651%
INCREASE IN CLIENT INQUIRIES
934%
INCREASE IN ORGANIC TRAFFIC
500%
INCREASE IN CLIENT LIFETIME VALUE BY
Legal
Barr & Douds Attorneys
Many business owners, including lawyers, are making one big mistake in particular: they’re overlooking the power of reviews. No one buys anything anymore without checking the reviews first; reviews help prospects make informed decisions about a product or service.
Therefore, you need to get reviews, but not just any reviews. You need positive reviews, which can build trust and encourage potential clients to reach out to your law firm. 93% of consumers read online reviews before choosing a business, and a mere three reviews can shape the opinion of 40% of those consumers.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the top lawyer review sites and share valuable tips on asking for and managing client reviews. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or part of a larger firm, mastering the art of online reputation management can profoundly impact your practice’s success.
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Top 10 Lawyer Review Sites
To attract new clients and improve SEO ranking, law firms should focus on obtaining reviews on popular lawyer review sites. Google Reviews is a good starting point, but there are several niche review sites that law firms should consider. We’ll discuss 10 of the best attorney review sites below.
1. FindLaw
FindLaw client reviews/ratings provide an opportunity to demonstrate expertise and gain exposure to lawyers. Positive reviews can attract potential clients and encourage them to contact the lawyer directly.
FindLaw also provides a venue for customers to give feedback on their experience, allowing lawyers to improve service quality and tailor their services to meet customer needs.
FindLaw reviews lend added credibility and trustworthiness for attorneys and legal practices, as well as provide insight into the level of service that clients can expect from a particular lawyer.
How to Optimize a FindLaw Profile
To get the most out of your FindLaw profile, you need to optimize it. Below are the steps to optimize your profile:
- Complete your profile: Fill out as many details as possible, including your firm’s logo, hours of operation, whether you offer free consultations, and whether you accept credit cards.
- Highlight achievements: Showcase awards, accomplishments, and other information to attract clients and encourage them to hire you.
- Use a professional headshot: Invest in a high-quality headshot with a professional image.
- Verify your organization: Ensure your profile is affiliated with the correct organization and update it regularly.
- Collect client reviews: Actively seek and obtain positive reviews from real clients to build trust and credibility with potential customers.
2. Avvo
Avvo provides a comprehensive look at the professional background of attorneys and their experience practicing law. It has ratings, reviews, and disciplinary records for lawyers in every state, giving potential clients an easy way to find the right law firm for their needs.
Avvo also offers free legal advice and access to a database of legal information consisting primarily of user-generated content. This makes it easier for people to decide when selecting a lawyer.
Avvo’s social media presence allows users to connect with others who have had experiences with certain attorneys, providing valuable feedback from people like them.
How to Optimize an Avvo Profile
As a lawyer, optimizing your Avvo profile is an important step in attracting potential clients and showcasing your legal expertise. Here are some tips our team has assembled on how to do it:
- Claim your profile: Ensure you have claimed your lawyer profile on Avvo to customize your practice areas and showcase your legal expertise.
- Update your information: Keep your profile information accurate and up-to-date for effective reputation management and local marketing.
- Use multimedia: Incorporate videos and images to engage potential clients and make your profile stand out.
- Improve your rating: Consider factors like years of experience, reviews, and disciplinary history to increase your Avvo rating.
- Optimize content: Include relevant keywords that potential clients may use when searching for a law firm in your area.
- Get positive reviews: Encourage past clients to leave positive reviews to provide new clients insights into working with you.
3. Martindale–Hubbell
Martindale-Hubbell ratings are a valuable resource and crucial asset for lawyers to establish credibility within the legal community. The lawyer ratings are based on peer reviews, which provide authenticated attorney ratings based on their legal ability and ethical standards as evaluated by other lawyers. This implies that a Martindale-Hubbell rating represents the opinions of a lawyer’s peers in the legal profession.
How Does Martindale-Hubbel Rating Work?
