As a lawyer, you might wonder if investing in a website is worth it. After all, many firms get business through referrals and networking. But in today’s digital world, a strong website is more than just a digital business card—it can impact how potential clients, opposing counsel, and even referral sources perceive you.
Your website is often the first thing people see when they look you up. Whether it’s a potential client, another attorney, or opposing counsel, they’re forming an impression before you even speak with them. If your site is outdated, missing key information, or (worse) nonexistent, it can send the wrong message.
Some attorneys even admit they take others less seriously if they don’t have a proper website. One put it bluntly:
“When I see opposing counsel doesn’t have a website or only has a generic contact form, I immediately think less of them.”
Yes—if done right. While not every lawyer will see a flood of organic leads, many attorneys report that clients find them through search engines. Some firms get 10–20% of their business this way, especially in fields like estate planning, elder law, and personal injury.
How does this work? When potential clients search for legal information—like “Michigan truck accident lawyer”—a well-optimized website with relevant content can appear in search results. That’s why some lawyers invest in SEO (search engine optimization) and geo-targeted content to improve visibility.
Even if SEO isn’t your main focus, a strong website ensures that when someone Googles your name after a referral, they see a professional, credible online presence.
Frequent blogging isn’t necessary for every firm, but having relevant, helpful content can still work in your favor. Blog posts, practice area pages, and FAQs can all help your site rank for relevant searches. Even if people don’t read every word, the right keywords and meta tags increase the chances of your site appearing in search results.
People expect businesses to evolve with the times. A website that looks like it was built in 2000—or worse, no website at all—can make a firm seem outdated. Even for referrals, an outdated site can raise doubts.
One attorney admitted:
“I’m guilty of letting websites dictate whether I refer someone to a firm. If it looks like they haven’t updated their site in 20 years, I probably won’t send clients their way.”
ADA compliance lawsuits for non-accessible websites are increasing. Making sure your site meets accessibility standards isn’t just about avoiding legal trouble—it also ensures all potential clients can use your site easily.
Beyond the website itself, some lawyers have found success through Google Maps and local search optimization. A strong Google Business Profile can drive a significant number of leads, especially for firms in competitive practice areas.
A lawyer’s website isn’t just about having an online presence—it’s about making the right impression, increasing credibility, and ensuring potential clients can find you. Whether through SEO, referrals, or direct searches, a well-designed and well-structured site can make a difference in your firm’s success.
If your website isn’t working for you, it might be time for a refresh. Want to make sure your firm’s online presence is helping—not hurting—your business? Let’s talk.
A WordPress Commenter says:
Hi, this is a comment.
To get started with moderating, editing, and deleting comments, please visit the Comments screen in the dashboard.
Commenter avatars come from Gravatar.