Industry Guide

Solicitor website design UK

A complete guide to creating an effective website for your law firm, solicitors' practice, or legal business. Learn SRA compliance requirements, essential features, client portal options, trust signals, lead generation strategies, and what to budget for a legal website in the UK.

Essential features Cost guide

70%

of legal searches start on Google

96%

of people seeking legal advice use a search engine

74%

visit a law firm's website before making contact

5 sec

to make a first impression online

Why It Matters

Your law firm website is your digital reception

In today's legal market, your website is often the first point of contact between your firm and potential clients. Before they speak to a solicitor or visit your office, they're researching online - comparing firms, checking credentials, and deciding who to trust with their legal matters.

A professional, well-designed law firm website isn't just about looking good - it's about demonstrating competence, building trust, and making it easy for clients to take the next step. In a profession where trust is everything, your website needs to reflect the quality of service you provide.

This guide covers everything you need to create an effective solicitor website: from SRA compliance requirements to lead generation strategies, from essential features to client portal considerations. Whether you're a sole practitioner or a multi-partner firm, you'll find actionable guidance to improve your online presence.

What makes a great law firm website?

A great law firm website achieves three things: it clearly communicates your expertise and services, it builds trust through transparency and professionalism, and it makes it easy for potential clients to take action. Everything else - design flourishes, animations, complex features - is secondary to these fundamentals.

Regulatory Requirements

SRA compliance for solicitor websites

The Solicitors Regulation Authority sets specific requirements for law firm websites. Non-compliance can result in regulatory action. Here's what you must include.

SRA number display

Your firm's SRA number must be displayed on your website, typically in the footer. Link it to your entry on the SRA website.

Note: Non-compliance can result in regulatory action and undermines client trust.

Regulatory information

State that you're regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Include the SRA's web address: www.sra.org.uk

Note: Required under SRA Transparency Rules.

Complaints procedure

Publish your complaints procedure, including how to complain to the Legal Ombudsman if not resolved internally.

Note: SRA Code of Conduct requirement. Failure to display can itself generate complaints.

Professional indemnity insurance

Provide details of your professional indemnity insurance arrangements.

Note: Required transparency about client protections.

Price transparency

For certain services (conveyancing, probate, employment tribunals, some immigration), you must publish pricing information including likely total cost and what's included.

Note: SRA can take enforcement action for non-compliance.

No misleading claims

Don't make claims you can't substantiate. 'Best solicitors in Cardiff' requires evidence. Be accurate about experience and success rates.

Note: Misleading advertising breaches SRA Code and advertising standards.

Compliance Checklist

Before launching or updating your law firm website, verify you have included all required regulatory information. The SRA actively monitors compliance and can take enforcement action. When in doubt, check the current SRA Transparency Rules at sra.org.uk.

View SRA Transparency Rules

Must-Have Elements

Essential features for law firm websites

These are the features your solicitor website needs, ordered by importance. Start with the critical items and add more as your budget and needs allow.

Practice area pages

Critical

Dedicated pages for each service area with detailed information. Essential for SEO and helping clients understand your expertise.

Solicitor profiles

Critical

Individual pages for each solicitor with photo, qualifications, experience, and specialist areas. Clients want to know who they'll work with.

SRA compliance information

Critical

SRA number, regulatory link, complaints procedure, and insurance details. Required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Contact information

Critical

Phone number, email, office address(es), and contact form. Make it easy for potential clients to reach you.

Mobile responsiveness

Critical

Perfect display and functionality on all devices. Many legal searches happen on mobile, especially for urgent matters.

Testimonials and reviews

High

Client feedback builds trust. Include Google reviews, testimonials, and case outcomes where client consent allows.

Accreditations display

High

Law Society logos, Lexcel, CQS, specialist panel memberships. Third-party validation increases credibility.

Pricing information

High

Fixed fees or ranges where possible. Required by SRA for certain services, and helps filter enquiries.

Blog/legal updates

Medium

Regular articles demonstrating expertise. Helps SEO and positions your firm as knowledgeable and current.

