May 21, 2014
The Yellow Pages are out. The Internet is in.
The Internet even counts more now than word of mouth.
When it comes to the way the public chooses an attorney, methods have drastically changed in the last decade, according to the results of a new study by FindLaw.com.
In 2005, only 7 percent of consumers looked to the Internet to find a lawyer – a distant fourth place behind asking their friends and relatives (65 percent), consulting the local bar association (13 percent) or using the Yellow Pages (10 percent).
Today, 38 percent of people searching for an attorney turn to the Internet, by far the most prevalent method.
While two-thirds of consumers used to ask their friends and family who they would recommend as a good lawyer, today less than one-third do, only 29 percent.
Just 10 percent consult the local bar association today, and a mere 4 percent turn to the Yellow Pages.
In the FindLaw survey of 1,000 Americans, 15 percent of respondents said they have a current relationship with a lawyer and would not be searching for one.
While friends or relatives may know only a limited number of attorneys – and fewer with necessary specialties – free online services can compare attorneys’ credentials, experience and services.
FindLaw, for instance, has the free online “FindLaw Lawyer Directory” to assist consumers, as well as other online resources such as “Guide to Hiring a Lawyer” and “Guide to the U.S. Legal System.”
This article was originally posted on May 21, 2014 and the information may no longer be current. For questions, please contact GRF CPAs & Advisors at marketing@grfcpa.com.