When I think of the word “law” as a general concept, I immediately think of Olivia Benson from “Law and Order: SVU”. The character animated by Mariska Hargitay in Dick Wolff’s police drama left a strong impression on me.

There’s something in her presence, her dedication to her job and to helping victims, her ability to earn the trust of her people, and her courage. Everything certainly makes Olivia a memorable character.

Even though Olivia is not a lawyer in the series (she’s actually a detective), she displays all the traits that make me associate the word “law” with her almost immediately: Dedication, trust, and expertise.

These are the values that your potential clients are also looking for in your law firm, and your web design should clearly display your values and goals to tell them that they can trust you as much as they would trust Olivia Benson.

If you want your law firm’s website to be as iconic as Olivia in “Law and Order”, then you should take a look at these custom lawyer web design best practices. Get ready to stand out from your competitors, build your clients’ confidence, and drive conversions.

1) Show Results to Build Trust

Your law firm website should inspire credibility and invite your clients to trust in you. You can achieve that by including some sections, such as your firm’s results and social proof.

When you show what problems you solved and what your clients say about you, you can differentiate yourself from other firms and prove that your services provide results.

Including an “About Us” section to show your face and tell your clients that there’s a real person behind the screen is a plus.

Your clients need assurance. Demonstrate that there are real people ready to help them and solve their problems with efficiency.

2) Differentiation is Key

Differentiation in today’s business world is crucial. With other law firms working in the same area as yours, your website should say what makes you different and why choosing you is convenient.

A design tailored to your needs and goals will surely reflect your firm’s identity. The colors, fonts, and images of your firm have to scream your name. The ultimate goal is creating that impact: when someone needs a lawyer, people already know who to call.

Instead of designing with templates and generic images, custom web design can improve your digital presence and image by adjusting your website to your objectives and essence.

If your firm is more experienced in specific areas, your design should also showcase it. Family law? Crime law? Personal injury? A custom web design with specific colors and fonts allows your clients to identify the niches you work in and the solutions you can offer them.

3) Provide a Good User Experience

The truth is that your clients are desperate. When they look for your services, they are already in the middle of a problem, and they need solutions. Don’t make it even more difficult for them.

Make sure your website has essential features so people can find information immediately and take action right away. The website’s structure should guide users to the information they need and to the actions you want them to take.

For them to accomplish the desired actions, your web design should avoid clutter and distracting elements, such as pop-ups. A minimalist approach is the best choice nowadays, as it facilitates scanning and doesn’t overwhelm the reader’s eye.

Moreover, use direct CTAs (Call-To-Actions) that clearly signal what the users have to do: click to download a document, subscribe to a newsletter, or schedule a call to communicate with you.

Enhancing the User Experience of your webpage will surely increase the chances of converting.

4) Optimize for SEO

Do not underestimate the power of an SEO optimized website. Websites optimized for SEO achieve higher positions in search engine results,  attracting more visitors organically and increasing conversions.

Essential principles for SEO optimization are the following:

• Intuitive Navigation: Users have to quickly and easily find information on your website. If they find the site helpful and easy to use, users stay longer, enhancing your web positioning.
• Mobile-Friendly Design: As a majority of users access websites on their phones now, a responsive web design that adapts to phone screens is a priority.
• Fast Loading Time: A website that loads under 3 seconds is good both for users and for search engines. Increasing your website’s speed allows you to rank higher and retain clients.

5) Powerful Content Strategy

Customized web design also encompasses a functional content creation strategy.

When creating content, consider Google’s E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness). This is Google’s criteria for evaluating your site’s content and ranking it accordingly.

Create useful, authentic content for your audience, demonstrating your knowledge and building a sense of authority. The language you use in your content is also a special factor.

Using highly technical terms and legalese can bore and confuse the readers. The content on your website has to be comprehensible and easy to read for the general public. They did not go to Law School like you!

Final Verdict

In conclusion, a customized web design for your law firm brings undeniable advantages:

• Earning your client’s trust.
• Outpacing your competition and making a difference.
• Users find your website comfortable and functional.
• Search engines can find the site and rank it higher.
• The content you provide establishes authority.

As I said in the beginning, your website has to communicate that you offer a trustworthy service and tailored solutions for specific problems.

Showing commitment and professionalism will make your law firm as unforgettable and reliable as Olivia Benson in the show.

Your users act as the jury when judging your website. Prove to them you’re the solution they are looking for, following these tips for custom lawyer web design.