Avvo reviews: a guide for attorneys
Legal consumers compare profiles, read reviews, and look for signs that an attorney is someone they can trust. Our research shows that nearly 70% of people searching for a lawyer say reviews are the most helpful thing they look at.
Avvo client reviews put that word-of-mouth power directly on your profile, alongside your credentials, peer endorsements, and Avvo Rating, giving prospects a fuller picture of you in one place.
Who can leave a review
Client reviews are intended to reflect direct attorney-client experiences. Under Avvo's Community Guidelines, only people who actually hired or consulted with you can leave reviews. Opposing parties, their relatives, and non-clients aren't eligible, which keeps competitors from gaming the system.
If you believe a review violates the guidelines, please contact Customer Care.
Build your review portfolio
Strong review profiles help you stand out when clients are choosing between attorneys. Our built‑in tool makes it simple to request reviews from former clients. Research shows that nearly 9 in 10 consumers who get an attorney recommendation still look into that attorney before making a decision, so a strong review profile matters even when you rely on referrals. Here are a few tips to help you build a strong review portfolio:
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Ask every client, not just the happy ones. Make review requests a routine part of wrapping up a matter. A mix of honest feedback is more credible than a string of perfect ratings, and prospective clients can tell the difference. |
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Ask while it's fresh. The longer you wait, the less likely a client is to follow through. |
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Let volume work for you. A solid collection of genuine feedback gives prospective clients confidence and makes sure no single review defines your profile. |
Responding to reviews
You can post a public response to any review, and it's often worth doing so. A warm reply to a positive review strengthens the relationship. A calm, thoughtful reply to a negative review shows future clients how you handle tough situations.
Frequently asked questions
How do I request reviews from clients?
Use the built-in review request tool on your profile dashboard. Enter your clients' email addresses and send invitations to up to 50 current or former clients at once. They'll get a direct link to leave a review on your profile. For more, see "How do I request reviews?".
Will one bad review ruin my profile?
Not at all. One negative review won't define your profile, especially if you've built up a solid body of honest feedback. Client reviews are also separate from your Avvo Rating, so a single review won't drag down your numerical score.
What's the difference between client reviews and my Avvo Rating?
They're two separate things. Client reviews capture the human side: how you treated people, how you handled their case. The Avvo Rating is a 1–10 score that reflects professional factors like experience, credentials, industry recognition, and disciplinary history.
How are Avvo reviews different from Google or Yelp reviews?
We're built specifically for legal. Our reviews focus on what matters to legal clients: communication, responsiveness, and clarity about legal options. We also actively moderate for conflicts of interest like reviews from opposing parties, something general platforms aren't designed to catch.
What if I get a review from someone who wasn't my client?
You can dispute the review to Customer Care. We'll contact the reviewer; if they can't confirm the relationship, the review comes down.
Can a client leave an anonymous review?
Yes. Reviewers can choose not to display their name publicly. Legal matters are personal, and some clients prefer extra privacy. For more details, see "Can I find out who posted the review?".
Can I get a negative review removed that I disagree with?
Not if it reflects a genuine client experience and follows our guidelines, even if you see the situation differently. We don't investigate or arbitrate the underlying facts, but we do enforce our Community Guidelines, including removing reviews that violate them.
Can my staff or colleagues leave reviews on my behalf?
No, reviews have to come from actual or potential clients. Reviews from staff, colleagues, family, or friends who aren't clients will be removed. Professional recommendations from other lawyers are showcased separately through our peer endorsements feature, which is designed specifically for attorney-to-attorney feedback.
Does my business relationship with Avvo affect how my reviews are handled?
No. We handle moderation and disputes the same way for every attorney, whether you have a free profile or a paid advertising package. We don't remove, prioritize, or suppress reviews based on anyone's current or prospective business relationship with us.