Why Getting Reviews Matters for Your Law Firm
Client reviews have become one of the most powerful tools for building credibility and attracting new cases. The way people choose lawyers has changed completely.
Even when someone receives a personal referral to your firm, they don’t just pick up the phone anymore. They go straight to Google first. They type in your firm’s name. They look for proof that you’re trustworthy, experienced, and worth their time.
This means your online reputation now matters just as much as your legal skills. A strong collection of verified reviews can be the difference between a potential client choosing your firm or moving on to your competitor.
This guide explains how to ethically and effectively get more verified client reviews. It shows you exactly what works, what to avoid, and how LegalScore helps South African law firms strengthen their online reputation the right way.
1. Why Online Reviews Matter More Than Ever for Law Firms
Let’s be honest about what happens when someone considers hiring your firm:
Referrals are no longer the final step
When someone receives your name from a friend, family member, or colleague, their next move is almost always to type your firm’s name into Google. They want to verify the referral. They want to see what other clients say about you. A personal recommendation is no longer enough by itself.
Reviews shape first impressions
A client’s perception of your competence and trustworthiness is often formed before your first meeting ever happens. They read your reviews, check your ratings, and decide whether you’re worth contacting, all based on what they see online.
Google rewards reputation
Firms with consistent, authentic reviews rank higher in local search results. This increases visibility for both referred clients and complete strangers searching for legal help in your area. More visibility means more phone calls. More phone calls mean more cases.
Even a single negative review, or having no reviews at all, can create doubt in a potential client’s mind. A strong and verified review profile does the opposite: it builds confidence fast and makes choosing your firm feel like the safe, smart decision.
2. Ethical Ways to Ask Clients for Reviews
The Legal Practice Council of South Africa encourages professional conduct and transparency. Soliciting reviews must respect confidentiality, ethics, and client dignity.
Here’s exactly how to ask for reviews correctly:
Ask at the right time
The best moment to request a review is after a successful matter is closed and the client has clearly expressed satisfaction. Don’t ask too early. Wait until the outcome is positive and the client feels good about the experience.
Use clear, neutral language
Never pressure clients or offer incentives for reviews. Offering money, discounts, or gifts in exchange for reviews is unethical and violates professional conduct rules. A simple, honest request always works best.
Offer multiple review options
Some clients prefer leaving reviews on Google. Others prefer a verified platform like LegalScore. Give them choices and let them decide where they feel most comfortable sharing their experience.
Make it easy
Send a direct review link through email or SMS to remove friction. The easier you make the process, the more likely clients are to follow through. Don’t make them search for where to leave a review.
Sample Script:
“We value transparency and helping others make informed decisions. If you’d be willing to share your experience working with our firm, it would be greatly appreciated. You can leave a verified review here: [link].”
3. Why Relying on Open Review Platforms Alone Is Risky
Many law firms rely entirely on open platforms like Google Reviews. While Google Reviews are valuable, depending only on them creates serious risks:
- Anyone can leave a review. Open review platforms are easy to manipulate. Fake reviews can harm credibility.
- No built-in verification. A positive rating doesn’t always prove the reviewer is a genuine client.
- Difficult to manage at scale. Large firms can’t always manually track and respond to every comment.
This is why complementing your Google page with a verified review platform is strategically smarter. It builds trust and proof beyond ratings.
4. How LegalScore Strengthens Your Reputation
LegalScore is designed specifically for South African law firms. Unlike generic platforms, it focuses on verified and transparent client feedback.
- Verified Reviews: Only real clients can leave reviews, increasing trust.
- Reputation Dashboard: Centralize review collection and management.
- Google Integration: Push verified reviews to your website and marketing channels.
- Transparency: Reviews build credibility with both referred and search-based leads.
Example Scenario:
A client is referred to your firm. Before calling, they Google your name.
- If they see 3 Google reviews and no other proof, they may hesitate.
- If they see consistent verified reviews on LegalScore embedded on your website, confidence rises instantly.
5. Review Management as a Marketing Strategy
Reputation management is not an afterthought. It should be built into your client journey.
- Automate requests after case closure.
- Respond professionally to every review.
- Highlight top reviews on your website, email signatures, and proposals.
- Monitor insights to identify what clients value most.
High-ROI Tactic:
Law firms that make review requests standard practice after successful outcomes grow trust equity faster than those who don’t.
6. Common Mistakes Law Firms Should Avoid
- Ignoring reviews completely
- Asking too late or at inappropriate times
- Using aggressive or incentivized language
- Failing to respond to negative feedback
- Relying solely on Google reviews
Every misstep can erode credibility. Every verified review builds it.
7. How to Start with LegalScore
- Apply for a LegalScore account for your firm. Our experts will assist you in setting up your account.
- Add your firm’s name and logo to personalize your review page.
- Share the verified review link with clients post-case.
- Embed the LegalScore review widget on your website.
- Monitor and respond to reviews in your dashboard.
This process creates a transparent, trusted, and defensible reputation profile. The kind Google respects and clients trust.
FAQs
Is it legal for law firms in South Africa to ask for reviews?
Yes. As long as you do not offer incentives, pressure clients, or disclose confidential information, asking for honest feedback is ethical.
Can LegalScore help with fake review prevention?
Yes. LegalScore only accepts reviews from verified clients, eliminating most fake review risks.
Should I still use Google reviews?
Yes, but don’t rely on it alone. Use both Google and LegalScore for maximum credibility.
How many reviews does my law firm need to rank higher?
There’s no fixed number. Consistency and quality matter more than quantity. Verified reviews carry more weight with clients.
How fast can I see results from review collection?
Firms typically notice increased inquiries within 30-90 days after consistent review collection.
Conclusion
Every modern legal client, even those referred by someone they trust, checks online before making contact. If your law firm has few or inconsistent reviews, that gap becomes a silent barrier to new instructions.
By collecting verified, transparent, and ethically gathered reviews through LegalScore, you build a reputation moat, one that amplifies trust, boosts search visibility, and turns referrals into conversions.
Apply for your own LegalScore and start building a stronger reputation today.