3 Reasons Google Search is Problematic for the Legal Landscape

In an era dominated by technological advancements, the Internet has become an indispensable tool for business owners seeking answers to a myriad of questions. One realm where this trend is particularly pronounced is in the legal domain.

Surprisingly, a significant majority of business owners are turning to the ubiquitous Google Search to address their legal queries, raising pertinent questions about the accessibility of legal information and the role of traditional legal counsel in the digital age. Some are even going to ChatGPT and even worse, some reach out to their Facebook communities.

READ: 4 Reasons ChatGPT Isn’t Always the Answer

The rapid evolution of technology has fundamentally transformed the way businesses operate, and with this transformation comes a surge in legal complexities. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in particular, often find themselves grappling with legal issues that can have profound implications on their operations and bottom lines. While the instinct may be to consult a lawyer, the reality is that many business owners are opting for a more immediate and cost-effective solution: a quick Google search. 

With a quick Google search, according to Clio.com, the average hourly rate for a Business Attorney in Colorado is $356 an hour. But they don’t charge like that most often. Typically, an attorney will ask for a retainer first. Those retainers could be $5,000 to $10,000, which for a startup can be out of reach. The concept of flat fees and legal service plans is growing in popularity to make those services more affordable. 

Google is convenient, but is it work the risk?

The allure of Google lies in its speed and accessibility. In a matter of seconds, business owners can find a plethora of articles, forum discussions and legal resources offering insights into their specific legal quandaries. Need guidance on employment contracts, intellectual property rights, or tax obligations? Google seemingly provides a treasure trove of information at the click of a button. However, the ease with which information is obtained should not overshadow the potential pitfalls of relying solely on Google for legal advice.

One of the key drawbacks is the lack of context and personalization in the information obtained through a search engine. Legal issues are often nuanced, with specific details and circumstances shaping the course of action. Google Search, while a valuable resource, cannot tailor its results to the unique situation of each business. This one-size-fits-all approach may lead business owners to misinterpret or misapply legal concepts, inadvertently putting their ventures at risk.

Not all Google searches are created equal

Moreover, the vastness of the internet means that not all sources are reliable. Legal information from Google Search may range from expertly crafted articles by seasoned professionals to misleading forum posts and outdated resources. The challenge lies in distinguishing credible sources from those that may provide inaccurate or outdated information.

Business owners, lacking legal expertise, may struggle to discern the reliability of the information they find, potentially exacerbating their legal dilemmas. This is what attorneys are finding wrong with ChatGPT as well. Having ChatGPT write a contract often misses critical points or has outdated legal paragraphs. 

READ: Navigating the FOBO Phenomenon — How to Embrace AI in the Workplace Effectively

The reliance on Google Search also raises questions about the evolving role of traditional legal counsel. While many business owners still value the expertise and personalized advice offered by lawyers, the digital age has undoubtedly shifted the landscape. Instead of immediately reaching out to an attorney, business owners often turn to Google in the hope of finding quick answers to pressing questions. This shift challenges the traditional notion that legal advice must come through formal consultations, fostering a culture where business owners feel empowered to take matters into their own hands.

The future of the legal landscape

The legal profession, in response to this shift, must adapt and embrace technology as a tool for education and transparency. Law firms can leverage online platforms to provide informative content, demystifying complex legal concepts and offering general guidance. By doing so, they not only contribute to the overall legal literacy of business owners but also position themselves as valuable sources of trustworthy information in an era dominated by digital noise.

The bottom line

The prevalence of business owners turning to Google Search for legal answers underscores the evolving dynamics between technology and the legal landscape. While the accessibility and speed of information retrieval are commendable, the inherent limitations of a search engine demand a nuanced approach.

Business owners must recognize the value of professional legal counsel while the legal profession must adapt to the changing times, leveraging technology to educate and empower rather than feeling threatened by the rise of Google searches for legal information. Striking a balance between the convenience of the digital age and the necessity for accurate, context-specific legal advice is crucial in navigating the intricate legal waters that businesses inevitably encounter.

An experienced Colorado-based B2B and B2C salesman and marketer, Chris Ward protects and empowers other business owners by protecting their bottom line and reducing legal costs that may cripple a business. With networking as his core skill, he draws from specialized training as a Human Intelligence Collector in the United States Army, to be a resource for individuals, families, and businesses to connect with people providing a product or service that they need. As an independent sales associate with LegalShield, he puts affordable access to high-quality law firms in the palm of your hand.