Tips for Professional Law Firm Website Designers

Creating a website design for law firms requires a high degree of professionalism. The online presence must communicate competence, experience, fortitude and caring. People searching for a lawyer are most likely already under a deal of strain. Following the five tips for professional website design for law firms can help make their search for representation easier.

Website Design for Law Firms - Colors and Graphics

Attorneys, being serious professionals, should not use circus or pastel colors on their websites. The most common professional colors for Internet use are blue, gray, and brown in all shades. Accent colors can be a sedate gold or burgundy. Using these colors gives the people looking for representation a comforting feeling that the law firm is competent and not an 'ambulance chase' type of business.

Graphics should be limited to small details or tonal pictures that have to do with the law business: courthouses, gavels, scales of justice and similar pictures. Photographs of the lawyers faces can also be used.

Website Design for Law Firms - Language

The general public does not understand 'lawyer-speak.' The text on the website for the law firm should be clear English that anyone can understand. Also avoid too much marketing language. There is a difference between trying to get people to hire a lawyer and selling a used car. The language should be professional and explanatory and not inflamatory.

Website Design for Law Firms - Information

The bulk of a law firm's website must contain information. Of course, contact information is vital if you want to attract any clients. The names of the attorneys who work with the firm should be included, as well as where they received their law degrees and where they are licensed to practice.

A page of the website for the law firm should be dedicated to information about what type of cases it handles. Since many people don't know the exact terms the courts use, or will not be able to determine which section of law their problem comes under, these must be listed according to problems clients may face: divorce, custody, bankruptcy or personal injury.

Website Design for Law Firms - Personality

Adding personality to a law firm website can help people searching four counsel to choose. Attorneys are often seen as impersonal forces who either protect you, or screw you over. The general public attitude is one of discomfort and slight distrust.

To overcome those feelings with a website, the law firm needs to add information about each lawyer and the overall way the business is run. Instead of simply informing a potential client that you handle divorces, include a sympathetic line or two about being knowledgeable about the difficulties they entail.

Website Design for Law Firms - Contact Information

Perhaps the most important aspect of website design for an attorneys group is the contact information. Besides including name, phone number, email address and physical address on the front page of the site, a contact page with an email form provides even more personal attention to those who may be interested in your services. Above all else, be sure to have live help to deal with contacts within 24 hours of receiving it.