/Type /Pages Monarch Solicitors. endobj /Type /Page If you cant proudly tell clients the real name of your company, there is something seriously wrong.. endobj /Contents [210 0 R 211 0 R 212 0 R] Consumer complaints on the Better Business Bureaus website recount similar experiences: Consumers may be unable to access the typical methods for reporting attorney misconduct. Though consumers sign agreements and make payments to Monarch, they rarely, if ever, speak with Monarch employees, let alone Monarch lawyers. >> This company took over $25,000 from me then canceled my account, did not contact me and refuses to give me any information or any access to my online portal. Can I Send a Cease and Desist Letter to a Debt Collector? 65 0 obj We appreciate any help you can give. /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] Another consumer called with a question about how the debt settlement process worked, and the customer service representative refused to connect her with a lawyer. /Parent 9 0 R endobj Defendants knowingly mislead consumers by misrepresenting how much they will save and how quickly their debts will get resolved. WebWe are personally invested and highly committed to the success of the project at every phase. /Type /Page Reviews /Type /Page THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT. /Resources 97 0 R The Rule prohibits debt relief companies from charging fees before settling or resolving a consumer debt. After collecting those fees, Defendants revenue plummets. Making a full refund, as the consumer requested, Refuse to adjust, relying on terms of agreement. /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] Reviews Web203 N La Salle St Ste 2100 Chicago, IL 60601-1226 Visit Website (312) 273-5020 Customer Complaints 105 complaints closed in last 3 years 40 complaints closed in last 12 months In the examples that the City has seen, and on information and belief in other instances too, Monarch lawyers do not perform debt settlement work. This kind of attitude destroys the debt relief space for good people that want to do good things. Although one section of Monarchs nearly 40-page agreement states that third parties may perform some work related to the program, it later explains that Monarch has a non-exclusive reciprocal referral agreement with independent contractors to provide what it calls non-legal services related to the implementation, management, and maintenance of Clients debt negotiation plan. Monarchs agreement and other promotional materials misrepresent the truth: non-lawyers at Strategic do not merely provide some administrative services, they carry out Monarchs debt resolution service. We have since paid a large sum of money in this program as well as handled three of our largest debts on our own because we were not represented in these accounts. Violations of the DSCPA are also violations of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. /Parent 9 0 R Contact Us Monarch Legal Group. The refund policy appears to exclude most aggrieved consumers. Participating in debt resolution programs carries significant risks. << << << /CropBox [0 0 612 792] /Parent 4 0 R /Contents [82 0 R 83 0 R 84 0 R] /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] endstream endobj The The Citys investigation indicates that Defendants do not act in consumers best interest when creating a customized payment program. /Resources 229 0 R /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] Lessons Learned. Defendants state that these two promises are good faith estimates. But closer inspection of these estimates show that the estimates are often, if not always, improbable because of the high fees charged for Monarchs and Strategics services. Phone (877) 450-8853. endobj PAID ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT: /Annots [] >> Despite paying significant fees for legal services, consumers are faced with default judgments, wage garnishments, and other negative consequences. In the first 12 months, Defendants collect their service costs and retainer fees. The Citys investigation indicates that even when Defendants agents negotiate settlements with creditors on consumers behalf, they do not act in consumers best interest. /Rotate 0 How to Get Your Money Back From a Debt Relief Company if You Feel Like Youve Been Scammed, What Repaying Your Debt Will Cost You in Retirement Calculator, The Truth About The Success Rates, Failure Rates, and Completion Rates of Credit Counseling, Debt Settlement, Bankruptcy, and Debt Consolidation Loans. Reviews of Defendants on various online platforms like Glassdoor, Google, and Better Business Bureau paint starkly different pictures. /CropBox [0 0 612 792] << /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] << | Read 21-40 Reviews out of 44 Already have an account? 