Colorado Firms Settle Dispute Over Google Ads Using Competitor Name
Franklin D. Azar & Associates and Bachus & Schanker settled a lawsuit over misleading Google ads using Azar’s name.
Why it matters: Misleading legal advertising can harm firm reputations and raise compliance and ethical issues in law firm marketing.
- Franklin D. Azar & Associates accused Bachus & Schanker of running Google ads using Azar’s name to redirect users to Bachus’ website.
- The settlement was reported on June 10, 2026; Bachus & Schanker confirmed they will pay but the payment is pending.
- Frank Azar called the practice "a scam," stressing gaps in legal protections for such advertising tactics.
- Azar’s firm previously settled a $1.55 million case against Mike Slocumb Law Firm in December 2024 for a similar issue.
Franklin D. Azar & Associates and Bachus & Schanker, two prominent Colorado personal injury law firms, settled a dispute over Bachus & Schanker’s alleged use of Google ads containing Azar’s firm name. These ads redirected potential clients searching for Azar’s firm to Bachus & Schanker’s website, raising questions about deceptive advertising practices.
The settlement was publicly reported on June 10, 2026. While Bachus & Schanker has agreed to the terms, their payment is still pending as of the report date.
Frank Azar described the ad practice as "a scam" in a statement, highlighting weaknesses in current legal protections that allow some firms to use competitor names as Google ad keywords. This tactic is under scrutiny in legal marketing discussions, including analysis by independent commentators at Court Trax.
This settlement follows a similar precedent: Azar’s firm settled a $1.55 million lawsuit against the Mike Slocumb Law Firm over comparable misleading ads in December 2024. These cases highlight growing legal and ethical challenges around online marketing tactics among law firms competing for clients.
By the numbers:
- $1.55 million — prior settlement by Franklin D. Azar & Associates over similar Google ad misuse
- June 10, 2026 — date settlement reporting for Franklin D. Azar & Associates and Bachus & Schanker dispute