At least, that’s what an all-female local law firm recommends in a new billboard situated near “Viagra Triangle,” a bustling, upwardly-mobile area of downtown known as a place men can pick up women.The billboard for divorce lawyer Corri Fetman’s firm is turning heads here in Chicago.
It’s likely in part due to the suggestive pictures of cleavage and a man’s 6-pack hanging suggestively over Gibson’s Steakhouse, but also because of the message some feel it portrays. Critics say the billboard promotes divorce, but Fetman said she just wants people to live with integrity.
“The message really is that life is very, very short, and you need to be honest with yourself and have some personal integrity,” said Fetman. “If you are unhappy, take some action and do something about it.” “If you plan on getting divorced why get married?” one restaurant customer said. “I think it’s great. It shows they’ve got guts and it gets your attention,” said another. “And the people are hot.”
“There’s no commitment these days,” said one man. “It shows a lack of commitment.” Fetman and her partner Kelly Garland said the billboard is meant to be taken lightheartedly. But some, like the Womens Bar Assocication’s president, are not impressed.
“Lawyers already have a bad name. It un-dignifies lawyers,” Karen McNulty said. “It takes lightly the issue of divorce. It’s more disappointing than shocking.
Attorney Mike Berger said divorce is a time of great stress, and that this is “nothing more than a beer commercial.” “I don’t find it gutsy it’s distasteful,” he said. “This makes light of the situation and promotes divorce.” But Attorney Rico Mirabelli likened the ad to a car ad and said it was placed in a populated area for a reason. “It’s not going to make anyone go out and get a divorce,” he said. As for Fetman, she says, “Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. If you don’t like it, don’t look.”