The Martindale-Hubbell rating system offers a systematic approach for potential clients to evaluate a lawyer’s qualifications before hiring them. The ratings also enable lawyers to demonstrate their professional excellence and ethical commitment to other legal community members.
By having a good rating, lawyers can receive recognition from their peers and improve their chances of being hired by clients who seek only the best representation.
Moreover, having a good Martindale-Hubbell rating can aid lawyers in building trust with potential clients and establishing themselves as experts in their field. This can be especially advantageous for new attorneys who may lack significant experience but need to prove themselves to attract new clients.
Stay informed and make informed decisions about your legal practice. Explore the value of your Martindale-Hubbell rating in our insightful article.
How to Optimize a Martindale–Hubbell Profile
To optimize your Martindale–Hubbell profile, follow these steps:
- Ensure accuracy: Verify that your contact information, areas of practice, and client ratings are accurate and up to date.
- Highlight achievements: Include details of any awards, honors, or specializations you have to demonstrate your qualifications and expertise.
- Utilize all features: Take advantage of Martindale-Hubbell’s features, such as peer review ratings, attorney reviews, and client testimonies.
- Respond promptly: Address negative feedback, complaints, or criticisms quickly to reassure potential clients that any issues will be handled promptly.
- Engage with clients: Regularly interact with existing, previous, and prospective clients through reviews, responses to queries or comments, and other forms of direct communication.
4. Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com ratings provide potential clients with reliable, accurate information and an unbiased assessment of a law firm’s abilities and qualifications. The ratings are based on a lawyer or company’s experience, professional conduct, and industry recognition.
The ratings provide users and clients with a way to evaluate the quality of a lawyer or company’s services and help them make an informed decision when selecting an attorney. This makes Lawyers.com ratings a valuable marketing tool for lawyers, as high ratings can increase their visibility and credibility within the legal community.
Optimizing your profile on Lawyers.com can help you stand out from the competition and increase visibility for your law practice. Here are the steps to optimize your profile on Lawyers.com:
- Update your information: Ensure that all contact information, areas of practice, and awards are current.
- Add a professional photo: Use a headshot that reflects positively on your business and brand.
- Write an engaging bio: Create a concise yet informative bio highlighting your experience and qualifications.
- Include reviews: Showcase positive client reviews to demonstrate your credibility.
- Link to other platforms: Provide links to your social media profiles, blogs, or other relevant sites for further information.
5. LegalMatch
LegalMatch is an online legal matching service that connects clients with lawyers who specialize in their particular legal issue. LegalMatch ratings serve as a tool for clients to evaluate the quality of the lawyers on the platform and make an informed decision about who to hire.
LegalMatch ratings provide transparency and accountability in the legal industry, allowing clients to decide which law firm to hire. High ratings can help lawyers build their reputation and attract more clients.
How to Optimize a LegalMatch Profile
- Provide detailed practice area information: Include as much detail as possible about your practice areas to help prospects understand your expertise.
- Add firm photos: Use the “Firm Photos” feature to showcase your workspace and create an engaging profile experience.
- Post client reviews and ratings: Display positive reviews and ratings to build credibility with potential clients.
6. Justia
Justia is a well-known and highly regarded legal review site that’s a valuable resource for clients and legal professionals. It offers a comprehensive platform that allows individuals to search for lawyers, read reviews, and access legal information. With its extensive database and user-friendly interface, Justia has become a go-to destination for those seeking legal representation.
One of Justia’s most notable characteristics is its commitment to providing free legal resources to the public. It offers a vast collection of legal articles, case summaries, and statutes, making it a valuable tool for individuals seeking legal guidance or researching specific legal topics.
How to Optimize a Justia Profile
For law firms, having a well-optimized Justia profile can significantly enhance their online visibility and attract potential clients. By following the few key steps, you can optimize your Justia profile to ensure it effectively represents your firm and increases your chances of attracting new clients.
- Complete your profile: Ensure your profile information is accurate and up-to-date with your contact information, areas of practice, and any awards or recognition you have received.
