Websites --should you have one?

The simple answer is: "yes!"

But as with everything in the world of media and public relations the full answer is more complicated than that.

Every attorney or law firm that solicits clients from any source should have a good professional, well-kept Website. Such bar members and their firms need a Website not only for direct and indirect rainmaking, but to present a face to the world, and to provide such mundane but critical information as a phone and fax number and business address.

Others may not need a Website. Attorneys who work for the government, or who work in non-law firm environments like non-profits, or others who do not have direct relationships with a public clientele may not need a legal Website. The organization likely has a purpose-built Website and any public information concerning your activities will be included there. For this group the answer is: "it depends."

Still others likely should not have a law-related Website, except in special circumstances. This list would include judges and prosecutors [except during election campaigns of course, and in any event campaign Websites are not "legal" Websites.]. In most circumstances corporate counsel should not maintain a separate legal Website unless, and again, there are special circumstances.

Some judges or government employees may even be prohibited from maintaining a Website that has anything to do with their legal career. When in doubt, find out.

For the vast majority of us a solid professional legal Website is as much a necessity as an office phone line.

Such a Website should accomplish at least these four objectives:

1) Identify your practice or firm, provide complete up-to-date contact information, spell out your client base and practice area, give your location, and list your firm members/employees.

I have gone to firm Websites that did not include a contact email for the firm [only for the Webmaster]. I know of a practitioner Website that listed an outdated phone number that now belonged to --you guessed it-- a phone sex operation. I've gone to law firm Websites that failed to list the city or state where the firm's office was located; evidently those attorneys assumed the Internet only worked in their ZIP code and no one else in the wide world would see their Website.


2) Provide information in a compelling professional fashion.

Tacky, ill-made or hopelessly outdated Websites are a liability rather than a benefit. No used-car-lot gimmicks. No photos of pets or kids [unless they are relevant to your practice]. Do not post dated information if you do not intend to keep it updated.

3) Persuade any who arrive at your Website that your firm is a top-notch professional practice.

Not everyone who arrives at your Website will be a potential or current client. Members of the public who are looking for answers to simple legal questions may end up at your firm Website. Other practitioners may see it. Local judges searching for information may see it. Your state attorney disciple authority may visit as a result of an unrelated complaint. A media outlet might happen upon it. A Website is very much like the marquee sign hanging outside your office: anyone may end up seeing it.

4) Conform to any and all rules of professional conduct including limits or prohibitions on attorney advertising.

Maybe the best way to determine what constitutes a "good" legal Website is to visit the Websites of firms you respect. Along the way you will also likely run across Websites of the bad example ilk and you will learn something there as well.

These guidelines apply whether you are building your own Website for your small town solo practice or hiring a vendor to create linked Websites for your firms multi-state practice.

Your Website is your public face. Once it is available on the Internet almost anyone might see it. Ponder carefully how this public face will appear to others.