Many of my clients tell me that Google reviews from past clients made a big difference in their decision to hire me as their attorney. This is true of clients charged with all different types of crimes, such as white-collar crimes, transportation of marijuana for sale, and sex crimes. After recently obtaining a not guilty verdict for a client after trial (and a masked and socially distanced one at that), my client told me that he was going to write a Google review for me. Fast forward, he wrote the review on Yelp and not Google, but I appreciated the effort anyway.
I went to look up the review so I could send my client a proper thank you note. My search terms were simple: Jason Lamm Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorney. I was kind of shocked by what I found.
Stop Stealing My Damn Name
If you didn’t know, usually the top few listings in search results are bought and paid for. In other words, when you see a little icon that says “ad,” someone bought and paid for the search terms that you just entered to get a top listing. Wait, this means that someone bought my name so if you try to search for me you see their name? That’s messed up. And that’s exactly what happened.
So who is taking my name in vain? Well, the truth is I’ve never heard of them. I’ve been practicing criminal law in Phoenix for more than 25 years and I have no clue who these people are. You can buy search terms, but you can’t buy experience and a reputation. Any intelligent prospective client will figure this out, but these hack lawyers won’t.
And if they can’t figure that out, there are some other things about their websites that they haven’t figured out either. So in the interest of making the criminal defense profession better, here’s my effort to help my fellow lawyers in the Phoenix area.
Choose Your Photos Wisely
Ok. I get it. You want to look strong. You don’t want people to think you are a pushover. But this doesn’t mean you need to take a stern cold photo. It’s ok to smile and have a personality. Clients who need criminal defense attorneys are going through a rough time and need a human to talk to, not a statue.
In fact, no one is going to think you’re a badass in the courtroom simply because you can cross your arms and stare meanly into the camera. In fact, the only impression you are giving the world is that you are badly constipated and need more fiber in your diet. Let’s be honest, you can’t spend a bunch of time working on your clients’ cases when you’re stuck on the toilet.
Attire and Cosmetic Enhancements
I honestly want to smack some of these lawyers in the face and say “Oh honey, please. What the hell are you wearing?” Of course, I wouldn’t do that, but while their clients are being arrested by the police, some of these lawyers need to be investigated by the fashion police.
As an example, I just looked at a criminal defense attorney’s website (again someone I never heard of but who nonetheless boasts about decades of experiences) and was immediately drawn to two things: 1) a big old Gucci belt, and 2) lips that were so loaded with filler that there was likely a tattoo on the inside of them that said: “inflate to 30 psi.” Come on people.
First off, your website is not the place to flex your fashion. Your clients want you to look professional, not look like a model out of Milan. But models also don’t wear fake accessories that were likely bought off a Chinese knock off website. Shout out to Alibaba.com!
I get it that people what to show the world how pretty and successful they are, but the truth is that my clients have always appreciated my professional and down-to-earth approach at dark and difficult times in their life. Dressing up is fine, but save it for the club. And the lips, I don’t even know what more to say about them.
Experience and Results without the Knock-Offs and Lips
If you are reading this, you or someone you know is in need of an experienced criminal attorney who knows how to get the job done. With nearly 25 years of experience, more than 100 trials under my (non-knockoff) belt, and 139 (and counting) 5-star Google reviews, I’ve helped thousands of good people in bad situations.
Confidential consultations can be scheduled by calling (602) 663-9100. We pride ourselves on hard work, no fluff or fillers, and a well balanced high fiber diet.