how an attorney can use a website

by Maxine Lehner 3 min read

An easy way to show potential clients that you are a trustworthy and high-quality lawyer is to prove it on your website. You can show certificates of your qualifications, provide references from large companies or more personal testimonials from smaller clients.

Full Answer

Why should you use the lawyer’s website?

Because of this, their site is easy to navigate. Images of the two attorneys are sprinkled throughout their other pages. These images are professional but also showcase the attorneys in a casual and accessible light. It makes them feel like real people you’d like to work with, which is always a plus when looking choosing between firms.

How to make your law firm website easy to use?

No one wants to solve a puzzle when they come to a law firm website. It’s your job to make your website easy to use. A great way to test the usability of your site is to have someone try to accomplish a particular task, like booking an appointment with you. Choose a variety of people and tasks.

What are the best lawyer websites?

When it comes to the best lawyer websites, the West Coast Trial Lawyers firm’s homepage is a fantastic example of a lot of different things done well. They have easy-to-see navigation in the top right hand corner just underneath a prominent phone number that’s placed next to a “free consultations/ no fees until we win” message.

Should I hire a law firm web designer?

If there’s a definite need to stand out from other law firms or attorneys, it might be worth investing more into your law firm website design. There are two basic approaches to consider when setting up your website: Doing it yourself, or hiring a law firm web designer. 1. Do it yourself law firm website design

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Why a law firm should have a website?

A well-designed website is an important component in any law firm's marketing. With a good website, a law firm can establish credibility, gain trust and increase the number of conversions from visitors. The bottom line is that with a well-designed website you will be increasing your law firm's revenue.

Can attorneys use social media?

Many lawyers and law firms use social media for business purposes to advertise services and employment opportunities, network with other legal professionals, share compelling legal news, communicate with clients, and attract new business.

How does a lawyer use a computer?

Increasingly, attorneys use computers and the Internet to obtain new clients. Many attorney websites provide valuable general information such as explanations of legal rights and the legal process. Some websites allow a potential client to directly email or chat with an attorney before scheduling a consultation.

Can a lawyer use data analytics?

First and foremost, law firms can use legal data analysis to win cases and secure good outcomes for their clients. Robust analytics can uncover patterns in how certain courts, or even certain judges, have ruled in past cases that are similar to your clients.

Can lawyers have Instagram?

In short, the answer is a resounding yes. An estimated 71% of U.S. businesses are on Instagram. While it may seem unlikely to use Instagram for law firms, it's a great way to reach new clients and show them who you are, especially for lawyers in certain specialties.

Do attorneys use Instagram?

Instagram has huge potential for lawyers looking to increase visibility, grow their business, and connect with clients. According to a 2019 survey by Attorney at Work, 25 percent of lawyers use Instagram as part of their legal marketing efforts.

What technology do attorneys use?

Today's lawyers implement a variety of new technologies, such as document and filing services, dictation devices, secure communication methods, research tools, and cloud based organizational software.

What devices does a lawyer use?

Learn how to work remotely as a lawyer and make sure your clients continue to receive great legal service.Online file storage. ... Word processors. ... Scanners. ... Document management. ... Time tracking and billing solutions. ... eDiscovery tools. ... Legal research tools. ... Video conferencing software.More items...•

What kind of computer do lawyers use?

Many lawyers use a laptop or full-featured Windows tablet like the Surface Pro as their primary computer. Others have a desktop at the office and an ultralight laptop, Surface, or iPad Pro for everywhere else. There are also a multitude of laptop variations such as the Lenovo Yoga line.

How do law firms use data?

Legal Analytics can help law firms attract new clients by giving them a competitive advantage with marketing and business development. Law firms use data and insights to quantify their relevant experience, compare it with their competitors and quickly assemble winning pitch decks.

What are legal analytics?

Legal analytics is the process of incorporating data into your decision making on topics affecting law firms and lawyers, like matter forecasting, legal strategy, and resource management.

Do lawyers use data science?

Legal analytics is the application of data science to the business and practice of law. It is an umbrella term that covers numerous different techniques, legal analytics software, and goals. Legal analytics can be applied directly to the business of law, and it can also be applied to legal work.

