One of the websites in our current project list is for a local attorney. Over the years, we’ve done several for lawyers in the Dallas area. One thing we’ve noticed is that it’s not hard to exceed the standards set by the competition; there are a lot of sub-par law websites out there. If you google “family law dallas,” you’ll see that the first sites in the organic search results (not Google ads) are fairly dated looking and could use some improvements to their data architecture. But what’s even more interesting is that there aren’t as many lawyers with websites as their should be—and there’s just no excuse for that. We can help you set up a website from scratch, and it doesn’t have to be torture.
Every attorney’s website should make it easy to make contact, with phone numbers, addresses, and contact forms scattered throughout. It should use headlines with relevant keywords mentioning your areas of practice and your geographic location. Where there is stock photography, it should not be hokey or fake looking. It should be mobile responsive—working on a phone just as well as it does on a desktop computer. It should prominently display your certifications. We’ll take care of all of that. And if you don’t have content, we can help you interview yourself to create that essential text. Here are a few of the questions we might ask.
1. How long have you practiced law?
Talk about your expertise and number of years in practice. A lack of experience is not necessarily a liability if you are fresh out of law school, as your potential clients might be looking for someone with more enthusiasm and (theoretically) a lower hourly rate.
2. What type of cases do you generally handle? What percentage of your practice is devoted to (the practice area in question)?
You’ll want to use terms like “family law,” but also sprinkle in terms that people might use in a more familiar setting, like “divorce lawyer.”
3. Who is your typical client?
Make sure to make it clear if you deal with individuals or corporations. You might also subtly suggest the financial background of your typical clients, so they will know if you are a good match.
4. How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?
Share your track record of cases won or settled. This is also a good opportunity to craft a few case studies that demonstrate your value for particular lawsuits.
5. Other than a law degree, what kind of special training or knowledge do you have that might apply?
Some cases, like DUIs and patent cases, require specialized training and knowledge for effective representation. You’ll want to mention any specializations that are relevant.
6. What are your attorney fees and costs, and how are they billed? Will a portion or all of my case be handled by paralegals or legal assistants? If so, ask about reduced costs.
This step is obviously an important one. You’ll want to know whether you can afford the lawyer’s services and how you will be required to pay. This is also the time to ask about payment options and how often, and under what circumstances, you will be billed.
7. What is your approach or philosophy to winning or representing a case?
This can be important in two ways. For example, if you specializes in divorce cases, signal w hether you handle amicable cases or “go for the kill.”
8. Do you offer other ways of solving legal problems?
If you offer alternatives like arbitration or your prefer to go for out-of-course arrangements, talk about this.
9. How will you let me know what’s happening with my case?
Tell clients in advance how you will communicate with them. This manages expectations, so that clients aren’t expecting you to answer the phone in the middle of the night, if that’s not your preference.
10. What are your clients’ most-asked questions?
Use these questions to create an FAQ that acts as a repository of information, so you can direct clients here instead of spending valuable time explaining the same issue over and over.
Need a website for your law practice? We would be pleased to help! Contact us.