28 0 obj Defendants do not hold consumer funds in a client trust account. >> << /Annots [69 0 R 70 0 R] /Type /Page Monarch Legal Group Reviews /Contents [194 0 R 195 0 R 196 0 R] Well guide you through the process. /Parent 8 0 R endobj << /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] The information on this website is not legal advice, and does not take the place of consulting with a lawyer. To get away with Defendants scam, Monarch structured itself as a law firm in an attempt to evade responsibility under consumer-protection laws and to leave consumers without meaningful redress. endobj endobj /Annots [] endobj Defendants hide that reality from consumers through Defendants misleading estimated payment schedules. Further evidencing Monarchs lack of responsiveness to customer concerns, the Better Business Bureau suspended Monarchs accreditation in 2021 for, among other things, failing to provide adequate responses to customer complaints. /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /Contents [190 0 R 191 0 R 192 0 R] /Annots [] Webaction complaint against Defendants Strategic Financial Solutions, LLC (SFS), its subsidiary LLC d/b/a Monarch Legal Group (Monarch), receive a percentage of monthly charges paid by the client to SFSs billing processor (generally between 3% and 10%), with the lions share going to SFS. Monarch Legal and Strategic Financial Solutions jointly run a fraudulent debt resolution program that preys on Chicagoans struggling with debt. /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /Contents [86 0 R 87 0 R 88 0 R] But on information and belief, most consumers cannot invoke that policy because the terms and conditions are restrictive and exclude most consumers. Monarch Media Group Both these promises appear in the Payment Schedule section of Monarchs retainer agreements. 23 0 obj /Contents [262 0 R 263 0 R 264 0 R] /Annots [] endobj The City therefore alleges that at least insofar as the practices at issue here are concerned, neither Defendants nor their employees engage in the practice of law. 9 0 obj /Parent 10 0 R /Resources 89 0 R BBB is here to help. One consumer wrote: I would like at least a refund of 995.00 since I didnt receive legal representation. Defendants refund policy provides no such right to be refunded legal fees. b. If you are able to qualify which should not be too difficult I recommend their services most highly. From 2013 to 2014 he pled guilty to state criminal charges and settled with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)s disciplinary body for creating ATM cards and withdrawing money from client accounts without authorization. >> 7 0 obj Categories Blog For businesses. The City of Chicago filed a lawsuit against Strategic Financial Solutions, Burnette Legal Group, Timothy Burnette, and Monarch Legal Group on July 26, 2022. Update 2 On The Make Money With a Side Hustle Project. WebMonarch Grand Vacations average salary Updated on March 28, 2023 $95,818 View Hourly Rate Per Year Individually reported data submitted by users of our website 25% $84,341 75% $108,233 $95,818 50% (Median) Highest Paying Job At Monarch Grand Vacations Document Manager - $116,392 See Other Titles Most Popular Job At Monarch Grand Moreover, the outside attorneys that Monarch contracts with repeatedly fail to appear in court and rubberstamp negotiated settlements even when a consumer could not possibly comply with the terms. | Read 41-44 Reviews out of 44. It was when I filed a complaint with BBB and posted negative reviews that they took action. /Annots [] We only had 1 year left on our contract and they canceled. Instead, Defendants require consumers to sign an Account Servicing Agreement with Reliant Account Management, LLC (RAM). >> >> If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile. /Rotate 0 Attorneys and/or law firms promoted through this website are also federally designated Debt Relief Agencies. Attorneys use scripts for these calls. This consumer had paid $3,616.80 to Defendants, but Defendants charged over 96% of these paymentsor $3,476.21 as fees. For example, Monarch reserves the right to refuse to provide legal defense services if the client does not have to submit all pages of the subpoena, complaint, evidence, and briefs to Monarch and be filed within 15 or 7 days, depending on the state. For businesses Categories Blog. /Resources 177 0 R 57 0 obj /Parent 8 0 R /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /Rotate 0 /Parent 8 0 R endobj 59 0 obj 29 0 obj DISCLOSURES REQUIRED UNDER 11 U.S.C. You can learn more about Steve. Third, consumer debts with balances of less than $1,000 are ineligible for refunds. BBB encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met. For example, one person complained to the City that a customer service representative hung up on him when he called to ask why his wages were being garnished. 