Law Firm Space and Ever-Changing Partners/Name Changes?

[Foureyes]

It seems like this is common in the legal space but I am curious hear from those with experience in the legal space regarding Firm name/URL changes and the SEO implications? Is there a good way to approach a firm name/URL change? Especially for a long standing URL/site that has great local rankings? Or is it just not a great thing to have to do in general?

TYIA

Mike

 

[keyserholiday]

Can you elaborate more on your question? I am not understanding what you are trying to ask. There shouldn’t be any need to change the domain URL when they add or lose a partner. All I have done is update the logo if applicable and added a new page for the new partner and deleted the old lawyer and created a 301 redirect.

 

[Foureyes]

Can you elaborate more on your question? I am not understanding what you are trying to ask. There shouldn’t be any need to change the domain URL when they add or lose a partner. All I have done is update the logo if applicable and added a new page for the new partner and deleted the old lawyer and created a 301 redirect.

So basically, the Firm name is changing. The main URL is based on the old name. Think... John, Doe, & Jane Group, JDJfirm.com. Now the firms name is Man, Guy & Dude Group, MGDfirm.com... That's the scenario

 

[fisicx]

It seems like this is common in the legal space but I am curious hear from those with experience in the legal space regarding Firm name/URL changes and the SEO implications?

Changing the domain name can work but needs careful planning. If not done right Google will consider it to be a new domain and you have to start from square one. None of the inbound links, citation and other trust makes will apply.

 

[fisicx]

So basically, the Firm name is changing. The main URL is based on the old name. Think... John, Doe, & Jane Group, JDJfirm.com. Now the firms name is Man, Guy & Dude Group, MGDfirm.com... That's the scenario

You will need to set up lots and lots of redirects. Change all the citations, directory links, social media and everywhere else the old name appears. Time consuming and may be for nothing if Google thinks you are trying to pull a fast one. Different names means a different set of lawyers which means you can't claim all the goodness collected by the old. None of the reviews for example will have any validity.

 

[keyserholiday]

So basically, the Firm name is changing. The main URL is based on the old name. Think... John, Doe, & Jane Group, JDJfirm.com. Now the firms name is Man, Guy & Dude Group, MGDfirm.com... That's the scenario

I’d keep the domain and updated the branding and logo.