Ethics-Compliant Lawyer Review Response Examples & Templates
Copy-paste templates that help you respond to every Google review without risking client confidentiality. Written to comply with ABA Model Rule 1.6 and Formal Opinion 496.
1What star rating is the review?
Why Lawyer Reviews Matter
Online reviews directly impact your bottom line. Here's what the research shows.
of people use online reviews to evaluate lawyers
Source: FindLaw
suspension handed to a Colorado lawyer who disclosed client details in a review response
Source: People v. Isaac (2016)
of potential clients say a law firm's responses to reviews influence their decision
Source: Martindale-Avvo
ABA Formal Opinion establishing that negative reviews do NOT trigger the self-defense exception
Source: ABA (2021)
Common Lawyer Review Complaints
Understanding the most frequent complaints helps you prepare responses in advance. Here are the top issues customers mention in lawyer reviews.
Poor Communication
Difficulty reaching the attorney, unreturned calls, or lack of case updates.
Example review:
"I left five voicemails over two weeks and never got a call back. I had no idea what was happening with my case."
Billing & Fees
Unexpected charges, unclear fee structures, or disputes over billing.
Example review:
"The retainer was gone in two weeks and they billed me for things I was never told about. The final bill was three times the estimate."
Case Outcome
Dissatisfaction with results, perceived lack of effort, or unmet expectations.
Example review:
"They promised they'd fight for me and then pushed me to settle for nothing. I feel like they just wanted to close the case."
Staff & Attorney Attitude
Rude, dismissive, or condescending behavior from attorneys or support staff.
Example review:
"The attorney talked down to me the entire meeting. Made me feel stupid for asking basic questions about my own case."
Responsiveness & Timeliness
Slow responses, missed deadlines, or delays in moving the case forward.
Example review:
"Everything took forever. They missed a filing deadline and blamed it on being 'busy.' My case dragged on for months longer than it should have."
Lack of Transparency
Feeling uninformed about strategy, next steps, or realistic expectations.
Example review:
"I never understood what the plan was. Every time I asked, I got vague answers. Felt like I was in the dark about my own legal situation."
Accessibility & Scheduling
Difficulty booking consultations, inconvenient office hours, or limited availability.
Example review:
"Tried to schedule a consultation and couldn't get an appointment for over a month. When I finally got in, they only had 15 minutes for me."
Professionalism
Lack of preparation, disorganization, or failure to follow through on commitments.
Example review:
"The lawyer showed up to court unprepared and seemed confused about the basic facts of my case. Really shook my confidence."
Lawyer Review Response Templates by Star Rating
Browse all templates organized by star rating. Click any section to expand and find the perfect response.
Poor Communication
Thank you for your feedback. We take communication seriously and strive to keep all clients informed. Our professional obligations prevent us from discussing the details of any matter publicly. We encourage you to contact our office at [Your Phone Number] so we can address your concerns directly.
We appreciate you sharing this feedback. Keeping everyone informed is a priority for us, and we're sorry you felt out of the loop. We're unable to discuss specifics publicly due to professional obligations, but we'd love to talk. Please call us at [Your Phone Number].
We're sorry to hear about your experience. Not knowing what's happening when you're relying on someone is incredibly frustrating, and we understand that. Professional obligations prevent us from discussing details publicly, but we want to address your concerns. Please reach out at [Your Phone Number].
Billing & Fees
Thank you for your feedback regarding billing. We are committed to fair and transparent fee practices. Our ethical obligations prevent us from discussing specific matters publicly. We invite you to contact our office at [Your Phone Number] so we can review your concerns directly.
We appreciate you bringing this up. Billing surprises are never a good experience, and we always aim to be upfront about costs. We can't get into details here due to professional obligations, but we'd be happy to discuss this. Please call us at [Your Phone Number].
We understand how stressful unexpected costs can be, especially during a legal matter. We're sorry for the frustration. Ethical obligations prevent us from addressing specifics publicly, but we want to resolve this. Please reach out to us at [Your Phone Number].
Case Outcome
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We understand the importance of every matter we handle. Due to our ethical and confidentiality obligations, we are unable to discuss the details of any representation publicly. We welcome you to contact our office at [Your Phone Number] to discuss your concerns.