38 0 obj /Resources 125 0 R /Type /Page Your consent to the above terms is not required as a condition of purchasing or receiving our services. /Resources 221 0 R /CropBox [0 0 612 792] /F1 67 0 R Burnette is well aware of the harms his company causes through its deceptive and unfair practices. /Contents [114 0 R 115 0 R 116 0 R] On this page, you'll find a comprehensive collection of reviews and complaints from real customers who have used Monarch Media Group's products or services. /Rotate 0 endobj /Parent 9 0 R For example, Burnette has responded, albeit vaguely, to customer complaints on the BBB website: The Citys investigation indicates that Defendants attract additional customers by posting fake positive reviews in an attempt to obscure the honest negative reviews that the companies receive regularly. /Annots [] Defendants charge a slew of other fees, including a Retainer Fee and a monthly flat Legal Administration Fee. In the contracts viewed by the City, Defendants Retainer Fee was $995 and the monthly Legal Administration Fee ranged from $55 to $89. /Contents [94 0 R 95 0 R 96 0 R] << >> The consumer signed a settlement agreement requiring significant monthly payments, which the consumer understood would come from his account with Defendants. Suggested companies. In some instances, Defendants require consumers to sign an agreement with Global Client Solutions to manage consumer payments and deposits. /Annots [] How to Try to Get a Refund From a Debt Relief Company, The Ultimate Guide to Dealing With Student Loans You Cant Afford. monarch In one example, a consumer owed $910 on a debt at the time the consumer signed a contract with Defendants. 15 0 obj Complaints for Monarch Legal Group - Better Business /Type /Page /Type /Page Defendants documents reveal that attorneys approve settlements that non- attorney Strategic employees have negotiated without significant review. /CropBox [0 0 612 792] /Annots [] Charles was born at Buckingham Palace on 14 November 1948 at 10 0 obj In one of those files, Monarch included a call script for a different legal entity, Option 1 Legal. /Annots [] Another consumer wrote: I requested a refund because no work had been done. The text of the call script for Option 1 Legal and for Monarch are the same, except for the law firm name. 225 ILCS 429/125(c). /Contents [198 0 R 199 0 R 200 0 R] /Resources 185 0 R - 1:22-cv-03705. 31 0 obj /Annots [] /CropBox [0 0 612 792] In some instances, the testimonials may be shortened and/or include correction to grammatical or typographical errors. >> /Rotate 0 /Rotate 0 endobj /ProcSet [/PDF /Text /ImageB /ImageC /ImageI] This website is an advertisement. Anne that is so good to hear about the refund. 42 0 obj I was a victim of Monarch and I filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy as a result of trusting them. /Resources 165 0 R Im really happy with the service so far, I have just started this program, and to date I have found it to be extremely worthwhile, the pressure that this program has taken off me has been tenfold and I feel that I am finally headed in the right direction, I know the road ahead will be tough but well worth the effort, having a reliable team behind me makes all the difference. /Type /Page /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /Resources 113 0 R The city`s investigation did not reveal any endobj /CropBox [0 0 612 792] /CropBox [0 0 612 792] endobj << /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /Length 493 /Annots [] WebThese instructions are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice or substitute for the provisions of any statute, rule, or regulation. I was reassured that in 24 moths I would be able to get out of debt and conserve if not improve my credit score. << On all seven occasions concerning settlements for three separate consumers, Ricky Fakhouri approved a settlement and wrote the same vague phrase: Approved: Reviewed original amt, current amt, settlement amt. Defendants promise that through negotiating with creditors, consumers will be able to settle their debts for less than the amount owed. /CropBox [0 0 612 792] endobj >> /CropBox [0 0 612 792] /Annots [] Consumers have no recourse if the program is taking more time than promised or, after relying on Defendants misleading estimates, consumers find themselves unable to make their payments. In response to the Citys subpoena, Monarch