Website Design for Law Firms: Best Practices [2023 Edition]

Additionally, incorporating search engine optimization (SEO) best practices into your web design can help you rank higher on search engines, leading to more website traffic and ultimately more leads. With the right website design for law firms, you can create an effective online presence that will help you expand your client roster and increase your revenue.

How Website Design Will Help You Grow

Your website is the face of your small law firm, so it needs to be eye-catching. That is where website design for law firms plays an important role- it focuses on developing the aesthetic part of the website to help you achieve your goals.

Website design for attorneys is an important tool to establish credibility and increase conversions, and a good web design for a law firm can help create a strong brand identity and achieve other objectives (including financial ones). It can also simplify the processes involved in providing legal services by disseminating information needed by new and existing clients.

When designing law firm websites, firms should prioritize attractive design, an interactive and user-friendly layout, clear branding, high-quality content, and relevant media. Furthermore, they should consider the purpose of the website beyond just posting information; it should be used as a platform to engage with new clients.

Web Design Trends for Lawyers in 2023

Since your website is often the first point of contact with clients, a bad website is a big no. It’s 100% worth investing in a good website that uses the best web design trends to maintain a competitive edge. Some web design trends to consider include the following:

1. Cinemagraphs

Cinemagraphs are still images with subtle movements, such as a waving flag or a flowing river, that add an extra layer of visual interest to your own website. These animated images work great on legal websites as they add a modern and dynamic touch, making the website more appealing to visitors.

Cinemagraphs can be used in different parts of your legal website, whether on the homepage, contact page, about us page, practice areas, or blog. It’s best to use cinemagraphs that are related to the legal practice area you specialize in, helping prospective clients understand more about your firm. If you have a personal injury law firm, a family law cinemagraph won’t do the trick for a prospective client.

When using cinemagraphs on your website, make sure to compress them so that they don’t slow your website down. Also, ensure they provide value, are relevant, and maintain your brand’s message.

2. Legal Fonts

The font type, size, and style you use on your legal website can significantly affect its readability and appeal. It’s essential to choose a readable, professional font that can provide maximum impact and convey trustworthiness. Stick to classic and professional fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, Georgia, and Verdana, as they are widely recognized and easily legible.

One of the most popular fonts used in legal web design for law firms is Garamond. Its classic and formal style conveys a sense of professionalism, making it a great choice for law firms. Other popular legal fonts include Caslon, Baskerville, and Century Schoolbook.

As for the font size, it’s crucial to maintain a balance between readability and aesthetics. Generally, the ideal font size for legal websites is between 12 and 14pt. Any size lower than this may compromise readability, while a size larger than 14pt may make your website appear unprofessional.

3. Minimalism

Minimalist websites typically feature clean layouts, ample white space, and straightforward navigation, making it easy for users to find the information they need quickly and efficiently.

Minimalist designs are becoming increasingly popular among law firms due to their clean aesthetic and ability to focus visitors’ attention on key areas of the web page without any distractions or clutter getting in the way. Some ways law firms can incorporate minimalism into their website design include:

• Limiting the number of pages and menus on the website to only the most essential ones.
• Using simple and elegant typography that is easy to read.
• Employing a limited color palette to create a coherent visual identity.
• Using ample amounts of negative space to create a clean and uncluttered layout.
• Employing straightforward navigation and avoiding complicated design elements.

4. Interactive and Engaging Elements

As we’ve mentioned above, law firm websites should have engaging designs to keep potential clients interested, and interactive elements can help achieve that. Interactive elements add depth and draw to the website, and they can make the visitor experience more enjoyable and memorable.

So, what are some interactive and engaging elements that law firms can include as part of their website design?

• Chatbots: Chatbots can be a valuable addition to a law firm’s website, as they can help answer potential client questions and direct them to contact you. They can provide 24/7 assistance and help ensure the website’s visitors always have access to educational resources.
• Videos: Videos can provide a more personal touch to a law firm’s website, as they allow lawyers to showcase their expertise and speak directly to potential clients. They can provide an opportunity to explain complex legal issues clearly and understandably.
• Infographics: Infographics can be a powerful way to present complex data and legal information in an accessible and engaging format. They can break down complicated topics into digestible chunks and help make the firm’s message stand out from competitors.

5. Micro-Animations

Micro-animations are small, subtle design elements that help improve the user experience by providing visual feedback. They can be used to guide users through a website, highlight important information, and add personality to the overall design.

Micro-animations can make a website more interactive, which can keep visitors engaged and on the site for longer. They can be customized to match your law firm’s branding, which can help establish your brand identity. Use micro-animations sparingly, as too many can be overwhelming and distracting. Focus on the areas where they will make the most impact.

Best Practices and Examples of Law Firm Website Design

The following are some best law firm website practices and examples of website design for large and small law firms that will help you create a website that stands out in your industry.

Keep It Simple and Easy to Navigate

Your website’s navigation should be easy for website visitors to understand and follow. This includes having clear categories and using intuitive labels for each section. For example, the website of the law firm Morrison & Foerster has a sleek and straightforward navigation bar that lists the firm’s areas of practice, as well as options to view their attorneys and news updates.

Emphasize Your Firm’s Expertise and Experience

Your website should emphasize your firm’s expertise and experience. Use your website to showcase the services you provide, your areas of specialty, and the cases you have won. A great example of this is Kramer Levin’s website. The law firm’s site features a list of the cases that they have won, the clients they have represented, and their capabilities.

