A lawyer's online reputation is their digital image as shaped by all the information available online about them: Google search results, client reviews (Google, directory sites, legal platforms), social media profiles (LinkedIn, X), mentions in legal forums and press articles. This digital reputation directly influences how prospects decide: a single negative review left unaddressed can steer away dozens of potential clients.
The professional ethics framework imposes specific constraints: in France, Article 2.2 of the RIN prohibits lawyers from naming their clients without express authorization, which limits the ability to publicly showcase their wins. In cases of online defamation, the limitation period is 3 months from the date of first publication, which calls for active monitoring and a fast response.
To deal with fake reviews or malicious ones, several remedies exist: a bailiff's report to preserve evidence, a formal notice sent to Google (or to the platform concerned) to obtain removal, and, as a last resort, summary (interim) proceedings before the civil court. A proactive online-reputation strategy combines actively soliciting reviews from satisfied clients, publishing quality content regularly and automated monitoring of online mentions.