provided information from a limited number of consumer files. In other instances, Defendants assure consumers that Defendants will handle the litigation and, when an attorney fails to appear, the court enters a default judgment against the consumer. They answer my questions promptly and accurately. /Rotate 0 /Contents [258 0 R 259 0 R 260 0 R] << BBB reports on known marketplace practices. /Rotate 0 /Resources 81 0 R How BBB Processes Complaints and Reviews. /Font << I have been pleased by the results Monarch has gotten for me so far. 6 0 obj /Parent 8 0 R View Site. CRI measures the company's customer satisfaction abilities through BCAs complaint mediation process. /Annots [] /Contents [234 0 R 235 0 R 236 0 R] /Contents [250 0 R 251 0 R 252 0 R] /Rotate 0 225 ILCS 429/125(a). Over the course of 2 years, I sent Monarch almost $1200 per month and I stopped paying my cards as they instructed me to do. /Contents [214 0 R 215 0 R 216 0 R] I accept the offer and signed a contract on June of 2020 with Monarch legal group. While Strategic and its subsidiaries process consumers substantial payments, provide ineffective customer service, and may negotiate with creditors, Monarch convinces consumers that a law firm is providing the debt resolution services. /CropBox [0 0 612 792] WebHow many stars would you give Monarchlegalgroup? Read this post and report complete it because I'm going to explaining in details how Monarch legal group has violated my rights and is contributing to a substantial emotional pain and disturbance. business practices. But because Defendants provide inaccurate estimates and fail to consider consumers financial situations, Defendants know that their representations are inaccurate and impossible for many consumers. Monarch Investment and Management Group Reviews 34 0 obj Join the 46 people who've already contributed. >> HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT - LREC /Contents [110 0 R 111 0 R 112 0 R] 51 0 obj You also consent to the recording and monitoring of all calls to and from us and you acknowledge and agree to the terms of our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. One Google reviewer wrote that all the good reviews [about Strategic] reviewer are FAKE. No advance fee Debt Settlement companies couldnt survive with that mentality. /Contents [150 0 R 151 0 R 152 0 R] /Type /Page << /CropBox [0 0 612 792] 35 0 obj When, as is often the case, Defendants fail to refer the case to an outside lawyer, Defendants have refused to provide any representation. Do you agree with Monarchlegalgroup's TrustScore? I was very nervous about making this move but I was reassured and put at ease with the way I was treated. Monarch tells prospective consumers that its client services team (which, in reality, consists of Strategic employees located in another state) will assist [customers] in arranging to speak with an attorney to provide legal advice or respond to legal questions. Monarch provides the law-firm faade while Strategic Financial Solutions carries out the debt resolution program. After the first 22 months, over 53% of this consumers payments were earmarked as going to the Service Cost.. It is not a lawyer referral service or prepaid legal services plan. 18 0 obj << These requirements include, for example: a. endobj Reviews Strategic drives these unfair and deceptive programs but uses its supposed law firm partners as a front to avoid regulation. BBB is here to help. On information and belief, Strategic tells representatives to say they are calling from Monarch, not Strategic, so consumers do not realize that they arent speaking to someone at Monarch. WebThe Cohn Law Firm in Baton Rouge has more than 50 years of combined legal experience in bankruptcy, business law and business formation. /Annots [] Monarch Legal Group is a law firm. << Also in 2010, the State of Illinois passed the Illinois Debt Settlement Consumer Protection Act, 225 ILCS 429/1 et seq. Monarchs Client Retainer Agreement states that [t]he law firm puts in place a customized strategy based on the individual client and their debts[. endobj By clicking the I AGREE button below, you authorize Monarch Legal Group, LLC to contact you (including using autodialers, automated text and pre-recorded messages) via your telephone, cellphone, mobile device (including SMS and MMS) and email, even if your telephone number is currently listed on any state, federal or company's Do Not Call list. Don't have an account? PRIVACY POLICYTERMS AND CONDITIONS. Anyone Know for Sure About World Law and Global Client Solutions? << /Annots [] Consumers who are struggling with debt care very much about how much money they will be able to save, and