In the age of the internet, lawyers are subject to online reviews by clients and former clients. I have received several reviews myself that I did not enjoy reading. Some of them were by people who I never represented or spoke with. Where lawyers get into trouble is when they respond to an online review with some commentary. A recent Colorado discipline case of Bernadette Teresa Gonzales, 24 PDJ 094, August 29, 2025 is a reminder of the ethical issues that can arise when you respond to a review in an unwise manner. The Opinion states:
Finally, in 2020, a former client posted a negative and disparaging review of Gonzales on her firm’s Facebook page. Gonzales posted a public reply in which she assailed the client as a terrible mother, described the client’s child as “worthless” and “entitled,” and implied that the client and her family were not truthful and lacked integrity. Through this conduct, Gonzales violated Colo. RPC 1.6(a) (a lawyer shall not reveal information relating to the representation of a client unless the client gives informed consent) and Colo. RPC 1.9(c) (a lawyer who has formerly represented a client in a matter shall not use information relating to the representation to the disadvantage of the former client).
This is important to understand that you should (a) never respond to a review in an angry manner or in an angry frame of mind. Simply respond that you respectfully disagree with the review and leave it at that. If you have a question about how to respond, better to call a lawyer who can give impartial legal advice.
Ed Clinton, Jr.
