Google Maps for law firms: get found without crossing ethics lines

People looking for a lawyer often start with a local search. Here's how to show up, while staying careful with advertising and confidentiality rules.

Updated September 2026

The short answer

Choose the category that matches your main practice area, like "Personal injury attorney" or "Family law attorney," not just "Lawyer." Keep your firm name exactly as it's registered. Get reviews the right way, never reveal client information in review replies, and check the Louisiana State Bar Association's advertising rules before publishing claims or client statements.

Pick a specific category

Google has specific categories for many practice areas. A firm that mostly handles car wrecks should usually use "Personal injury attorney" as its main category, not the general "Lawyer" or "Law firm." Add extra categories for other practice areas you actively take cases in.

Keep your name clean

Your listing name should match your firm's real name. Adding words like "Car Accident Lawyer New Orleans" to the name breaks Google's rules and can get the listing suspended. Put practice areas in your categories, services, and description instead.

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Firm listings and attorney listings

Google's guidelines allow some individual professionals, including attorneys, to have their own listing in addition to the firm's, with conditions. Solo attorneys are generally advised to have just one listing. Before creating extra listings, review Google's guidelines for individual practitioners so you don't end up with duplicates.

Reviews and replies: be careful

  • Ask clients for reviews in a consistent, simple way, with no gifts or discounts in exchange
  • In your replies, don't confirm someone was a client or discuss their case. A general, professional reply is safer
  • Take any complaint offline by inviting the person to call the office

Lawyer advertising in Louisiana is regulated. The Louisiana State Bar Association has rules on advertising, including client testimonials and claims about results. Review them, or ask your ethics counsel, before publishing reviews or results on your website or listing.

Photos and updates

Use real photos of your office, your attorneys, and your team. Post updates about practice areas, office hours, or community involvement. Avoid posts that promise outcomes.

Your law firm checklist

  • Main category matches your main practice area
  • Firm name matches your registered name
  • Practice areas in services and description, not the name
  • No duplicate listings
  • Review replies never confirm client details
  • Advertising rules reviewed before publishing claims

Find out where your law firm shows up.

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