Defendants knowingly overestimate those amounts. /Rotate 0 endobj /Annots [] /Resources 137 0 R The attorney did not appear in the proceeding and the creditor received a default judgment against the consumer. One consumer told the City that after making regular payments, he received a summons from a creditor and promptly contacted Monarch. Would love to hear from you. 36 0 obj MRM has received many consumer complaints alleging violations of the Fair Debt Collections /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /Resources 161 0 R /Rotate 0 Defendants have a surprising range of exclusively 5-star and 1-star reviews, with no scores in the middle of the range. To further reduce the likelihood of providing legal representation, Monarchs retainer agreements place severe restrictions on the provisions of those services. /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] Monarch also requires that payments in the client`s account be up to date. endobj If consumers withdraw after one year, Defendants collect substantial sums without performing work. Write reviews, ask and respond to questions, /Annots [] endobj >> Mr. Robert G. Androsiglio, Founding Managing Partner. endobj For example, Monarchs homepage advertises that the attorneys at Monarch Legal Group have the skill and experience to fight for your rights, mount a defense and protect your property:. Thank you Sir. FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS EASTERN /Parent 4 0 R /Annots [] endobj >> /Contents [202 0 R 203 0 R 204 0 R] Second, Monarch attorneys apparently do not provide legal services or representation in bankruptcy cases. /Annots [] /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] >> << Thank you for the feedback. /Parent 8 0 R TrustPilot Reviews Monarch Legal Group Reviews >> /Annots [] /Resources 133 0 R /Type /Page << I contracted with Monarch Legal on Feb., 2020 because I was unable to pay all of my credit card debts from a serious drop in my /Resources 193 0 R /CropBox [0 0 612 792] Defendants did not make any settlement payments from the consumers account. << /Rotate 0 Attorneys using Defendants internal case management system copy and paste the same brief notes logging Attorney Reviews without mentioning any information specific to the client. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles. - 1:22-cv-03705 /Resources 101 0 R Based on public legal filings and on information and belief, Strategic also worked with Legal Helpers Debt Resolution, a Chicago-based consumer debt company that operated nationally as a supposed law firm. /Annots [] On information and belief, Defendants find program participants by engaging in telemarketing, and Monarch outsources this telemarketing to Strategic Financial Solutions and related entities. Defendants know that they charge these fees and that consumers cannot complete their program without paying them, and yet Defendants omit estimated fees when representing to consumers how much money they will save. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code. /Rotate 0 /Parent 11 0 R /Rotate 0 Despite paying a monthly retainer fee for a lawyer, the consumer responded to the summons and defended himself in court. >> Stated results are for illustration purposes only and are not typical of the results you should expect to achieve. In examples the City has seen, Defendants collected the entire Service Cost less than halfway into consumers payment schedules. /Contents [230 0 R 231 0 R 232 0 R] /Kids [45 0 R 46 0 R 47 0 R 48 0 R 49 0 R 50 0 R 51 0 R 52 0 R 53 0 R 54 0 R] endobj >> Monarch promises in the Performance Standard section of its contract to refund consumers for the share of all Monarch fees & costs for work on [the] individual debt if Monarch (through Strategic) fails to reduce that debt by more than 35% of the amount owed at the time of the agreement. /Parent 10 0 R /Contents [278 0 R 279 0 R 280 0 R] >> In practice, Defendants cannot consistently negotiate such beneficial settlements, and information provided to the City by consumers suggests that many debts are settled for over 60% of the amount owed. >> The Rule applies to attorneys as well as non-lawyers, and prohibits businesses from knowingly providing substantial assistance to a company violating the Rule. /Kids [8 0 R 9 0 R 10 0 R 11 0 R 12 0 R 13 0 R 14 0 R] WebContact Us. /Resources 181 0 R International Association of Better Business Bureaus. ] In reality, the Citys investigation indicates that Monarch attorneys are only superficially involved to trick consumers into thinking that lawyers are performing debt resolution services when the work is actually performed by non-lawyers at Strategic (if the work is performed at all).