We appreciate you sharing this. We care about the outcome of every matter, and we're sorry you're not satisfied. Our professional obligations keep us from discussing specifics here, but we'd really like to talk. Please call us at [Your Phone Number].
We're sorry to hear about your dissatisfaction. We understand how much the outcome means to you. Confidentiality obligations prevent us from discussing details publicly, but we genuinely want to address your concerns. Please reach out at [Your Phone Number].
Staff & Attorney Attitude
Thank you for this feedback. We hold our entire team - attorneys and staff - to the highest standards of courtesy and respect. We take your experience seriously and will address this internally. Please contact us at [Your Phone Number] if you wish to discuss further.
We're sorry to hear about this experience. Everyone who contacts our firm deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. We appreciate you letting us know and are addressing it with our team. Please call us at [Your Phone Number].
We're sorry you were made to feel that way. Legal matters are stressful enough without feeling dismissed or talked down to. We take this feedback to heart. Please reach out at [Your Phone Number] - we want to make this right.
Responsiveness & Timeliness
Thank you for your feedback. Timeliness and diligence are standards we uphold. We take concerns like this seriously and will review our processes. Professional obligations prevent us from discussing specifics publicly. Please contact us at [Your Phone Number].
We're sorry about the delays. We know how important it is to feel like your matter is moving forward. We can't discuss specifics publicly due to professional obligations, but we'd like to address this. Please call us at [Your Phone Number].
We understand how frustrating delays can be, especially when you're counting on someone. We're sorry for the experience. Professional obligations prevent us from going into details here, but please reach out at [Your Phone Number] - we want to address this.
Lack of Transparency
Thank you for your feedback. We believe in keeping all clients fully informed about their matters. Our ethical obligations prevent us from discussing specifics publicly, but we would welcome the opportunity to address your concerns. Please contact us at [Your Phone Number].
We appreciate the feedback. You should always feel informed about what's happening, and we're sorry if that wasn't your experience. We can't share details here, but we'd love to talk. Please call us at [Your Phone Number].
We're sorry you felt left in the dark. That must have been really unsettling, and it's not the experience we want anyone to have. Professional obligations limit what we can say publicly. Please reach out at [Your Phone Number] - we want to help.
Accessibility & Scheduling
Thank you for your feedback regarding scheduling. We understand the importance of accessibility and are working to improve our availability. Please contact our office at [Your Phone Number] and we will personally assist you.
We're sorry about the scheduling difficulties. We know that when you need legal help, you need it when you need it. We're working on doing better here. Please call us at [Your Phone Number] and we'll make time for you.
We understand how frustrating it must have been to struggle to get an appointment. Legal matters don't wait, and neither should you. We're taking steps to improve. Please reach out at [Your Phone Number].
Professionalism
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Thorough preparation and professionalism are non-negotiable standards at our firm. We take this feedback very seriously. Due to professional obligations, we cannot discuss specifics publicly. Please contact us at [Your Phone Number].
We're sorry to hear about this experience. Preparation and professionalism are things we take a lot of pride in, and we're concerned to hear we fell short. We'd like to discuss this. Please call us at [Your Phone Number].
We're sorry this happened. We understand how alarming it must have been to feel your representation wasn't fully prepared. We take this very seriously. Professional obligations prevent us from discussing details publicly, but please reach out at [Your Phone Number].
Poor Communication
Thank you for your feedback. Communication is a cornerstone of our practice, and we regret falling short. Our professional obligations prevent us from discussing specifics publicly. We invite you to contact us at [Your Phone Number] to address your concerns.
Thanks for sharing this. Staying in touch is important to us, and we're sorry we didn't meet your expectations. We can't discuss specifics here, but we'd love to connect. Please call us at [Your Phone Number].
We hear you, and we're sorry. Feeling disconnected when you need answers is truly frustrating. Our obligations prevent us from discussing details publicly, but please reach out at [Your Phone Number] - we want to make this right.
Billing & Fees
Thank you for your feedback on billing. We strive for transparent fee practices and are sorry we fell short of your expectations. Ethical obligations prevent us from discussing specifics publicly. Please contact us at [Your Phone Number].
