ReviewDrop for Lawyers

Why lawyers are different

Law firms face the hardest review dynamics of any local business. State bar advertising rules restrict what you and your clients can say. Outcomes are often confidential. And the clients most likely to leave reviews are frequently the ones you can't talk to in detail for ethical reasons. Despite this, Google reviews now outrank Avvo and Martindale for most 'lawyer near me' queries — so you have to compete.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Offering any incentive for reviews

  State bar rules on advertising and solicitation treat review incentives as potentially improper influence — far stricter than FTC rules for other businesses. Don't offer discounts, don't waive fees, don't even buy lunch. The ask should be unconditional.

• Asking unsuccessful clients for reviews

  A client whose case went badly is rarely going to leave a positive review regardless of your service quality. Asking them risks a public airing of the outcome. Segment by case disposition and only ask clients whose matter resolved favorably from their perspective.

• Responding to bar complaints publicly via reviews

  If a client files a bar complaint AND a bad review, treat the review response as if it were bar-disciplinary-panel-reviewable (because it often is). Vague public response; all substance through your ethics-compliant channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it ethical for lawyers to ask for reviews?

Yes, as long as there's no financial incentive or pressure. ReviewDrop sends a neutral request — 'How was your experience?' — that complies with ethics rules.

When should you ask a legal client for a review?

The best time is after a successful case closure. ReviewDrop lets you send a manual request at the right moment.

How do you handle a negative review about a case outcome?

With a review funnel, a client giving a low rating goes to a private form. You receive the feedback, can respond personally, and prevent public posting.

Can law firms ethically ask clients for Google reviews?

Generally yes, as long as the ask is sent to a client whose matter has concluded, doesn't offer compensation, and doesn't suggest the client make false or misleading statements. State bar advertising rules vary significantly, and some jurisdictions impose specific disclosure or recordkeeping requirements on testimonial-style content. Always check your state bar's current advertising rules before setting up a review program.

Can I include my past case outcomes in Google review solicitation emails?

No. Most state bars prohibit referencing specific case outcomes in advertising communications, which generally includes review requests. The ask should be about their experience with your firm, not about the outcome you achieved.

How should I respond to a defamatory Google review from a former client?

Two paths. First, file a removal request with Google citing policy violation (defamation, confidentiality breach). Second, respond publicly with a generic, non-confidential statement that invites offline discussion. Never confirm the reviewer was a client — that alone may breach confidentiality obligations.

Do Google reviews affect my Avvo or Martindale ratings?

Not directly — those directories have their own independent rating systems. That said, Google's local pack has grown into the primary discovery path for most consumer legal searches in recent years, so optimizing your Google profile now tends to produce more new-client contacts than optimizing either directory, for most practice areas.

Is it worth asking clients to mention specific practice areas in their reviews?

Yes. Reviews mentioning 'personal injury,' 'divorce,' 'estate planning,' etc. help Google associate your firm with those specific services for geographic queries. A short, natural suggestion like 'feel free to mention the type of matter we handled' in your ask works — do not dictate specific wording.