• Law.com, Monday, November 24, 2008 4 PM

A blogger named Oilman posted an article accusing FindLaw.com of violating Google's Webmaster guidelines. The post revealed FindLaw.com's SEM Advantage program, which was essentially an agreement to sell links for the sole purpose of improving search results. Google didn't like it, according to Oilman, stating that the practice is a violation of Google's Webmaster Guidelines.

Scenarios similar to this one are getting law firms in hot water with search engines, as many look toward the Web and SEO strategies to compete for clients, according to Conrad Saam. "Some involve trying to trick the search engine," Saam adds. Using stats from consumer research firm Ipsos, Saam cites a 2007 survey that reveals only 25% of consumers turn to the Yellow Pages when looking for an attorney, while 33% utilize the Internet.

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