is occasionally imperfect. Your case might have fallen through the cracks. Many people have hired Oscar successfully over the years without going what you have gone through.

You keep saying "someone" said Oscar would call you back.  Except I am telling you that is NOT how you get on the Defense Letter Program. I know because I helped design the enrollment system with the input and feedback from Oscar and his Office Manager.

You can try to contact on your own or you can email me and I forward it to them. That is the best anyone here can do. No one here on the Forum (besides Oscar himself) has a more direct line to the people who can help you than me.

You have not identified yourself to me so I cannot help you unless you do.

[DrSAddison]

I'm also having trouble just getting communication about how to pay - I sent an email saying I wanted to enroll, and haven't had any luck getting a reply telling me how to pay etc.