- Add a professional photo: Make sure your photo is clear, well-lit, and shows you in a professional setting.
- Write a compelling bio: Ensure your bio is well-written and highlights your experience, qualifications, and areas of expertise.
- Get client reviews: One of the most important factors potential clients consider when choosing a lawyer. Encourage your past clients to leave reviews on your Justia profile.
- Respond to reviews: Make sure to respond to both positive and negative reviews. This shows potential clients that you are responsive and value their feedback.
7. Google Reviews
One of the most widely used review sites, Google Reviews allows clients to share their experiences and rate the services they have received. These reviews are highly visible to potential clients, and it’s crucial that law firms optimize their Google Reviews profile.
With Google Reviews, clients can leave reviews directly on a law firm’s Google Business Profile (GBP). The platform enables individuals to rate their experience, provide feedback, and share their satisfaction with the firm’s services. Additionally, clients can provide specific details about their interactions, giving prospective clients valuable insights into the firm’s expertise and client service.
How to Optimize a Google Reviews Profile
- Claim and verify your business profile: Start by claiming your Google Business Profile to ensure you have control over the listing and can manage the information displayed.
- Complete your profile: Provide accurate and detailed information about your law firm, including your name, address, phone number, website, and business hours.
- Choose a category: Choose the appropriate category and add relevant keywords to improve your profile’s visibility in search results.
- Encourage reviews: Ask satisfied clients to leave reviews on your GBP. You can do this by incorporating review requests in your communication, including email signatures, or creating a dedicated page on your website that directs clients to leave reviews.
- Respond to reviews: Take the time to respond to both positive and negative reviews and address any concerns raised in negative reviews.
- Showcase your expertise: Use GBP features such as posts and photos to showcase your firm’s expertise. Share informative content, news, and updates to engage potential clients and highlight your firm’s unique value proposition.
Comrade Digital Marketing Agency can help you with the above if you’re unsure how to go about it. Schedule a free consultation.
8. Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers is a prestigious legal review site that identifies and honors outstanding attorneys in various practice areas. This platform employs a rigorous selection process, combining peer nominations, independent research, and evaluations to identify the top lawyers in each state.
Super Lawyers provides potential clients with a reliable resource for exceptional legal representation. It offers detailed profiles of the recognized attorneys, highlighting their accomplishments, experience, and areas of expertise.
How to Optimize a Super Lawyers Profile
To optimize your Super Lawyers profile and increase your chances of being recognized, follow these steps:
- Meet the selection criteria: Super Lawyers selects attorneys based on a rigorous evaluation process that considers peer nominations, independent research, and peer reviews. Familiarize yourself with the selection criteria and ensure that you meet the requirements.
- Update your profile information: Keep your Super Lawyers profile up-to-date with accurate contact information, practice areas, and professional achievements.
- Highlight your qualifications: Showcase your education, experience, awards, and honors to demonstrate your expertise and qualifications.
- Request peer nominations: Encourage colleagues, clients, and other professionals familiar with your work to nominate you for Super Lawyers.
- Participate in the peer review process: If you are nominated, actively participate in the peer review process by providing references and responding to requests for information.
- Showcase your client testimonials: Include positive testimonials and reviews to highlight exceptional service and client satisfaction.
- Stay current with legal developments: Continuously update your knowledge and skills by attending education courses, reading publications, and staying informed on the latest legal trends.
9. Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a widely recognized and trusted review site that promotes ethical business practices and fosters trust between consumers and businesses. While BBB is not exclusively a legal review site, it is an important platform for law firms to establish their credibility and showcase their commitment to providing excellent service.
BBB allows consumers to leave reviews and file complaints against businesses, including law firms. It also offers accreditation to businesses that meet specific trustworthiness and customer service standards.
How to Optimize a Better Business Bureau Profile
Having a well-optimized BBB profile can significantly enhance a law firm’s reputation and attract potential clients seeking trustworthy legal representation. But how do you optimize your profile?
