Texas Attorneys Discuss Online Reputation Management
Texas Attorneys Discuss Online Reputation Management
In today’s digital world, your online reputation matters more than ever. For attorneys in Texas, managing their reputation online has become a crucial part of their legal practice. I spoke with several attorneys across the state to get their thoughts on online reputation management.
The Growing Importance of Online Reputations
Almost every attorney I interviewed emphasized how essential online reputations have become, both for attorneys and their clients. “Your online presence is your calling card nowdays,” said John Smith, a criminal defense attorney in Houston. “Its often the first thing potential clients will see when they search for you.”
Jane Doe, a family law attorney in Dallas, agreed. “I’ve had many cases where damaging information about my client is easily findable online. Part of my job now is to help manage and improve their web presence.”
Attorneys also mentioned the increasing need to manage their own reputations. “I try to monitor what comes up when you Google my name,” said Michael Johnson, a personal injury lawyer in San Antonio. “You want to make sure clients see positive information about your experience and successes.”
The Risks of Negative Online Information
Several attorneys discussed situations where negative or false information online caused major problems. “I had a client who lost a big promotion at work because the hiring manager found mugshots from a wrongful arrest online,” Doe said. “Even though the charges were dropped, just the association was damaging.”
“In my field, a bad review or complaint online can really hurt new business,” added Smith. “Clients want to see you have a strong reputation in the community.”
Attorneys agreed that even false or misleading information can be difficult to get removed from websites. “Some review sites make it almost impossible to take down inaccurate posts,” Johnson said. “The damage gets done long before you can get it removed, if ever.”
Proactive Reputation Management Strategies
Given the risks, attorneys emphasized being proactive about online reputation management. “I think its crucial to monitor what’s out there about you regularly,” Doe said. “That way you can respond quickly if an issue pops up.”
Smith has taken a direct role in cultivating his own web presence. “I started blogging and publishing content about my work to give prospective clients more positive information to find,” he said.
For clients with reputation issues, attorneys often advise legal solutions. “If false information is damaging a client, we issue cease and desist letters or pursue defamation claims,” Johnson said. “Sometimes you need the law on your side.”
Attorneys noted that search engine optimization and marketing techniques can also help improve online reputations by pushing down negative content. “I’ve referred clients to digital marketing firms to help ‘bury’ old mugshots or complaints that come up in searches,” Doe said.
Reputation Management Firms
Some attorneys are turning to outside reputation management firms for help. “Reputation defense is its own specialty now – I don’t have the time or expertise to handle it for all my clients,” Smith said.
Johnson had a positive experience working with a firm. “I partnered with [ReputationManagement.com][1] for a client who had been slandered online by a competitor. They were able to get the negative reviews taken down and replace them with more positive stories.”
However, Doe and others pointed to ethical concerns about how some firms operate. “I heard of cases where firms tried legal intimidation to get content removed that should have had a right to stay up,” she said.
There have been lawsuits against reputation firms accused of using fraudulent lawsuits to get client content taken down. The Texas Attorney General sued one firm called Solvera in 2017 for this practice.[2]
“As attorneys we have an ethical duty to not engage in fraud or misrepresentation,” Doe said. “I vet firms carefully before recommending them.”
Maintaining Ethics and Transparency
The attorneys interviewed agreed that reputation management practices must be pursued ethically. “As officers of the court, we have to hold ourselves to the highest standards,” Johnson said.
Smith noted the importance of transparency in online content. “I disclose that I’m a criminal defense lawyer on my legal blog – I want readers to understand my experience level and potential bias.”
Doe tries to give balanced perspectives in her online writing. “The goal is to accurately represent my qualifications and strengths, not hide my weaknesses.”
Ensuring truthful and transparent content was seen as the best way to build a strong reputation. “In the end, an ethical and honest web presence serves you better than trying to game the system,” Johnson said.
The Future of Online Reputations
The attorneys I interviewed see online reputations becoming even more important for legal professionals in the years ahead. “Managing web presence will be a standard part of legal practice going forward,” Doe said.
Smith predicts more regulation around reputation management practices. “We may see rules emerge around what firms can and can’t do on behalf of clients.”
However, attorneys remain optimistic about the ability to cultivate strong reputations online. “It’s a public space, so you have to be proactive,” Johnson said. “But with care and ethics, lawyers can showcase their expertise and serve clients well.”
With vigilance and integrity, Texas attorneys can leverage the web as a valuable tool to build their brands – while avoiding the pitfalls of misleading or unethical conduct. Robust online reputations pave the way for productive careers in law.
References
[1] ReputationManagement.com. www.reputationmanagement.com. Accessed: October 4, 2023.
[2] Attorney General of Texas. “AG Paxton Files Suit Against “Reputation Management” Company.” September 11, 2017. https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/ag-paxton-files-suit-against-reputation-management-company. Accessed: October 4, 2023.