When people search for a lawyer today, one of the very first things they do is read Google reviews. Whether someone is facing a workplace injury or  a criminal charge, online reviews have become a critical part of deciding which law firm can be trusted.

At Mays Law Office, we are proud to have earned almost 100 authentic 5-star Google reviews from real former clients. These reviews were not purchased, filtered, incentivized, or curated. They reflect real experiences from people who trusted us during some of the most stressful moments of their lives.

What many potential clients don’t realize is how rare—and how difficult—it is for a law firm to accumulate this many legitimate 5-star reviews, especially while adhering to ethical rules and Google’s strict policies.

This article explains why that matters—and why authentic reviews should carry more weight than sheer numbers alone.

Why Google Reviews Are So Important for Law Firms

Google reviews serve two critical purposes:

1. They help potential clients evaluate trustworthiness;
2. They signal credibility and consistency over time.

Legal services are deeply personal. Unlike buying a product or booking a hotel, hiring a lawyer often means placing your liberty, livelihood, health, and future in someone else’s hands. Because most people will never need a lawyer until something goes wrong, reviews act as a substitute for personal referrals.

Search terms like:

• best law firm near me
• top-rated lawyer in Wisconsin
• trusted workers’ compensation attorney
• criminal law firm with 5-star Google reviews

are some of the most common ways people begin their search. That makes Google reviews both influential—and vulnerable to abuse.

The Little-Known Truth: Law Firms Are Constantly Solicited to Buy Reviews

Most consumers are unaware that law firms are regularly targeted by marketing companies promising fast, cheap 5-star reviews.

For example, Mays Law Office received an email in January 2026 that read:

Hey Stephen, I looked at your Google reviews—it’s impressive seeing people like Larry saying: ‘Best law firm in Madison for help.’
But wouldn’t having all happy clients add reviews automatically make sense, without asking them directly?
We help law firms add 38 5-star Google reviews per month for $119/month—and you’d pick which reviews go public, blocking bad ones.

At first glance, these offers may sound harmless. But in reality, they raise serious ethical and legal concerns because they are false and a misrepresentation to a potential client.

Why Buying or Filtering Reviews Is a Problem

Promises like “blocking bad reviews” or “choosing which reviews go public” directly violate Google’s review policies and mislead consumers.

More importantly, they undermine the very purpose of reviews.

Paid or curated reviews:

• Do not reflect real client experiences;
• Create a false sense of quality or consistency;
• Harm public trust in the legal profession;
• Can result in penalties or removal from Google listings.

Ethical law firms, like Mays Law Office, understand that reputation cannot be manufactured. It must be earned.

Why Authentic 5-Star Reviews Are So Hard to Earn

Even outstanding law firms struggle to collect reviews—and for good reason.

Consider this reality:

• Many satisfied clients are simply relieved their case is over;
• Others want privacy and discretion and not their name revealed;
• Some feel emotionally drained after legal proceedings;
• Many assume reviews aren’t necessary.

That means even when a law firm does exceptional work, most clients never leave a review.

When someone does take the time to write a thoughtful 5-star review, it usually reflects:

• Strong communication;
• Genuine care and respect;
• Consistent follow-through;
• A meaningful result;
• A lasting impression of trust.

That is why large numbers of authentic 5-star reviews are built slowly and organically, often over many years. See the passage of time and age (recent and past) of Mays Law Office reviews as proof that they are authentic.

What Our 5-Star Google Reviews Represent

At Mays Law Office our reviews are not marketing assets—they are earned endorsements.

Each review represents:

• A real person/client;
• A real legal issue;
• A real outcome earned by Mays Law Office;
• A real relationship with Mays Law Office built on trust.

We NEVER:

• Pay for reviews;
• Incentivize positive feedback;
• Hide negative experiences;
• Filter or suppress criticism.

We believe transparency matters. Just as we stand behind our legal work, we stand behind our reputation.

Why Ethics and Transparency Matter in Choosing a Lawyer

The same principles that guide how a law firm handles reviews also guide how it handles cases.

A firm willing to:

• Manipulate public feedback;
• Purchase praise;
• Hide criticism.

may also be willing to cut corners elsewhere.

Clients deserve honesty—not just in the courtroom or negotiation room, but everywhere.

How to Spot Authentic Law Firm Reviews

When evaluating Google reviews, look for:

• Specific details about the client’s experience;
• Consistent themes (communication, responsiveness, outcomes);
• Reviews written over several years—not all at once or in a short duration;
• Named attorneys or staff members;
• A natural mix of timing and writing styles.

Authentic reviews read like real stories—not advertisements.

Why This Matters to You as a Potential Client

Choosing the right law firm is one of the most important decisions you may ever make. Authentic Google reviews help you:

• Set realistic expectations;
• Identify firms with proven consistency;
• Avoid misleading marketing tactics;
• Choose representation you can trust.

Any firm can buy stars. Not every law firm can earn trust.

Mays Law Office’s Commitment to Real Clients and Real Results

At Mays Law Office, we are proud of our reputation—not because it looks good online, but because it reflects how we treat people.

Our goal has always been simple:

• Do excellent legal work;
• Communicate often, clearly and honestly with our clients;
• Treat every client with respect;
• Earn trust the right way – doing good work.

If you are considering our firm, we invite you to read our authentic 5 Star Google reviews carefully. They are one of the clearest reflections of who we are, how we work, and what you can expect if you place your trust in Mays Law Office.