- Provide comprehensive information: Complete your BBB profile with detailed information about your law firm, including contact details, practice areas, business hours, and additional services offered.
- Respond to customer reviews: BBB allows customers to leave reviews of businesses. Make sure to respond to both positive and negative reviews promptly and professionally.
- Resolve customer complaints: If you receive a complaint from a customer, work with the BBB to resolve it quickly and efficiently.
- Get accredited by the BBB: BBB accreditation is a mark of trust and credibility. To become accredited, you must meet the BBB’s standards for ethical business practices.
- Promote your BBB profile: Display your BBB logo on your website, marketing materials, and social media. This will help to build trust with potential customers and encourage them to visit your BBB profile.
- Display the BBB Seal: Once accredited by BBB, display the BBB Accredited Business Seal on your website and marketing materials.
10. Nolo
Nolo is a legal website that provides self-help legal information and resources to individuals and small businesses. It offers a wide range of legal content, including articles, guides, forms, and lawyer directories, making it a valuable platform. Nolo’s lawyer directory allows users to search for attorneys based on their practice area, location, and user ratings.
How to Optimize a Nolo Profile
Being featured on Nolo can significantly increase a law firm’s visibility and credibility, attracting potential clients actively seeking legal services. So, follow these steps to get the most out of your Nolo profile:
- Create a detailed profile: Include accurate information about your law firm, such as your practice areas, contact details, office location, and website.
- Showcase your experience and credentials: Highlight your professional achievements, credentials, and relevant certifications or memberships.
- Add client testimonials: Request testimonials from satisfied clients and include them in your Nolo profile.
- Engage with legal questions and forums: Actively participate in Nolo’s legal questions and forums by providing helpful and informative answers.
- Regularly update your profile: Keep your Nolo profile up to date with the latest information about your law firm’s contact details, office hours, and any changes in your practice areas or services.
Comparing the Best Law Firm Review Directories
| Legal Review Directory | Features | User Interface | Pricing | Reputation |
| Findlaw | Online marketing services, lawyer directories, and legal information. | Easily navigable and user-friendly website design. | The website does not provide pricing information. | Brand established in the legal industry and trusted by clients. |
| Avvo | Lawyer directories, legal advice, and a Q&A forum. | User interface that is modern and intuitive. | Lawyers pay to join the directory, but it’s free for consumers. | Some lawyers criticize the rating system, but it is considered a reliable source of legal information. |
| Martindale-Hubbell | Legal articles, a lawyer directory, and marketing services. | An easy-to-use interface that offers advanced search options. | Consumers’ listings are free, but lawyers are charged for enhanced listings and marketing. | An AV-rated firm with a long history in the legal industry. |
| Lawyers.com | Lawyer directory, legal advice, and a Q&A forum. | A simple search tool with easy-to-use navigation. | Advertising and premium listings are free for consumers, but lawyers must pay for them. | This website is considered a reliable directory of lawyers and a reputable source of legal information. |
| LegalMatch | Lawyer directory and matching service for clients and lawyers. | User-friendly website design with advanced search functionality. | Consumers are free to join, but lawyers pay for membership and referrals. | Finds lawyers for clients using a matching service and personalized approach. |
| Justia | Verified lawyer profiles, case law, legal practice area guides, and resources. | Dense information is presented in a more text-heavy layout. | Free access to legal content and basic directory listings. | Extensive database of legal information and directories for lawyers. |
| Google Reviews | Client reviews, star ratings, and location visibility. | Integrated into local maps and search results. | Free for business listings and customer responses. | Most commonly used search and reviews platform for local visibility. |
| Super Lawyers | Peer evaluations, professional awards, and recognition. | Professional and visually appealing design. | Free attorney access to the site and resources. | Reputable platform recognizing top-performing lawyers annually. |
| Better Business Bureau | Client reviews, business profiles, complaint resolution center. | Basic profiles centered around the business directory. | Free access to listings, reviews, and complaints. | Well-known non-profit consumer advocacy organization. |
| Nolo | Legal forms, articles, practice guides, and templates. | Consumer-focused information. Easy-to-use guides and forms for download. | Paid memberships for complete access to resources. | A popular legal platform focused on consumers and self-representation. |
Why Do Reviews Matter for Lawyers?
