By Marc Apple ● ● 4 min read
Table of Contents
TL:DR Google reviews for many law firms temporarily disappeared due to a technical issue. Google has since restored most reviews, but if yours are still missing, contact support, provide documentation, and monitor your profile. Reviews are essential for SEO and client trust, so maintaining an accurate review profile is crucial.
Update 2/13/25: Google Reviews Have Been Restored
Good news! As of today, Google has resolved the issue that caused reviews to disappear from business profiles. Many law firms have reported that their missing reviews have been reinstated. If your reviews have not yet returned, we still recommend following the steps outlined below to ensure they are restored.
Read below on how you can be prepared next time this happens.
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Many law firms have recently noticed a troubling trend: a significant drop in their Google reviews. For law firms, online reviews are crucial for building trust and attracting clients, just like well-optimized marketing campaigns. Let’s explore why this is happening and what you can do to recover lost reviews.
Some initially speculated that an AI update or a quality algorithm shift by Google caused the issue.
Understanding the Issue
The decline in Google reviews began around February 7, 2025, with reports of law firms losing hundreds of reviews overnight. Some initially speculated that an AI update or a quality algorithm shift by Google caused the issue, though there was no official confirmation of this.
However, after consulting Google product experts, it became evident that this was not a mass review removal but a technical issue on Google’s end. The Google Business Profile Help page acknowledged that some profiles displayed lower review counts due to a glitch, and Google has been working on a resolution.
Steps to Recover Your Reviews
While Google works on a fix, law firms can take proactive measures—similar to refining ad strategies—to ensure reviews are restored.
1. Contact Google Support
If your reviews remain missing, visit Google Business Profile Help and use the “Contact Us” feature. Provide a clear description of the issue and include screenshots or documentation showing previous review counts.
2. Reply to Google’s Automated Messages
When you contact Google, you may receive automated replies regarding review policies. Be sure to respond, clarifying that the issue is unrelated to review violations and request direct assistance from a support representative.
3. Monitor Your Google Business Profile
Some businesses have reported that their missing reviews were reinstated within 24 to 48 hours, while others took longer. Regularly check your profile and any email notifications from Google regarding updates.
A strong review profile can set a law firm apart in a highly competitive market
Why Google Reviews Matter for Law Firms
For law firms, online reviews function much like ad performance metrics—they influence visibility, credibility, and client acquisition. A strong review profile can set a law firm apart in a highly competitive market, making it more likely that potential clients will choose them over competitors.
Additionally, Google reviews contribute to local SEO rankings, meaning law firms with more high-quality reviews are more likely to appear in search results when prospective clients look for legal services. Studies show that businesses with a higher number of positive reviews tend to rank higher in local search listings, increasing organic traffic and inquiries.
Online reviews serve as a digital form of word-of-mouth marketing.
Trust and social proof also play a significant role in a potential client’s decision-making process. Many clients seek out legal representation based on referrals and past experiences, and online reviews serve as a digital form of word-of-mouth marketing. Law firms with consistent, positive feedback demonstrate reliability and professionalism, helping to build client confidence before the first consultation.
Given these factors, maintaining an accurate and positive review profile should be a priority for law firms looking to attract more clients and establish their authority in their legal niche.
Tips to Protect Your Reviews Moving Forward
While you can’t prevent all issues with Google’s platform, here are some best practices to reduce the risk of future review losses:
- Encourage Authentic Reviews: Ask clients to leave genuine feedback that reflects their experience without using overly promotional language.
- Regular Monitoring: Frequently check your Google Business Profile to catch and report issues early.
- Keep Documentation: Take periodic screenshots of your reviews as a backup in case disputes arise.
GBP and Law Firm Help
While the recent loss of Google reviews is concerning, understanding the issue and taking proactive steps can help restore your firm’s reputation. If your law firm has been affected by missing Google reviews and you need expert assistance in managing your online reputation, schedule a free Lead Flow Acceleration Session right now to develop a tailored review recovery strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Google reviews are missing?
Check your Google Business Profile and compare your current review count with past records. If there’s a sudden drop, your reviews may be missing due to a technical issue.
Why did my law firm’s Google reviews disappear?
Google reviews may disappear due to platform glitches, algorithm updates, or policy enforcement. In this case, Google confirmed a display issue causing temporary review loss.
How long does it take for Google to restore missing reviews?
Some businesses have seen reviews reinstated within 24 to 48 hours, but it can take longer. Monitoring your profile and following up with Google support can help expedite recovery.
Can I prevent my Google reviews from being removed in the future?
While you can’t control Google’s technical issues, regularly monitoring your reviews, keeping documentation, and ensuring reviews follow Google’s guidelines can reduce risk.
What should I do if my reviews don’t return after contacting Google?
If your reviews are not restored, continue engaging with Google support, provide additional documentation, and seek expert assistance in online reputation management.
