How to Find a Best Lawyer Online in 2025

Every year, we examine how consumers find and choose attorneys online. Our latest research surveyed 1,050 people of all ages and backgrounds to gain insight into their online search habits and decision-making.

Here are the results of where people are searching, how long it takes, and what influences their choice. Let’s dig in.

Where Do People Look for Lawyers Online?

Question: “If you needed to hire a lawyer, what online resources would you use to research your options?”

1. Google Is the Top Choice (92%)

It’s no surprise that Google is the winner, with 92% of participants using it to find a lawyer. If your firm isn’t on Google, you’re missing out on a big chunk of potential clients.

2. Facebook Is More Important Than You Thought (32%)

32% of people said they would use Facebook to research law firms. Potential clients look at firm pages, reviews, and shared content before deciding.

3. Yelp Still Matters (27%)

Even though most firms prioritize Google Reviews, 27% of respondents still check Yelp to evaluate law firms. So, neglecting your Yelp profile could be a mistake.

4. YouTube Is a Research Tool (23%)

More than 1 in 5 consumers (23%) use YouTube to research law firms. This means firms without good videos are at a disadvantage.

5. ChatGPT and AI Are Gaining Popularity (21%)

AI-powered search tools like ChatGPT are on the rise, with 21% of respondents using them to find lawyers— more than double from last year. Optimizing for AI-driven platforms may be a smart move for law firms.

How Long Does It Take to Hire a Lawyer?

We also asked: “If you needed to hire a lawyer within the next 90 days, how long would you take to research and make a decision?”

Results:

• 73% of people take at least 3 days or more to research before hiring an attorney.
• 30.9% within a week to decide.
• 6.9% within 24 hours.
• 2.2% a month or more to make up their mind.

So What Does This Mean for Law Firms:

Most people take their time before hiring a lawyer, so follow-ups, multi-channel marketing and retargeting ads can really make a difference.

How Important Is a Law Firm’s Location?

Even with virtual legal services on the rise, proximity still matters.

Survey Results:

• 49% would prefer a firm within 30 minutes of them.
• 82% within an hour.
• Only 18% are comfortable with a fully remote attorney.

Takeaways for Law Firms:

• Local SEO is key – If you’re not optimized for local search, you’re missing out on clients.
• A physical office adds credibility, even if clients never visit.
• Offer virtual consultations to grab the 18% who want remote services.

How Do People Contact Law Firms?

Question: “If you visited a lawyer’s website, how would you like to get in touch?”

Top Contact Methods:

• Phone calls are still the way to go – People want to talk to someone live.
• Live chat is becoming more popular – Instant responses can make a firm stand out.
• Emails and web forms must be responded to quickly – Delayed responses can cost you leads.

What to Do:

• Implement 24/7 call answering to catch leads at any time.
• Use live chat with real people to engage immediately.
• Respond to email inquiries fast.Given the concerns about fake reviews, Question: “How much do you trust online reviews when researching a law firm?”

Results:

• 42.5% mostly trust lawyer reviews.
• 38.7% neutral.
• 8.8% completely trust online ratings.

Takeaways:

• Online reputation is important – Most people rely on reviews.
• Bad ratings can scare away clients – Low average rating may influence hiring decision.
• Respond to reviews (both positive and negative).

Final Thoughts: What Law Firms Should Focus on in 2025

Our research reveals what law firms need to be aware of to thrive in the digital age.

Takeaways:

• Google is still the go-to search engine – SEO is key.
• Clients research multiple firms before hiring – Strong branding and online presence is vital.
• Fast response times equals higher conversions – Quick follow-ups means more client engagement.
• Video marketing is on the rise – YouTube and social media videos can set you apart.
• Online reviews are crucial – A good reputation is non-negotiable.
• Location still matters – Optimize for local search results to attract local clients.