Active Blog

Maintaining a regularly updated blog on your website can help establish your firm as an authority in your field and drive traffic to your site. For example, the website of the law offices of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher features a robust insights’ section with informative posts on various legal topics written by the firm’s attorneys.

Calls-to-Action

Every page on your website should have a clear call-to-action (CTA) that encourages visitors to take the next step, such as contacting your firm or scheduling a consultation. Best practices for CTAs include incorporating prominent buttons or links, using persuasive language, and highlighting any exclusive offers or benefits.

Akerman LLP’s website has a simple and effective CTA on its homepage, encouraging visitors to learn more about their areas of practice.

Highlight Your Firm’s Values and Culture

Your law firm’s website should also showcase your firm’s values and culture. Visitors want to know what sets your firm apart from the competition, and highlighting your values and culture can help you stand out.

A great example of a website that highlights a firm’s values is the website of the boutique corporate law firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore. Their website features a section on the firm’s story, and it also features a section on diversity and inclusion.

Engaging Visuals

A website that features visually appealing elements can help attract and retain visitors. Including high-quality professional photos of your team, your office, or relevant events can also help build trust with potential clients.

Mobile-First Design

The majority of internet users today access websites from their mobile devices, so law firms need to design their websites with mobile users in mind in order to have happy clients. Mobile-first design involves creating a responsive website that caters to different screen sizes and scales up to larger screens. Keep it simple by using large, easy-to-read fonts, minimizing the use of images, and decluttering the navigation menu.

For example, the website of the law firm Shook, Hardy & Bacon has a fully responsive layout that looks great on both desktop and mobile devices, with large font sizes and clickable icons to make it easy to navigate on the go.

Popular Tools for Law Firm Website Design

With the advancement of technology, many great law firm websites leverage various tools to create graphic designs, prototyping, and wireframing. Popular tools and platforms used in website design for attorneys include WordPress, Adobe Creative Cloud, Webflow, Sketch, Wix, Figma, ClickUp, Marvel, and Trello.

These tools provide a variety of features that can help law firms create attractive and user-friendly websites that will help them reach out to more clients. They allow law firms to build their websites without having to hire expensive web designers or developers.

Popular Platforms for Lawyer Websites

The best platform for your lawyer’s website will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as ease of use, customization options, and any specialized features your firm may require to make all the difference in creating a positive first impression.

• WordPress: This is one of the most popular website creation platforms, used by over 43% of websites on the internet. It offers a variety of customizable themes and plugins, making it easy to create a professional-looking website without needing advanced coding skills.
• Squarespace: If you’re looking for a platform that is user-friendly and visually appealing, Squarespace may be the right choice for you. It offers a variety of templates and drag-and-drop features for easy customization.
• Wix: Similar to Squarespace, Wix offers a range of customizable templates and easy-to-use features, making it an excellent choice for those with limited coding skills.
• Drupal: This platform offers more robust features and is known for its security and flexibility. The website builder is often used by larger law firms or those with more complex website needs.

Each of the companies listed below has a proven track record of creating high-quality, effective websites for law firms of all sizes.

1. Comrade Digital Marketing Agency

Comrade Digital Marketing Agency is a top-rated web design company that specializes in creating websites and expert marketing strategies for legal firms. With well over a decade in the industry, they understand the unique needs of law firms and have designed websites for many successful law firms. Here are a few more reasons legal practices should consider hiring Comrade Digital Marketing Agency to build their websites:

• Custom design: They specialize in creating custom websites that are unique to each client’s brand and business goals. They work closely with clients to understand their requirements and create a website that is tailored to their specific brand, voice, and business goals.
• User experience: They focus on user experience design and create websites that are easy to navigate, informative, mobile-friendly, and provide a seamless user experience.
• Law firm SEO: They offer SEO services to help law firms improve their online visibility and attract more organic traffic to their website with the ultimate goal of bringing in more leads and revenue.
• Marketing: They offer a range of digital marketing services, including pay-per-click advertising and email marketing, to help law firms generate more leads and grow their business online.

2. Grow Law Firm

Grow Law Firm is a full-service web design and marketing company that specializes in helping law firms grow their business online. They offer a variety of services, including law firm web design, SEO, PPC, and email marketing. Their team is made up of experienced web designers, marketers, and content creators who work together to create custom websites that are designed to generate leads and drive traffic to their clients’ law firms.

3. PaperStreet

PaperStreet is a web design and marketing company that has been creating websites for law firms since 2001. They are dedicated to helping their clients stand out online and offer a range of services that include website design, logo design, content creation, and SEO. With a team of skilled designers and marketers, they have helped hundreds of law firms achieve success online.

4. Scorpion

Scorpion is a full-service digital marketing agency that specializes in creating websites for law firms. They offer a range of services, including website design, SEO, pay-per-click advertising, and social media marketing. With a team of experienced designers and marketers, they have helped many law firms increase their online visibility and generate more leads.

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Conclusion

The right web design tools and companies can help law firms create effective websites that attract potential clients, build their brand identity, and increase their revenue. Law firms can easily use tools and platforms for creating websites to their advantage, but law firm website management and web design is time consuming and difficult, which is why law firms should consider leaning on an outside agency to help them.

Law firms that decide to opt for external assistance can choose an online marketing agency like Comrade Digital Marketing Agency to save time, increase their online visibility, and focus on what they do best: provide excellent legal services to their clients. As mentioned above, Comrade Digital Marketing Agency specializes in web design, but also offers comprehensive law firm marketing strategies that include SEO optimization and PPC campaigns.