Website Must-Haves for Law Firms: Performance, Accessibility, and Credibility

Catherine Lovering
Fri, 12 Sep 2025 21:20:10 +0000
Law Firm Websites, Website design, attorney marketing, Law Firm, website marketing

Last Updated on November 19th, 2025.

As you’re reviewing your marketing for 2025, it’s a great time to review your website. Perhaps you’ve long ago registered your domain and set up your online presence. But is it working as well as it should? We’ve compiled a checklist of what you need to know in order to make sure your site meets the mark when it comes to performance, accessibility, and compliance. By implementing these elements, you can create a powerful digital platform that drives client acquisition while upholding your professional obligations.

What are Website Must-Haves for Law Firms?

For a law firm to succeed in 2025, its website must be high-performing, accessible to all users, and designed to build credibility with potential clients. Key elements include a mobile-first design, fast loading speeds, clear calls-to-action, and robust security to meet modern client expectations and search engine standards.

In the competitive legal market, a firm’s website is its most critical marketing asset. It’s often the first point of contact for potential clients, making a strong first impression essential. As technology and user expectations evolve, attorneys must ensure their digital presence keeps pace. This guide outlines the non-negotiable elements every law firm website needs.

Why Does Website Performance Matter for Attorneys?

Excellent website performance directly impacts client acquisition and firm reputation. A fast, easy-to-navigate site keeps potential clients engaged, reducing the chances they will leave for a competitor. Performance is also a key factor for search engines like Google or Bing, influencing how high your firm ranks in search results.

Performance: Is Your Website Attracting Business?

You want your website to perform. That means people find your website when they’re searching for an attorney. It also means the website gives users what they want when they arrive. They should learn more about you, your work, and whether you’re the best lawyer for them.

So, what are the must-haves for performance? Here are the basics:

Mobile-first design. In 2024, 9 in 10 people in the U.S. had a smartphone. It is the go-to way to search for services like lawyers. Your website design should be “mobile first,” so it’s responsive and easy-to-navigate on a smartphone screen.

Fast Loading Speeds: Potential clients expect pages to load in under three seconds. Slow speeds lead to high bounce rates and lost opportunities.

E-E-A-T content. Your website needs more than an “about us” page. Blog posts and articles also give potential clients a sense of your authority and knowledge. Strong content is also an essential component of search engine optimization (SEO), the technical term for how Google and other search engines choose where to rank your website. E-E-A-T stands for expertise, experience, authority, and trustworthiness. It’s shorthand for strong content that shows you know your stuff. If you need help with your content, consider WebVantage from Martindale-Avvo.

Other aspects of performance include loading speed and interactivity. Work with a designer or your WebVantage consultant to create a site that loads quickly and allows people to take certain action, like clicking through to different pages or to your chatbot. Image and video content can be a particular burden when it comes to speed, so review image and file sizes as necessary.

Accessibility: Creating an Welcoming User Experience

Accessibility is closely linked to performance, but with a different focus. This means your site has features and attributes that contribute to a strong user experience (UX) for people with different abilities. The gold standard comes from the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), but you can start with some fundamentals.

Clear navigation. People should be able to find important information like a contact number or chatbot with ease. A menu should be available within a few clicks so people don’t have to hunt for information.

Text alternatives for non-text elements. Alt-text for images offers a descriptor of images for people who have differences in vision. Consider text alternatives for videos and clickable items like navigation buttons as well.

Clear Contact Information. Make it easy for potential clients to reach you by prominently displaying your phone number, email address, and physical location.

Captions. If you post videos, consider adding auto-generated captions. You can also prepare transcripts of videos, webinars, and other audio or visual content to offer more ways to receive the information.

For the best accessibility, think about everyone who might be on your website and how the information is most accessible to them, including web crawlers and the like. To optimize your site fully, take a close look at the full WAI guidelines.

Building Credibility Through Content

As you create your law firm’s website, the quality and credibility of your content play a vital role in building trust with potential clients. Reliable, easy-to-understand information empowers visitors to make confident decisions about their legal needs.

Clear and Accurate Information

Share accurate details about your practice areas, attorney experience, and the services you offer. Use simple language to explain legal terms or processes, providing examples when possible. This helps your audience feel informed and supported, even if they’re unfamiliar with legal concepts.

Up-to-Date Resources

Keep your website current by regularly updating your articles, FAQs, and blog posts. This demonstrates your commitment to providing timely guidance, building confidence that your firm is knowledgeable and attentive to clients’ evolving needs.

Adding a Human Touch

Consider sharing introductions to your team, client testimonials, or stories that show your firm’s approach and values. Personalized content can help visitors feel comfortable reaching out and show that you’re not just legal professionals, but also partners in their journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should a law firm update its website?
A: A law firm should review its website’s design and functionality at least every 2-3 years to keep it modern. Content, such as blog posts and attorney bios, should be updated more frequently to remain current and relevant.

Q: Do I need a blog on my law firm’s website?
A: Yes, a blog is highly recommended. It helps improve your SEO, demonstrates your expertise in specific practice areas, and provides valuable information that can attract potential clients.

Q: Is a mobile-friendly website really that important for a law firm?
A: Absolutely. A significant portion of individuals seeking legal services now use their smartphones. A site that is not optimized for mobile will frustrate users and likely cause you to lose potential clients to competitors with a better mobile experience.

Elevate Your Law Firm Marketing With Martindale-Avvo

If you’re ready to get started with your new law firm website, consider speaking with a representative at Martindale-Avvo. We can help you find the right package of services that are good for you, from your optimal web content to your lead generation engine. Contact us today to learn how we can get you started.