10 Reasons Why Lawyers and Law Firms Need a Website 

Imagine this: You’re Sofia, an executive in need of legal advice for a critical business deal. You turn to the internet—where do you click first?

Most likely, you’ll choose a law firm with a website that looks professional, is easy to navigate, and provides clear information. Just like a well-organized office, a well-designed website creates a strong first impression. Wouldn’t you trust a firm that presents itself with clarity and credibility?

The Importance of a Great First Impression

In today’s digital world, a law firm’s first impression is often made online. A well-designed website isn’t just about looks—it builds trust, ensures easy access to information, and reflects professionalism. 

When someone visits your law firm’s website, they make snap judgments—just like when they walk into your office for the first time. 

Imagine showing up in a sharp suit, with your office neat and welcoming. Your website should do the same. It’s more than just a digital presence—it’s your chance to show that you’re skilled, reliable, and ready to help. 

Your website is your digital front door. The right design, from a compelling logo to a seamless user experience, signals credibility and competence. It’s the digital door that welcomes visitors and says, “We’re competent and ready to help you.” 

Why Do Lawyers and Law Firms Need a Website? 

If you’re starting a practice, running a small law firm, or thinking about modernizing your firm’s online presence, you might be wondering whether a website is really necessary. Some see it as essential, while others aren’t so sure. 

If you already believe in the value of a website, great—you might pick up some useful insights here. If not, no worries. 

By the end of this, we hope to show you why having a website isn’t just an option—it’s a must for any law firm looking to grow and stay competitive. 

1. Helps Potential Clients Easily Find Your Law Firm Online

Even if people already know your law firm through referrals or ads, they’ll likely search for you online before reaching out. This happens more often than you might expect. 

In early 2022, a personal financial law firm we worked with ran a TV ad. Despite featuring a clear call to action and phone number, their website saw a surge in form submissions. 16 potential clients who saw the ad searched for the firm on Google or Bing and filled out a contact form. 

This makes sense—most people don’t have time to memorize phone numbers or URLs from a TV commercial. Instead, if they’re interested, they remember the firm’s name and search for it online. 

2. It Builds Credibility & Trust 

Trust is everything in the legal industry. In today’s digital world, a basic website isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity for establishing legitimacy. 

According to the National Law Review, 74% of consumers visit a law firm’s website before taking action. If your firm doesn’t have an online presence, you’re likely losing potential clients to competitors. 

But just having a website isn’t enough. A modern, well-designed site with professional photos helps build credibility. Think of it as your digital resume—clients judge your firm’s expertise and reliability based on how you present yourself online. 

A mobile-friendly, visually appealing website with up-to-date lawyer profiles can make all the difference. Take a look at your competition—you’ll see how much this matters. 

3. Explains What You Do (and Don’t) Practice 

Your website is the perfect place to clarify what your law firm specializes in. Whether you’re a full-service practice or focus on specific areas of law, make sure your site clearly communicates this. 

When visitors land on your site, they should immediately know if you can help with their legal needs. This simple clarity can increase the chances of potential clients reaching out through email or phone. Being upfront about your areas of expertise ensures you attract the right clients and avoid wasting time on those outside your focus. 

4. Not Everyone Wants to Call 

While many lawyers, especially in consumer-facing practices, prefer phone calls as the quickest way to qualify leads and convert them into clients, not all potential clients will want to call. 

It’s important to have multiple ways for prospects to reach out. Offering options like a contact form, email address, or live chat can make it easier for those who may feel uncomfortable with a phone call, or who need discretion due to the sensitivity of their case. 

By giving potential clients different ways to contact you, your website can improve conversion rates and increase the number of leads you receive each month. 

5. Your 24/7/365 Salesperson 

Your website never takes a break. While you and your team enjoy time away from work, your website is always active, welcoming both new and returning visitors. 

This ties directly to the previous point. A website offers multiple ways for potential clients to reach out—whether through email or contact forms. A study we conducted revealed that the best times for form submissions were between 6-8 PM, making up 29.2% of all submissions. Many of these came after business hours, when no one is available to answer the phone. In fact, 73% of submissions occurred between 2 PM and midnight. 

As long as your website is functioning properly, it’s always there to generate leads, even when your team is offline. Your website works tirelessly, helping you attract new clients around the clock. 

6. Inform, Educate & Qualify Potential Clients

The internet has revolutionized how people research before making decisions—whether it’s buying a new phone, TV, house, or hiring a lawyer. Potential clients often turn to search engines like Google or Bing to learn about legal matters before reaching out. 

A well-structured website can be a valuable tool for your firm when integrated into your marketing strategy. Through blogging or offering useful legal information, you can educate potential clients and answer their questions. This builds trust and positions you as an expert in your field. 

By providing valuable content, you qualify leads before they even contact you. When they are ready to hire a lawyer, they may already have you in mind, thanks to the trust you’ve built through your informative blog posts.  