We appreciate the feedback on billing. Nobody likes surprises when it comes to costs. We can't get into details here, but we'd be happy to review things with you. Call us at [Your Phone Number]!
We understand how stressful billing issues can be on top of everything else. We're sorry for the frustration. Please reach out at [Your Phone Number] so we can work through this together.
Case Outcome
Thank you for your feedback. We understand how important outcomes are. Our confidentiality obligations prevent us from discussing any matter publicly. We welcome you to contact our office at [Your Phone Number].
We appreciate you sharing this. We know how much the result matters. Professional obligations keep us from discussing specifics here, but we'd like to talk. Call us at [Your Phone Number].
We're sorry you're feeling this way. We understand that a lot was riding on the outcome, and your frustration is valid. Confidentiality prevents us from discussing details here. Please reach out at [Your Phone Number].
Staff & Attorney Attitude
Thank you for this feedback. Courtesy and respect are expectations we have for every member of our team. We will address this internally. Please contact us at [Your Phone Number] if you'd like to discuss further.
We're sorry about this interaction. You deserve to be treated with kindness and respect, always. We appreciate you telling us and are addressing it. Call us at [Your Phone Number] anytime.
We're sorry you had this experience. Legal situations are stressful enough without feeling mistreated. We're taking this seriously. Please reach out at [Your Phone Number] if there's more you'd like to share.
Responsiveness & Timeliness
Thank you for your feedback. Timely service is a standard we hold ourselves to. We appreciate you pointing out where we fell short and will review our processes. Please contact us at [Your Phone Number].
We're sorry about the delays. We know how important it is to feel like things are moving. We're working to improve and would appreciate another chance. Call us at [Your Phone Number].
We understand how frustrating slow progress can be. Your time and your matter are important to us. We're making changes to do better. Please reach out at [Your Phone Number].
Lack of Transparency
Thank you for your feedback on transparency. Keeping clients informed is fundamental to our practice. We appreciate this input and will work to improve. Please contact us at [Your Phone Number].
Thanks for sharing this. You should always know what's going on, and we're sorry if we dropped the ball. We're working on better communication. Call us at [Your Phone Number].
We're sorry you didn't feel fully informed. That's not the standard we want to set. We're taking steps to improve. Please reach out at [Your Phone Number] - your feedback matters.
Accessibility & Scheduling
Thank you for your scheduling feedback. We understand the importance of availability and are working to improve. Please contact us at [Your Phone Number] for scheduling assistance.
Sorry about the scheduling trouble. We want to be there when you need us. We're working on being more available. Call us at [Your Phone Number] and we'll find a time.
We understand how frustrating it is when you can't get in to see us. Legal matters are time-sensitive, and you deserve better. We're improving our availability. Please reach out at [Your Phone Number].
Professionalism
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Preparation and diligence are standards we uphold. We take this feedback seriously and will address it. Professional obligations prevent us from discussing specifics. Please contact us at [Your Phone Number].
We're sorry about this. Being prepared is something we take a lot of pride in, and we want to understand what happened. Please call us at [Your Phone Number] to discuss.
We're sorry for this experience. We understand how important it is to feel confident in your representation. We're addressing this. Please reach out at [Your Phone Number].
Poor Communication
Thank you for the balanced review. We are glad some aspects of your experience were positive and note your feedback on communication. We are always working to improve. Please feel free to contact us at [Your Phone Number].
Thanks for the honest review! Glad some things went well. We hear you on communication and are working to do better there. Call us at [Your Phone Number] anytime!
We appreciate your thoughtful feedback. We're glad there were positives, and we take the communication feedback to heart. We're improving. Please reach out at [Your Phone Number] if you have more to share.
Billing & Fees
Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive aspects and your candor about billing. We are committed to fee transparency and will use your feedback to improve. Please contact us at [Your Phone Number] with any questions.
Thanks for the review! Glad some things hit the mark. We hear you on billing - we always want to be clear about costs. Call us at [Your Phone Number] if you want to go over anything.
We appreciate the balanced feedback. We're glad there were positives, and we understand billing concerns can add stress. We're working to be more transparent. Please reach out at [Your Phone Number].
Case Outcome
Thank you for your review. We appreciate your balanced feedback. Due to confidentiality obligations, we cannot discuss specific matters publicly. We welcome you to contact us at [Your Phone Number] with any concerns.
