Positive online reviews can enhance a lawyer's reputation. Bad reviews can potentially turn away prospective clients. Encouraging the good and managing the bad triggers ethical responsibilities that Texas lawyers should not overlook. Lawyers must ensure that any online review strategy complies with the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct ("TDRPC"), particularly the rules governing confidentiality and attorney advertising.

Can I request a positive review from a past or current client?

Yes, Texas lawyers may ask current and former clients to leave favorable online reviews, but only within carefully defined ethical limits. See, Texas Professional Ethics Committee Opinion 685 (2020).

Importantly, the same rules governing all lawyer advertising apply to online reviews. “Whatever means are used to make known a lawyer’s services, statements about them must be truthful and not misleading.” TDRPC 7.01(a), cmt. 1. So, while lawyers can encourage current and former clients to leave favorable reviews,…