Every year, we analyze how consumers search for and select attorneys online. Our latest research surveyed 1,050 individuals across all age groups and backgrounds to uncover their online search habits and decision-making processes. Here’s what we discovered about where people search, how long it takes to hire a lawyer, and what factors influence their choice. Let’s dive in.
When asked, “If you needed to hire a lawyer, what online resources would you use to research your options?” here’s what respondents said.
Google Dominates (92%)
Unsurprisingly, Google is the top choice, with 92% of participants using it to find an attorney. If your law firm isn’t visible on Google, you’re missing a massive pool of potential clients.
Facebook Plays a Key Role (32%)
32% of respondents said they would use Facebook to research law firms. Potential clients often review firm pages, read reviews, and evaluate shared content before making a decision.
Yelp Still Holds Weight (27%)
While many firms focus on Google Reviews, 27% of consumers still turn to Yelp to assess law firms. Ignoring your Yelp profile could mean losing out on clients.
YouTube as a Research Tool (23%)
Over 1 in 5 consumers (23%) use YouTube to research law firms. Firms without engaging video content are at a disadvantage in today’s digital landscape.
AI Tools Like ChatGPT Are Rising (21%)
AI-powered search tools, such as ChatGPT, are gaining traction, with 21% of respondents using them to find lawyers—more than double last year’s figure. Optimizing for AI-driven platforms could be a game-changer for law firms.
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?”Here’s what we found:
73% of people take at least 3 days or more to research before hiring an attorney.
30.9% decide within a week.
6.9% make a decision within 24 hours.
2.2% take a month or longer to finalize their choice.
Key Takeaway for Law Firms:
Since most people take their time before hiring a lawyer, consistent follow-ups, multi-channel marketing, and retargeting ads can significantly impact your conversion rates.
Even with the rise of virtual legal services, proximity remains a factor for many consumers.
Survey Results:
49% prefer a firm within 30 minutes of their location.
82% want a firm within an hour.
Only 18% are comfortable with a fully remote attorney.
Takeaways for Law Firms:
Local SEO is critical—if you’re not optimized for local search, you’re missing out on nearby clients.
A physical office adds credibility, even if clients never visit.
Offering virtual consultations can help capture the 18% who prefer remote services.
When asked, “If you visited a lawyer’s website, how would you like to get in touch?” respondents shared their preferred contact methods:
Phone calls remain the top choice—people want to speak to someone directly.
Live chat is growing in popularity—instant responses can set your firm apart.
Emails and web forms must be answered quickly—delayed responses can cost you valuable leads.
What Law Firms Should Do:
Implement 24/7 call answering to capture leads at any time.
Use live chat with real representatives to engage potential clients immediately.
Respond to email inquiries promptly to maintain client interest.
When it comes to online reviews, consumers are cautious but still rely on them:
42.5% mostly trust lawyer reviews.
38.7% are neutral.
8.8% completely trust online ratings.
Takeaways:
Online reputation is critical—most people rely on reviews when choosing a lawyer.
Negative reviews can deter clients—a low average rating may influence hiring decisions.
Respond to reviews, both positive and negative, to show engagement and professionalism.
Our research highlights key areas law firms must prioritize to succeed in the digital age:
Google is still king—invest in SEO to stay visible.
Clients research multiple firms—strong branding and a robust online presence are essential.
Fast response times drive conversions—quick follow-ups lead to higher client engagement.
Video marketing is on the rise—leverage YouTube and social media videos to stand out.
Online reviews are crucial—maintaining a positive reputation is non-negotiable.
Location still matters—optimize for local search to attract nearby clients.
By focusing on these strategies, law firms can better connect with potential clients and thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
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