Thanks for the honest review. We appreciate the positive notes and hear your other concerns. Professional obligations keep us from discussing specifics, but we're here to talk. Call us at [Your Phone Number].
We appreciate the thoughtful review. We're glad some things went well and take your other feedback seriously. Confidentiality prevents us from discussing details here. Please reach out at [Your Phone Number].
Staff & Attorney Attitude
Thank you for your review. We are pleased that some aspects were positive and take the staff feedback to heart. We will address this internally. Please contact us at [Your Phone Number].
Thanks for the honest review! Glad some things went well. We want every interaction to be positive, so thanks for the feedback. Call us at [Your Phone Number] anytime!
We appreciate your balanced feedback. We're glad there were bright spots, and we're addressing the team interaction concerns. Please reach out at [Your Phone Number] if you'd like to share more.
Responsiveness & Timeliness
Thank you for the balanced review. We appreciate the positives and take the responsiveness feedback seriously. We are working to improve. Please feel free to contact us at [Your Phone Number].
Thanks for the review! Glad some things were good. We hear you on the speed side - we're working on it. Hope to earn that fifth star next time!
We appreciate the honest review. We're glad there were positives, and we understand how frustrating delays can be. We're making improvements. Please reach out at [Your Phone Number].
Lack of Transparency
Thank you for your review. We value the positive feedback and appreciate your candor about transparency. Keeping clients informed is a priority, and we are working to improve. Please contact us at [Your Phone Number].
Thanks for the honest review! Glad some things went well. We hear you on wanting to feel more informed - we're working on that. Call us at [Your Phone Number] anytime.
We appreciate the thoughtful feedback. We're glad there were positives, and we understand how important clear communication is. We're improving in this area. Please reach out at [Your Phone Number].
Accessibility & Scheduling
Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive aspects and note your scheduling feedback. We are working to improve availability. Please contact us at [Your Phone Number].
Thanks for the review! Glad the experience was good in many ways. We're working on being easier to schedule with. Call us at [Your Phone Number] and we'll find a time!
We appreciate the balanced feedback. We're glad your experience had positives, and we hear you on scheduling. We're working to improve. Please reach out at [Your Phone Number].
Professionalism
Thank you for your review. We appreciate the balanced feedback and take professionalism concerns seriously. We are always striving to improve. Please feel free to contact us at [Your Phone Number].
Thanks for the honest review! Glad some things went well. We always want to put our best foot forward, so we appreciate the feedback. Call us at [Your Phone Number] anytime.
We appreciate the thoughtful feedback. We're glad there were highlights, and we take the professionalism concerns to heart. We're working to do better. Please reach out at [Your Phone Number].
Poor Communication
Thank you for the excellent review. We are pleased you had a positive experience and appreciate the communication feedback. We continually strive to improve in every area. We look forward to assisting you in the future.
Thanks so much for the great review! We're glad you had a good experience. We're always working on better communication, so thanks for the tip. Hope to work with you again!
Thank you for the kind words! We're so glad your experience was positive. We appreciate the communication feedback - we want every interaction to exceed expectations. Looking forward to assisting you again!
Billing & Fees
Thank you for the positive review. We are glad your experience was good and appreciate the billing feedback. We are committed to transparent fee practices. Please contact us at [Your Phone Number] with any questions.
Thanks for the great review! Glad everything went well. If you ever have billing questions, we're always happy to clarify. Call us at [Your Phone Number] anytime!
Thank you for the kind feedback! We're happy your experience was positive. We understand billing can be confusing in legal matters, and we're always here to help. Reach out at [Your Phone Number] anytime.
Case Outcome
Thank you for the excellent review. We are pleased that your experience was positive. We appreciate your trust and look forward to assisting you in the future.
Thanks for the wonderful review! We're so glad you had a great experience. It means a lot when clients take the time to share their feedback. Hope to work with you again!
Thank you for the kind words! Your trust means a great deal to us. We're glad we could be of service, and we're here whenever you need us. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Staff & Attorney Attitude
Thank you for the positive review. We are proud of our team and glad they made a good impression. We take all feedback to heart and continue striving for excellence. We look forward to serving you again.
