Google Reviews for Lawyers and Law Firms: All You Need to Know
You didn’t go to law school to manage Google reviews. But here you are, staring at a one-star comment from a client who ghosted you halfway through their case… while the firm down the street with slick marketing and 47 five-star ratings keeps getting the calls.
Or maybe you’ve won case after case—actual results, real lives changed—but online, it’s crickets. No reviews. No proof. And the silence is costing you leads.
Sound familiar?
We’ve seen this story play out across dozens of firms. Solid attorneys delivering real value, losing out to competitors who simply look more credible online. The truth? Your reputation isn’t just word-of-mouth anymore. It’s star-rated and scrollable.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through why Google reviews matter more than ever, the exact challenges law firms face in getting and managing them, and how you can start building a stronger, more visible reputation—without stepping into ethical grey zones or wasting time chasing feedback.
Why Do Google Reviews Matter for Law Firms?
Google reviews shape how potential clients see your firm—before they ever visit your site or make a call. They affect trust, visibility, and your ability to stand out in search results.
In a field where reputation carries weight, reviews often do the heavy lifting.
- They build trust and credibility—91% of consumers say positive reviews make them more likely to choose a business.
- They boost local SEO, helping you show up in Google’s Map Pack, which grabs 42% of search clicks.
- They increase click-through rates—firms with 5-star ratings get 25% more clicks, and review stars can lift CTR by up to 35%.
If your reviews are outdated, missing, or buried under competitors’, that’s costing you leads—plain and simple. We cover more on this in our reputation marketing guide, which breaks down the link between trust and visibility.
What Are the Challenges When It Comes to Google Reviews as a Lawyer or a Law Firm?
Getting more reviews isn’t always the hard part—managing them ethically and effectively is where things get tricky.
Law firms operate under a different set of rules than most businesses, and when it comes to online reputation, that reality hits fast.
We’ve outlined how we support law firms specifically through these challenges, with tools that streamline review management while staying within ethical boundaries.
You can also review our top reputation management mistakes so you know what to avoid.
You’re Bound by Confidentiality—Even in Your Replies
Got a misleading or unfair review? You can’t just jump in and “set the record straight.”
Lawyers have to walk a tightrope: responding professionally without confirming any attorney-client relationship. Even a well-meaning comment can breach confidentiality and land you in hot water with your state bar.
It’s frustrating—especially when your side of the story can’t legally be told.
Fake and Malicious Reviews Are Hard to Remove
One-star drive-bys from non-clients… anonymous accounts with vague complaints…
They hurt, and they’re not always real. But flagging them on Google doesn’t mean they’ll be removed.
The burden’s on you to monitor, report, and follow up—and that’s time you’re not spending on billable work. Platforms like our review management tool help automate this monitoring process, so you’re not doing it manually.
You Can’t Incentivize Reviews—But You Still Need Them
You want more positive reviews, but you can’t offer discounts, gifts, or perks like other businesses can. Google doesn’t allow it, and the ABA certainly doesn’t either.
Instead, what works is a system designed to make it easier for happy clients to share honest feedback—something our platform is built for, especially when combined with referral workflows and repeat client engagement tools that naturally foster ongoing relationships and reviews.
How to Get Your Law Firm More Google Reviews
Understood. Here’s the revised section with a more respectful, professional tone—still natural and informative, but written for lawyers and firm owners who value clarity, efficiency, and practical advice:
Step 1: Make Review Requests Part of Your Process
The most effective time to ask for a review is at the close of a successful engagement—when the outcome is fresh and the experience is positive. A polite, timely request shows appreciation and reinforces the client’s good impression.
Provide a direct link to your Google Business Profile to make the process simple. The easier it is to leave a review, the more likely your client will follow through.
If you’re unsure about frequency, we cover this in our guide: How Often Should You Ask for Customer Feedback?
Step 2: Use Multiple, Thoughtful Touchpoints
Different clients respond to different forms of communication. That’s why it helps to request reviews through more than one channel—professionally and without pressure.
Some options to consider:
- Email follow-ups – A brief thank-you message with a note about how much their feedback would mean to your team.
- Text messages – A short SMS can be effective, especially if handled through secure platforms like Kenect.
- Website prompts – Include a “Review Us” link in your footer, client portal, or even your email signature.
These small additions can lead to a steady increase in reviews over time.
Need help framing the ask? Here’s a helpful breakdown on how to ask for a review without sounding pushy or impersonal.
Step 3: Help Clients Understand Why Reviews Matter
Many clients don’t realize the impact their feedback can have. A short explanation can go a long way.
You might say:
“If you found our services helpful, your review could help someone else find the support they need too.”
Framing it as a way to assist others adds purpose to their contribution.
Step 4: Stay Within Ethical Boundaries
Unlike other industries, law firms must be especially cautious when requesting reviews.
Incentivizing feedback—offering discounts, gifts, or any form of compensation—can violate both Google’s policies and your local bar’s ethical guidelines.
All requests should be made in good faith, with no expectation other than an honest client response.
Step 5: Respond Professionally to Every Review
Acknowledging reviews—positive or negative—demonstrates attentiveness and respect.
Bad Google Reviews
Negative reviews can feel personal, especially in a profession where stakes are high. But when handled correctly, they can demonstrate integrity and responsiveness.
Here’s how to respond to a bad review as a lawyer:
- Avoid confirming a lawyer-client relationship unless the client has already disclosed it in their review. Ethics rules vary by state, but confidentiality is key.
- Stay calm and professional—do not argue or get defensive, even if the review is misleading or unfair.
- Acknowledge the issue generally (e.g., “We strive to offer the best service and take feedback seriously.”)
- Invite the reviewer to continue the conversation privately, such as by calling your office to resolve the concern.
- Report reviews that are fake or violate Google’s policies, such as reviews from non-clients or spam.
Example reply:
“Thank you for your feedback. We’re committed to delivering high-quality legal services and always looking for ways to improve. Please feel free to contact us directly so we can learn more about your experience.”
Need more examples? We walk through this step-by-step in our blog on how to handle a bad review.
Good Google Reviews
Positive reviews are an opportunity to reinforce trust and show appreciation—without oversharing or breaching confidentiality.
Here’s how to respond to a good review professionally:
- Thank the client warmly, using their name if they included it in the review.
- Keep it general—don’t reference case details or outcomes.
- Show appreciation for their time and trust, especially since legal matters are often emotional or sensitive.
- Mention your continued commitment to client service, reinforcing your values as a firm.
- Encourage others reading the review by keeping the tone warm and professional.
Example reply:
“Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re grateful you took the time to share your experience, and we remain committed to providing every client with thoughtful, thorough legal support.”
This level of care reflects well on your firm and helps build trust with prospective clients who are reading those interactions.
Conclusion: Consider Using SurgePoint For Your Law Firm’s Google Review Needs
Google reviews play a critical role in your firm’s visibility and credibility—but managing them can quickly become overwhelming, especially when your focus is on serving clients.
That’s where we come in.
At SurgePoint, we’ve built a platform tailored to the unique needs of law firms—making it easier to manage your online reputation without pulling focus from your clients.
Our review management system lets you automatically request, track, and respond to reviews from a single, streamlined dashboard. Looking to strengthen your long-term growth? Our tools for referrals, repeat client engagement, and insight reporting are built to help your firm stay connected and visible—without adding more to your plate.
We also encourage you to explore our resources:
- Our full platform for law firms
- Helpful blog guides on handling bad lawyer reviews
- And strategies for reputation management
We’re here to make reviews work for you—not the other way around. Thanks for reading, and we hope to be part of your next step in building a trusted, five-star law firm. Let’s grow your reputation together.
