Your Avvo profile gives potential clients two distinct ways to evaluate you: Client Reviews and the Avvo Rating. They both display on your profile, but they measure completely different things—and client reviews never affect your rating.
What Client Reviews and the Avvo Rating each do
 Client Reviews reflect the human side of working with you: how you communicated, how you handled a case, and whether a client felt heard. They come directly from people who hired or consulted with you. Our research shows that nearly 70% of legal consumers say reviews are the single most helpful thing they look at when searching for an attorney. |
 The Avvo Rating is your professional scorecard: a 1–10 score built from experience, credentials, peer endorsements, and disciplinary history. It's calculated algorithmically and applied the same way to every attorney. |
How Client Reviews and the Avvo Rating work together
| Client Reviews | Avvo Rating | |
| What it shows | The client experience | Your professional track record and credentials |
| Trust factor | First-hand feedback from real clients | Third-party, data-driven credential |
| Standout benefit | Helps prospective clients understand what it's like to work with you | Helps people who don't know you yet quickly understand your professional background |
Frequently asked questions
How do client reviews help my practice?
- They help build trust quickly. Genuine feedback from real clients helps prospects feel confident before they ever pick up the phone.
- They show what it's like to work with you. Your degrees and case results show qualifications; reviews show personality, style, and follow-through.
- They give you a chance to respond. When you respond to a review, future clients can see your professionalism in action—how you acknowledge feedback and engage with the people you serve.
- They're built for legal. Unlike Google or Yelp, Avvo's review system and moderation are designed around attorney-client dynamics.
How does the Avvo Rating help my practice?
- It helps new clients discover you. Consumers searching for an attorney can quickly review professional backgrounds and see how yours compares, even if they've never heard your name before.
- It validates referrals. Our research finds that 61% of consumers who receive a lawyer recommendation still research that attorney's reputation online. A strong rating can reinforce that referral.
- You can strengthen it. Claim your profile and keep your background details, achievements, and peer endorsements current. The more complete your profile, the more accurate the picture the rating model has of your career.
Does payment affect reviews or the rating?
No. The rating is based on a mathematical model, and reviews come from your clients. Neither is influenced by whether you advertise with Avvo or purchase any services; you cannot buy a higher Avvo Rating, and you cannot pay to change a client review.
Where can I learn more?
For more details, see What is the Avvo Rating? and What are Reviews?
Still have questions? Contact us.