Thanks for the great review! Our team will be thrilled to hear this. We appreciate the feedback and always want to improve. Hope to see you again!
Thank you for the lovely feedback! We're so glad our team made you feel valued. We appreciate you taking the time to share this. It means a lot to everyone here.
Responsiveness & Timeliness
Thank you for the excellent review. We are pleased with your positive experience and note your responsiveness feedback. We continually work to improve our turnaround times. We look forward to serving you again.
Thanks for the awesome review! So glad things went well. We're always working to be even faster and more responsive. Hope to work with you again!
Thank you for the kind words! We're glad your experience was positive. We appreciate the responsiveness feedback and are working to be even better. Looking forward to helping you again!
Lack of Transparency
Thank you for the positive review. We value transparency and are glad it was part of your experience. We appreciate the feedback and look forward to assisting you in the future.
Thanks for the great review! We love hearing that you felt informed and supported. That's what we aim for. Can't wait to work with you again!
Thank you for the kind feedback! We believe everyone deserves to feel fully informed, and we're glad that was your experience. We look forward to serving you again!
Accessibility & Scheduling
Thank you for the positive review. We are glad your experience was convenient and positive. We continue working to improve our accessibility. We look forward to serving you again.
Thanks for the great review! Glad everything went smoothly. We're always working to make scheduling even easier. Hope to see you again!
Thank you for the kind words! We're glad your experience was smooth from start to finish. We appreciate the scheduling feedback and are always improving. See you next time!
Professionalism
Thank you for the excellent review. We are dedicated to the highest standards of professionalism and are glad it was reflected in your experience. We look forward to serving you again.
Thanks for the awesome review! We're so glad you had a good experience with our team. Professionalism is something we take pride in. Hope to work with you again!
Thank you for the kind feedback! We're glad our dedication came through during your experience. We appreciate your trust and look forward to assisting you again.
Poor Communication
Thank you for the outstanding review. We are delighted to hear about your exceptional experience. Communication is a cornerstone of our practice, and we are glad it showed. We look forward to serving you in the future.
Wow, thank you so much! We're thrilled you had such a great experience. Keeping you in the loop every step of the way is our goal. Can't wait to work with you again!
Thank you so much for this wonderful review! It means everything to know you felt supported and informed throughout. That's exactly the experience we want for everyone. We're here whenever you need us.
Billing & Fees
Thank you for the exceptional review. We are committed to fair, transparent fee practices and are delighted that your experience reflected those values. We look forward to assisting you again.
Thank you so much! We're thrilled everything - including the billing - was a positive experience. We always aim to be straightforward and fair. Hope to work with you again!
What a wonderful review - thank you! We know legal costs can be stressful, so it means a lot to hear that you felt our fees were fair and transparent. We're here whenever you need us.
Case Outcome
Thank you for the outstanding review. We are honored by your trust and grateful for the opportunity to have been of service. Reviews like yours inspire our team to continue delivering excellent legal service.
Thank you so much! We're thrilled with this feedback. It was our pleasure to help, and we're grateful for your trust. We're here whenever you need us!
Thank you for this incredible review! We know how much was at stake, and we're honored that you trusted us. Your kind words mean the world to our entire team. We're always here for you.
Staff & Attorney Attitude
Thank you for the exceptional review. We are proud of our team and thrilled to hear they provided an outstanding experience. We will share your kind words with them. We look forward to serving you again.
Thank you SO much! Our team is going to love reading this. We're so lucky to have such dedicated people here, and reviews like yours make their day. We're here anytime you need us!
What a beautiful review - thank you! Our team genuinely cares about every person we work with, and knowing that comes through means everything. We're honored by your trust.
Responsiveness & Timeliness
Thank you for the outstanding review. We are committed to responsive, attentive service and are delighted that it was reflected in your experience. We look forward to serving you again.
Thank you so much! We're thrilled you had a great experience. We always try to be quick and responsive because we know it matters. Can't wait to help you again!
Thank you for this wonderful review! We know that timely communication provides peace of mind during legal matters, and we're so glad we delivered that for you. We're always here.
Lack of Transparency
Thank you for the glowing review. Transparency is a core value of our practice, and we are delighted it was central to your experience. We look forward to assisting you in the future.