Why is a law firm website important?

While your law firm website is a marketing tool for your practice, it’s important to keep in mind that the most successful law firm websites focus on meeting what clients are looking for, rather than aggressively marketing to clients .

Why is website design important for law firms?

That’s why website design for law firms is so critical to growing your client base. The reality is that clients make decisions about you based on your online presence. This means that without a law firm website, you’re handing off potential business to other lawyers who do.

What is SEO law?

SEO is a complex art, but at its core, it’s about the practice of driving more traffic to your law firm website by improving the site’s position in search engine results. Basically, law firm SEO means using strategies to ensure your site ranks well in search engines and is easy to find.

What is a lawlytic?

LawLytics is a website platform that’s made for small law firms. Whether you want to build a new website or enhance what you already have, a LawLytics membership supports your firm through the design and technical aspects of building and maintaining your site.

What is the most important thing to remember when writing a copy?

You’re targeting clients, potential clients, and people who will refer potential clients to you. Keep your reader in mind when you’re writing, and be careful to avoid being overly pedagogical or using legal jargon that could confuse or alienate your reader.

Why do we use headers in HTML?

Using header tags in your HTML signals the significance of the information in and below the heading and creates a content hierarchy.

How to write a sentence?

Write for understanding and clarity. If it means using simpler words and shorter sentences, go with it. It’s much better for your audience to be able to scan your writing and immediately get what you’re trying to say—instead of reading the same sentence four times trying to understand what you mean.

1. Arnold & Itkin

Arnold & Itkin LLP is a law website which looks attractive because of the images, fonts, and their color combination. Moreover, on their websites, you can quickly know who they are and what their mission is, and they have conveyed the right message through their site flow. They have shown testimonials through videos, which is excellent.

2. West Coast Trial Lawyers

West Coast Trial Lawyers have everything on their website. The first look of the website is impressive as they have attached YouTube videos from at the top the website to know more about them, and putting video is a great idea. On the very first page, they have shown their achievements to attract the user. It’s a great way to create engagement.

3. W3IP LAW

W3IP LAW is a Sydney based law firm their website has a very sophisticated look. They have also put a video where they have given brief about their work. Through that video, only the users can quickly get the idea about the firm. Users will easily get everything on one page as all the necessary information is available there.

4. YLAW Group

YLAW Group’s website looks creative as they have used Slide share. Through Slide share, they have given a brief about what they do. Moreover, they have shown their achievements, contact details, and linked their site with other social media platforms so that people get aware of their firm and can easily get in touch with them.

5. Gecic Laws

The look of this website is different from others as the preview is impressive you can go through all the essential sections of the site by scrolling. The effects given to the scroll function is good enough. They have a great welcome video that can grab people’s attention easily. You can customize your search based on location.

6. Miles & Stockbridge

When you open this attorney site, they have kept a video regarding what their goal is and what their thoughts are regarding their work. So through this, it’s a good way to give information to your users about your firm’s thoughts.

7. Hodgsdon Russ

This law firm website has a very colorful yet stylish look as the coding is done in such a way that all the details regarding the firm are arranged systematically and look attractive because of its colors. The navigation bar is placed on the left side, which is not usually found on websites.

Why is it important to connect a website to your law firm's online profile?

If your firm is marketing on one of these platforms or anticipates it will in the future , it’s important to connect a website to your law firm’s online profiles. This will ensure you can funnel visitors, fans and followers from content you share and post on social, back to you website.

Do lawyers look for phone calls?

Most lawyers in consumer-facing areas of law (i.e. dealing with individuals rather than businesses), are usually looking for phone calls. It’s the fastest way to qualify and convert leads into intakes, and subsequently into clients. It’s great to have a primary objective from your marketing (e.g. phone call, email, etc.). However, not everyone will want to take the primary action you would like them to.

Is a website an asset?

Ultimately, a website for your legal practice should be viewed as a business asset. When you look at all of the potential value that a website can produce for you law firm, in the reasons listed above and you invest in it appropriately, it really is an asset. If you own or have an interest in the firm, this can increase your stake during succession planning because your firm owns a powerful, lead generation and marketing tool.

