Legal marketing is changing fast. What worked five years ago—like newspaper ads, bus benches, or Yellow Pages listings—isn’t necessarily where today’s clients are searching. In 2025, legal consumers are more digital, more mobile, and more research-driven than ever before.
So where are clients actually looking when they need to hire a lawyer?
Here’s a breakdown of the top places potential clients may be searching—and how you can make sure they find you there.
1. Google (Still #1 by Far)
When someone needs a lawyer, Google is often the first stop.
Searches like:
-
“Best personal injury lawyer in Tampa”
-
“DUI attorney near me”
-
“How to sue an insurance company in Florida”
…happen hundreds of times a day in every major market.
How to be found:
-
Claim and complete your Google Business Profile
-
Optimize your website with location + practice area keywords
-
Add FAQs and blog content to your site (or platforms like TopLawyersNow.com)
-
Earn backlinks from legal directories and bar listings
2. Legal Directories
Clients who want a curated list of lawyers—or who were referred a name—often turn to legal directories to verify credentials, read bios, or contact attorneys directly.
Popular directories include:
-
TopLawyersNow.com – Features lawyers by city and practice area, allows blog content, and includes SEO-friendly profiles
-
Justia
-
Avvo
-
State and local bar associations
Being listed in multiple directories may improve your visibility both in search results and when clients are comparing options.
3. TikTok, Instagram & YouTube
Believe it or not, younger legal consumers are turning to short video platforms to find legal answers—and in some cases, actual representation.
They’re searching for:
-
“What to do if I get arrested”
-
“Can I sue my landlord?”
-
“Injury lawyer explains how to get a settlement”
Lawyers who appear in these videos (even in a low-production, authentic way) may gain credibility and visibility.
Tip: You don’t need to go viral. Even one or two helpful videos linked to your bio or profile may guide viewers to contact you.
4. Referral by Another Lawyer (Then a Google Search)
Referrals still matter—but even when someone is referred by another attorney or friend, they often Google the name before making contact.
That’s why having a well-indexed online profile matters.
Your name should appear on:
-
Your own website
-
Legal directories (e.g., TopLawyersNow)
-
Bar listings
-
Social profiles like LinkedIn
If a potential client Googles you and finds nothing but a 2015 profile with no photo, they may move on to someone more visible.
5. Review Platforms & Testimonials
Reviews may not directly replace credentials, but they can impact a client’s decision to call you or keep scrolling.
Top places clients may read legal reviews:
-
Google Reviews
-
Avvo
-
Facebook
-
Yelp (still active in some cities)
Encouraging a few happy clients to leave a thoughtful review may help you build social proof over time.
6. AI Tools Like ChatGPT (Yes, It’s Happening)
While not yet the norm, some legal consumers are beginning to ask AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Bing Copilot for help finding lawyers.
They ask:
-
“What should I do after a car accident in Orlando?”
-
“Can you recommend a personal injury lawyer near San Antonio?”
This trend is early, but publishing content tied to your name, city, and practice area on public sites like TopLawyersNow.com may increase your chances of being mentioned in AI-generated answers.
Where Should You Be?
To stay visible in 2025, consider a multi-channel approach:
-
Searchable: Be indexed on Google through your website and profiles
-
Trustworthy: Collect reviews and keep your information up to date
-
Approachable: Post articles or short videos that answer client questions
-
Discoverable: Appear on platforms people actually use—like TopLawyersNow
Next Step: Build Your Presence in Minutes
You can increase your visibility by claiming your attorney profile on TopLawyersNow.com. It’s free, and you can upgrade to:
-
Add a photo, bio, and link to your website
-
Publish blog posts that show up in Google
-
Appear by city and practice area
-
Help referral attorneys and clients find you faster