7. It’s a Communication Tool 

Clients, business partners, and others often visit your website to find basic information, like your email address, phone number, mailing address, or directions to your office. 

Having a website you own and control allows you to easily update and refresh this essential information whenever needed. This ensures that anyone trying to contact you can quickly find what they need, making it a valuable communication tool for your practice. 

8. Helps Build Brand Awareness 

Brand awareness is key to staying top of mind, and while mass advertising plays a role, your website reaches a more targeted audience—people already interested in hiring a lawyer. 

By prominently displaying your brand on your website, you create multiple touchpoints and impressions. Ensure your brand is clear, well-presented, and memorable, leaving a lasting impact on every visitor.  

9. Essential for Any Online Marketing 

If you’re planning to invest in online marketing, a website is an essential part of your firm’s strategy and sales funnel. 

Online Advertising & PPC 
Most online advertising, particularly PPC (pay-per-click), directs people to a website once they click an ad. Whether you plan to run ads now or in the future, having a website ensures you can capture those clicks and convert them into leads. 

Social Media 
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube are powerful marketing tools. If you’re already using or planning to use them, linking your website to your social profiles allows you to guide visitors, followers, and fans back to your site, enhancing your online presence and engagement. 

10. It’s a Business Asset 

A website should be seen as a valuable business asset for your law firm. When you consider all the benefits—like lead generation, brand awareness, and client engagement—it becomes a critical tool. 

Investing in your website appropriately can significantly increase its value. If you own or have a stake in the firm, a well-maintained website can enhance your position during succession planning, as it represents a strong marketing and lead-generation asset.

What Does Your Legal Website Need at a Bare Minimum? 

Your law firm’s website should have more than just one page. While it doesn’t need to be complicated, there are a few essential elements every legal website must include: 

1. Introduce Your Firm and Lawyers

Your website needs to clearly introduce your firm and its attorneys. This helps build credibility and shows potential clients how your services align with their needs. 

• “Our Firm” Page: A dedicated page that shares your firm’s story, personality, and mission. This gives visitors a sense of who you are beyond just the legal services you offer. 
• Attorney Biographies: Include professional photos and detailed bios. Highlight each attorney’s experience, achievements, and how they help clients. Keep the tone personal and relatable—avoid making it just a dry resume. 

Since attorney bios are often among the most visited pages on your site, make sure these profiles are updated and engaging. 

2. Explain Your Practice Areas 

You need pages for each practice area to explain your services in simple, easy-to-understand language. 

• Dedicated Practice Area Pages: Each area of law you cover should have its own page. For example, if you specialize in criminal defense, you might create a subpage for DUI cases. 
• SEO Optimization: This is also a great opportunity to include keywords like “divorce lawyer in Ohio” or “criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles” to improve your website’s search rankings. 

3. Provide Clear Contact Information

A “Contact Us” page is a must. Make it easy for potential clients to get in touch. 

• Include your physical address, phone number, and email address. 
• Add your office hours and a map showing your location. 
• Let visitors know how they can schedule a consultation and if you accept walk-ins. 

4. Include a Contact Form 

Along with your contact details, include an easy-to-fill-out contact form. 

• “Request for Consultation” Form: Allow potential clients to share their legal questions and reach out to you directly via email. 
• Automated Scheduling: If possible, use tools like Calendly to let clients book consultations at their convenience. This saves time for your staff and makes the process more efficient. 

Be sure that someone checks the form submissions regularly. If a client has to wait too long for a response, they might lose trust in your ability to handle their case. 

Beyond the basics of your legal website 

When you need a basic website that establishes your law firm’s online presence, the elements mentioned above are the essential pieces to include. If you’re on a tight budget or time schedule, these pages and details will be enough to connect you with potential clients online. 

If you have more resources or your legal market is highly competitive, consider these upgrades: 

• FAQ Page: This can boost your SEO rankings and build trust with clients by answering common questions. 
• Blog: Regularly updated content helps establish your authority and improves search engine visibility. It’s also a great way to connect with your audience. 
• Customer Reviews: Displaying testimonials can significantly increase your credibility and trustworthiness. 
• Videos: Though optional, an introductory video featuring your attorneys can humanize your brand and make you stand out if your budget allows. 

Remember, only include what you can maintain long-term. An outdated website can harm your firm’s reputation more than not having one at all. 

Set aside time to check your site at least once a month to ensure that your information—especially contact details—is accurate. If your firm hires new attorneys or undergoes any staffing changes, update your website promptly. 

Conclusion 

There you have it—10 compelling reasons why every law firm, including solo practitioners and attorneys, needs a website. We’ve provided practical examples and backed them up with data to show how valuable a website can be. 

Even for the reasons discussed, like building credibility and trust, a website is an asset. The more you invest in your marketing efforts, the more your website becomes a crucial tool for your law firm’s growth and success.