The internet is often our first stop for finding everything from an air fryer to a hotel, but is this the best way to find an attorney when you are confronting the most difficult situation of your life?
Typing “lawyer near me” in the search bar might be convenient, but is more likely to leave you frustrated or confused at finding the best lawyer to actually help you. Choosing an attorney isn’t like ordering takeout or buying a product online—it’s about trust, skill, and experience.
A Consumer Habit That Doesn’t Translate to Legal Services
Studies consistently show that over 80% of consumers research products online before making a purchase. That works fine for shoes or a new phone, but not for something as personal and consequential as legal representation. Algorithms reward marketing, not necessarily merit or legal acumen.
A high ranking in search results doesn’t always mean a lawyer has the right experience, judgment, or reputation for your situation. As a starting point, the first lawyers to show up on an internet search may just be spending the most money to appear there.
A recent study found that in 2024, more than $2.5 billion was spent on advertisements for legal services. This indicates a 261% increase in spending on legal services since 2017. To put this amount in context, lawyers are spending double on advertising than all pizza restaurants!
This leads to the concern that many law firms have become more of a marketing firm with lawyers than a law firm focused on obtaining the best results for clients.
Ask People Who Know
At Plakas Mannos, over 90% of our cases come from past clients or other professionals—people who’ve seen our work firsthand and trust us with those they care about. That’s how most quality legal work is found.
If you’re looking for an attorney, start by asking:
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Friends or family who’ve worked with lawyers they respected.
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Professionals who regularly interact with attorneys—financial advisors, medical providers, accountants, or other business owners.
These people can tell you who earns respect in the courtroom or at the negotiating table, not just who advertises well.
Look for Peer-Reviewed Credibility
If you do use the internet, go deeper than searching for “lawyer near me.” Check for peer-reviewed credentials such as Martindale-Hubbell ratings, Super Lawyers, or Best Lawyers in America. Those distinctions are based on evaluations by other attorneys and judges—not paid ads.
Also, read reviews carefully. Focus on comments about communication, ethics, and results, not just star counts.
How to Find the Best Lawyer
Legal problems deserve more than a quick search. So how can you find the right lawyer for your legal needs? Ask people you trust. Verify professional reputation. And when you find a lawyer whose name comes up through respect rather than search rank, you’ve probably found the right fit.
If you’re looking for the best lawyer near Stark or Summit County, look no further than the team at Plakas Mannos. Reach out today for a consultation.
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