Thank you so much! We believe in being open and honest every step of the way, and we're so glad that resonated with you. We're here whenever you need us!
What a wonderful review - thank you! Knowing that you felt fully informed and supported throughout means the world to us. That's the standard we hold ourselves to. We're always here for you.
Accessibility & Scheduling
Thank you for the excellent review. We are glad that the process was convenient and accessible from start to finish. We look forward to welcoming you back.
Thanks for the amazing review! We're so glad everything was smooth and easy. We work hard to be accessible when you need us. Hope to help you again soon!
Thank you for this wonderful feedback! We're thrilled your experience was seamless. We know your time is valuable, and we're glad we could make things easy. We're here whenever you need us.
Professionalism
Thank you for the exceptional review. Professionalism and dedication are the foundation of our practice, and we are honored that they were reflected in your experience. We look forward to serving you again.
Thank you so much! We're thrilled you had an excellent experience. Our team takes a lot of pride in what they do, and this kind of feedback means the world. Hope to work with you again!
What an incredible review - thank you! We're passionate about what we do, and knowing that our dedication showed means everything. Your trust is deeply valued. We're always here for you.
Lawyer Review Response Best Practices
Templates get you started, but these best practices will help you craft responses that truly build trust.
Never Confirm the Attorney-Client Relationship
Under ABA Model Rule 1.6, even confirming that someone is or was your client is a confidentiality breach. Respond to every review as if addressing a member of the general public. Never say "we remember working on your case" or "during your representation."
Never Disclose Case Details - Even to Correct False Claims
ABA Formal Opinion 496 is clear: a negative review does NOT trigger the self-defense exception. You cannot reveal case type, charges, outcomes, strategy, billing details, or any facts learned during representation - even if the reviewer's claims are false.
Consider Not Responding at All
The ABA suggests that not responding may be the best option for negative reviews, as responses can draw more attention to the criticism. If you do respond, keep it brief, general, and focused on inviting private communication.
Reference Professional Obligations
It's appropriate to note that "professional and ethical obligations" prevent you from discussing specifics. This signals to potential clients that you take confidentiality seriously - which is exactly what they want in a lawyer.
Take It Offline Immediately
For any negative review, invite the reviewer to contact your office directly. This moves the conversation to a private channel where you can speak more freely. Keep the public response to 2-3 sentences maximum.
Respond to Positive Reviews Too
Thank positive reviewers warmly but generally. "Thank you for the kind words - we're glad we could be of service" is safe. "Thank you for trusting us with your divorce case" is not. Never reference case type, outcome, or any specifics.
Your Ethical Compliance Is a Competitive Advantage
Multiple lawyers have been suspended or reprimanded for violating client confidentiality in review responses - including a six-month suspension in Colorado and an 18-month suspension for another attorney. By responding to reviews with ethics-compliant templates, you protect your license, demonstrate professionalism to potential clients, and distinguish yourself from competitors who either ignore reviews or respond recklessly. ABA Formal Opinion 496 provides clear guidance: respond generally, invite private communication, and never disclose anything.
Legal Ethics Response Checklist for Law Firms
Attorneys face unique ethical constraints when responding to online reviews. The existence of an attorney-client relationship is itself privileged information - confirming someone was a client, even in a positive response, can create ethical issues. Every template on this page is written to avoid these pitfalls:
- ✓Never confirms or denies an attorney-client relationship
- ✓Never references case types, details, or outcomes
- ✓Never mentions billing specifics or fee arrangements
- ✓Never references specific attorneys or staff on a matter
- ✓Always redirects to private communication
This is exactly what makes responding to lawyer reviews different from responding to restaurant or auto repair reviews - and why generic templates can be risky for your practice.
Templates Are Safe. AI Is Safe and Personal.
These templates follow legal ethics best practices - but they require you to find the right one, customize it, and post it for every review. Reply Champion goes further:
- ✓AI reads each review and writes a personalized response
- ✓Every response is automatically screened for common legal ethics red flags before posting
- ✓Built-in safeguards designed to help protect attorney-client privilege in your public responses
- ✓You review and approve, or auto-post - your choice
No credit card required
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about responding to lawyer reviews.