Reasons for attorneys to use first-person perspective

Potential clients can connect with a first-person perspective. When you write from your personal perspective, it can provide a sense of your personality and character while speaking to your expertise and authority. Likeability and perceived authority are factors people consider when making important decisions.

Reasons to use second-person perspective on law firm websites

You often see novels written in first-person or third-person, but not so much in the second-person point of view. That’s because the second-person point of view is difficult to do well in a novel. But you’re not writing a novel — you’re trying to reach and connect with your potential clients.

Reasons to use third-person perspective on law firm websites

While the first-person POV can sound more personal, the third-person POV can sound more objective or serious. Choosing to talk about yourself or your firm in the first-person or third-person is not a matter of right or wrong, but a matter of strategy.

What is the rule for lawyer referral?

Lawyers can use a lawyer referral service that has been approved by proper authorities; use written, recorded, or electronic advertisements; and, must provide an address or contact information to the lawyer or staff from the firm responsible for the ad. Rule 7.2 covers the ethics of advertising in more detail.

What is the unauthorised practice of law?

Unauthorised Practice of Law (Rule 5.5): Lawyers are not permitted to answer legal questions regarding states where the attorney is not authorized to practice law. Communication of Lawyers Services (Rule 7.1): Lawyers must ensure not to use false or misleading communication.

Why is live chat so popular?

Live chat is becoming a popular feature on websites because it allows lawyers or their staff to interact directly with visitors. While each state has their own interpretations of the ethical rules, here is a quick summary:

Is online content prohibited by the ABA?

Overview of the ABA Rules for Ethics and Online Compliance. As a practicing lawyer, you should be aware that some advertising materials and online content are prohibited. The rules outlined by the ABA vary from state to state and interpretations can be tangible. The obvious benefits of a law firm website allow distribution ...

Do you have to submit advertising materials in Pennsylvania?

The next thing to consider is whether the state you practice law requires a submission of advertising materials. In Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, you are not required to submit websites or other advertising materials. However, other states may have mandatory, optional, or different rules for submission and review.

Can a lawyer make false statements?

Don’t Make False Statements. In rule 7.1 (a), the ABA allows lawyers to (1) make statements comparing other legal services; (2) share testimonials from clients or former clients; and, (3) make statements about the character or quality of your legal services. However, as mentioned before, you must provide a disclaimer, provide factual support, ...

Get the most out of online resources available to you

Alison Monahan wrote about legal careers for The Balance Careers. She is a lawyer and founder of The Girl's Guide to Law School.

Above the Law Website

" AboveTheLaw.com " publishes new content on a daily—in some cases, an hourly—basis. Article topics tend to focus on the following areas: BigLaw, small law firms, legal technology, legal marketing, in-house counsel, law school, and government issues.

JD Supra

" JDSupra.com " syndicates content from publications to blogs on a multitude of law and business topics. JD Supra readers include in-house counsel, business leaders, reporters, and editors. The ability to search the site by topic area is very helpful, especially if you are researching a specific field such as same-sex marriage or patents.

ABA Journal

Perhaps the standard for lawyers and legal professionals, "ABAJournal.com" includes articles and blog posts about current issues and the latest in legal news. If reading articles and blog posts don’t always fit into your daily schedule, check out the ABA Journal podcasts that are interesting and can be listened to on the go.

Findlaw.com

" Findlaw.com " provides job listings for a wide range of legal professionals. It also maintains a comprehensive set of legal resources for law students and legal professionals including case law and legal news.

CareerDicta

CareerDicta focuses on what happens after you attend law school and pass the bar exam. Created by the founders of The Girl’s Guide to Law School, Law School Toolbox and Bar Exam Toolbox, CareerDicta provides career-related advice to law students and attorneys.

LawJobs.com

If you’re on the search for a new job or legal career, you’ll want to bookmark this site. LawJobs.com lists legal job openings, classifieds and nationwide ads for lawyers, paralegals, and legal support staff. The Career Center includes career profiles, salary information, and career advice.

What is the best lawyer website?

