Thinking of Working with FindLaw? What Every Attorney Should Know—And How to Leave if You Already Signed
If you’re a solo attorney or part of a small firm exploring website or marketing options, chances are FindLaw has crossed your radar. They’re one of the most recognized legal marketing providers in the country, promising sleek websites, SEO help, and lead generation.
But before you sign—or if you’re already with FindLaw and thinking about leaving—it’s important to understand what you’re getting into and how to protect your firm’s digital future.
⚖️ What You Should Know Before Signing with FindLaw
1. You Might Not Own Your Website
Many attorneys are surprised to learn that the website built by FindLaw is often not fully owned by the firm. If you decide to leave, you may lose your site, content, and even your domain unless you pay a buyout fee.
2. Long-Term Contracts with High Monthly Fees
Most FindLaw contracts are 12–36 months and automatically renew. The monthly cost can be steep—often $1,000 to $3,000+, depending on your package.
3. SEO and Content May Be Generic
Some firms report that FindLaw sites use boilerplate content and lack custom SEO strategies tailored to your region or practice area. This can limit your visibility and reduce your return on investment.
4. Backlink Dependency
Part of FindLaw’s value is its internal backlink network. But if you leave, those links often disappear—potentially causing a drop in search rankings.
🚪 Already with FindLaw? Here’s How to Leave the Smart Way
Leaving FindLaw isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely possible. Here’s what to consider:
✅ Step 1: Review Your Contract
Carefully check for:
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Website and domain ownership clauses
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Early termination penalties
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Auto-renewal dates
Mark your calendar with key deadlines so you don’t miss your opportunity to exit without penalties.
✅ Step 2: Secure Your Domain
If FindLaw registered your domain, request a transfer or buyout before your contract ends. You’ll need that domain for a smooth transition to a new site.
✅ Step 3: Back Up Content (If Possible)
Ask if you can export your blogs and content. If not, begin rewriting custom content as you prepare to switch providers.
✅ Step 4: Choose a New Marketing Partner
Work with a provider who:
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Gives you full ownership of your site
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Offers transparent pricing
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Specializes in law firm marketing and SEO
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Builds sites on open-source platforms like WordPress
✅ Step 5: Prepare for SEO Changes
Anticipate a dip in traffic while your new SEO strategy kicks in. A good partner will create a redirect map, preserve key pages, and begin rebuilding your backlink profile.
🧠 Final Thoughts
FindLaw isn’t the only option—and for many law firms, it’s not the best one either. If you’re paying high monthly fees and not seeing meaningful results, it might be time to take control of your marketing and build a website you own outright.
Whether you’re just exploring options or ready to break free, understanding what’s in your contract—and partnering with the right team—can help you avoid regret and build a digital presence that works for you.