Reviews matter immensely because they establish whether a lawyer has a good reputation, they attract new clients, and they build trust. Positive reviews act as a powerful endorsement, showcasing a lawyer’s expertise, professionalism, and client satisfaction.
Reviews also provide valuable social proof. When potential clients see positive feedback from those who have hired a lawyer, it instills confidence and reassurance. Moreover, reviews contribute to a lawyer’s online visibility and search engine rankings. Positive reviews can improve a lawyer’s online presence, making them more discoverable for potential clients who are actively searching for legal services.
On the other hand, negative reviews can harm a lawyer’s reputation and deter potential clients. They emphasize the importance of providing excellent service and maintaining strong client relationships. Addressing negative reviews promptly and professionally demonstrates a lawyer’s commitment to client satisfaction and willingness to resolve any issues.
How Can Lawyers Get More Online Reviews?
Since online reviews significantly attract new clients and establish credibility, you can implement a few strategies to increase your chances of receiving more online reviews. Let’s explore some effective methods lawyers can use to encourage clients to leave reviews and manage their online reputation.
Making It Easy to Leave Reviews
Provide clear instructions on how clients can leave reviews on the platforms mentioned above. Include direct links or buttons on your website or in email communications to make it easy for clients to access the review pages. Cater to different preferences by allowing clients to leave reviews on platforms they are most comfortable with. This flexibility increases the likelihood of receiving reviews from different clients.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask for a Review
If a client expresses satisfaction with the legal services provided, lawyers should politely ask if they would leave a review. Many customers are happy to help if asked. It’s important not to pressure anyone or offer incentives.
Ask at the Right Time
The window for a good review is small. Lawyers should request feedback from happy clients when satisfaction is highest – like after a win, settlement, or expressing gratitude. People are more likely to leave a positive review at that moment.
Monitor Reviews Regularly
Google, Avvo, and other review sites should be checked regularly. If possible, set a reminder. This allows lawyers to spot both positive and negative reviews promptly. Addressing issues raised in any criticism quickly and professionally builds trust.
Address Feedback
Even negative reviews present an opportunity if handled well. Lawyers should thoughtfully respond to all feedback, thank people for their input, and use comments to improve services for future clients. This demonstrates taking potential and existing customers seriously.
Ready to boost your online reputation? Learn how to get quality online reviews that matter in our latest blog post.
How Do Attorney Review Sites Help Law Firms Get New Clients?
Attorney review sites help law firms get new clients by providing a platform for potential clients to read about the experiences of other clients. This can help build trust and credibility with potential clients, making them more likely to choose a particular law firm.
In addition, attorney review sites can help law firms improve their online visibility, generate leads, and build client relationships. Potential clients searching for a lawyer online will likely come across attorney review sites. Attorney review sites can also generate leads for law firms by allowing potential clients to contact them directly through the site. This can be a valuable way for law firms to connect with new clients interested in their services.
Attract more leads to your law firm“>Attract more leads to your law firm
Improve Your Online Reputation with Comrade
A solid online reputation is crucial for the success of a law firm, and collecting law firm reviews on reputable review sites is a key component of achieving this. By establishing a presence on review sites such as Martindale-Hubbell, Lawyers.com, and LegalMatch, attorneys can build trust with potential clients and increase their chances of being hired.
If you’re concerned about the time and effort it takes to manage an online reputation, Comrade Digital Marketing Agency can help. We offer services in legal reputation management, including collecting authentic lawyer reviews, showcasing them on your website or a lawyer review site, and driving more revenue for your business. Contact us today for a free consultation.
About the Author
Ivan Vislavskiy is Comrade Digital Marketing’s co-founder and fearless leader, spearheading the agency’s production department.
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