The best lawyer websites don’t hide behind unnecessary formality and pretense— instead they speak the language of their audience in a clear way. It’s best to be human, so make sure to use real photos of the lawyer on the homepage. Avoid stale stock photos like shaking hands or a judges gavel. Above all, a good lawyer website expresses competence. ...

Who is Alana Page?

Alana Page specializes in criminal law cases based in Toronto. She has over 18 years experience. On her website you can read in depth material on some of the incredible cases she has won.

What is Ashby law firm?

Ashby Firm is a law firm that deal with catastrophic injuries such as car crashes, spinal cord injuries and more. Knapsack Creative worked with their founder to create a professional, friendly site that builds trust and clearly communicates what they do.

Who is Denis a lawyer?

Denis is a lawyer that works in areas that he is truly excited and passionate about. Real Estate, Investment Banking and Investment Protection just to name a few . You can access his blog and read articles relevant to his specialties.

How long has John Leader been a lawyer?

With over 30 years of experience, John Leader has a wealthy amount of knowledge to apply to his cases. You can view a list of case results to ensure confidence in choosing him as your lawyer for wrongful death and personal injury cases.

What is Ylaw Group?

YLaw Group. YLaw Group offers diverse family law services, including divorce and custody services. These are all very serious concerns, especially to those in them, but their site is fun and can help break the ice. If nothing else, it immediately sets them apart.

Can lawyers get interpretive?

Perhaps no one understands the importance of nuance in words and phrasing like lawyers and attorneys. While lawyers can’t get interpretive with legal contracts, however, there is a lot of room for creativity on their websites. Like all other industries, lawyer websites come in all shapes and sizes and are most successful when they creatively ...

Which states require a disclaimer?

California — Requires a disclaimer such as “this testimonial or endorsement does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.”. Rule 1-400, Standard (2) Florida — Requires a disclaimer communicating that clients may not get the same or similar results.

Is a website considered an attorney?

In Many Jurisdictions, A Website Is Considered Attorney Advertising. Your law practice website should be marked as “attorney advertising.”. Your site should not include anything that you would not include in a TV spot, radio ad, or billboard. Any and all Attorney Ethics rules regarding advertising are applicable to your website.

Does Pennsylvania require websites?

Pennsylvania leads the pack in states that do not require the filing of websites. Its state bar association characterize such requirements as being of “doubtful constitutionality” (see comment 5 to Rule 7.2 (b)).

Does Kentucky require attorneys to submit websites?

Kentucky also requires attorneys to submit websites to the state Attorneys’ Advertising Commission. As enumerated in Rule 3.130 (7.05) (1)) the site must be submitted, along with any applicable fees, to the AAC under Rule 3.130 (7.05) (2) before publishing the website.

Do attorneys have to register websites?

Some States Require Attorneys to Register Websites. It is important to know that some states require attorneys to register their websites with state agencies. Below is an example of two states with such requirements. Check to see if your state has similar requirements before launch.

Is a blog considered legal advice?

Be sure to include a disclaimer that informs the visitor that any blog content is not considered to be legal advice and to seek out an attorney (preferably you ). The last thing you need is for someone to make an ill-informed decision based on something that they misread on your blog, only to drag you into court.

Do law firms add a checkbox to contact forms?

Law firms that want to take extra precautions can even add a checkbox to the contact form that confirms that the visitors acknowledge that they are aware that such a relationship is not established through website contact form submissions.

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Reasons For Attorneys to Use First-Person Perspective

Reasons to Use Second-Person Perspective on Law Firm Websites

  • You often see novels written in first-person or third-person, but not so much in the second-person point of view. That’s because the second-person point of view is difficult to do well in a novel. But you’re not writing a novel — you’re trying to reach and connect with your potential clients. The second-person perspective allows you to speak to the...
See more on lawlytics.com

Reasons to Use Third-Person Perspective on Law Firm Websites

  • While the first-person POV can sound more personal, the third-person POV can sound more objective or serious. Choosing to talk about yourself or your firm in the first-person or third-person is not a matter of right or wrong, but a matter of strategy. For example, someone who handles elder law may want to write in the first person to convey their sensitivity to an adult child who ne…
See more on lawlytics.com