Online enquiry forms

Medium

Structured forms for specific practice areas capture better quality leads than generic contact forms.

Client portal

Optional

Secure area for document sharing and case tracking. Valuable for conveyancing, probate, and ongoing matters.

Live chat

Optional

Immediate response capability. Can increase conversion rates but requires staffing or AI solution.

Quality Over Quantity

Many law firm websites try to include too much. It's better to have well-written, comprehensive practice area pages and detailed solicitor profiles than to add features that aren't maintained or useful. Focus on what helps clients make decisions and take action.

Building Credibility

Trust signals for legal websites

Legal services require significant trust. Clients are sharing sensitive personal matters and often substantial money. Your website must demonstrate your firm's credibility and professionalism.

SRA registration

Essential

Display your SRA number prominently. Link to your SRA website entry for verification.

Law Society accreditations

High

CQS (Conveyancing Quality Scheme), Lexcel, specialist panels. Third-party quality marks carry weight.

Professional memberships

High

Resolution (family law), APIL (personal injury), STEP (wills and trusts). Shows specialisation commitment.

Client testimonials

High

Real feedback from clients. Video testimonials are particularly powerful. Always get written consent.

Google reviews

High

Independent reviews on Google. Respond professionally to all reviews. Aim for 4.5+ stars.

Case studies

Medium

Anonymised examples of successful outcomes. Demonstrates practical experience and results.

Team qualifications

Medium

Display degrees, professional qualifications, years qualified, and notable experience.

Office photographs

Medium

Real photos of your office and team. Shows you're an established, physical presence.

Awards and recognition

Medium

Legal directory rankings (Chambers, Legal 500), local business awards, industry recognition.

Secure website

Essential

HTTPS encryption shows as padlock in browser. Unsecure sites deter clients and harm SEO.

The Importance of Reviews

Online reviews significantly influence legal service decisions. Research shows that 84% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Actively encourage satisfied clients to leave Google reviews, and always respond professionally to feedback - both positive and negative.

Client Experience

Client portal considerations

A client portal can transform how you work with clients - but it's a significant investment. Here's what to consider before adding portal functionality.

Secure document sharing

Core

Upload and download documents safely without email. Essential for sensitive legal documents.

Case progress tracking

Core

Clients can see current status and next steps. Reduces 'where are we?' phone calls.

Secure messaging

Core

Direct communication within the portal. Audit trail and security benefits over email.

Task completion

Advanced

Clients can complete tasks (provide information, sign documents) directly in portal.

Appointment booking

Advanced

Schedule meetings, calls, and consultations through the portal.

Invoice viewing and payment

Advanced

See invoices and pay online. Improves cash flow and client convenience.

E-signatures

Premium

Sign documents electronically within the portal. Accelerates transactions.

Matter dashboard

Premium

Overview of all active matters, deadlines, and outstanding tasks.

When to invest in a portal

High volume conveyancing or probate work
Long-running commercial matters
Clients frequently request updates
Document exchange is frequent
You want to differentiate from competitors

When to skip a portal (for now)

Small practice with low volume
Mainly one-off consultations
Budget is limited
No IT resource for management
Current systems work well

Start Simple, Expand Later

If you're unsure about client portals, start with a professional website and add portal functionality later. Many firms begin with excellent basic sites and add portals as their practice grows. The cost of retrofitting is often similar to building from scratch.

Growing Your Practice

Lead generation for solicitors

Your website should actively generate enquiries, not just exist as a digital business card. Here are proven tactics for converting visitors into clients.

Clear calls-to-action

High effectiveness

Prominent buttons on every page: 'Get a free consultation', 'Request a callback', 'Get a quote'.

Free initial consultation

High effectiveness

Offer 15-30 minute free consultations. Remove risk for potential clients. Qualify leads before committing time.

Prominent phone number

High effectiveness

Phone number in header, click-to-call on mobile. Many legal matters are urgent.

Practice-specific enquiry forms

High effectiveness

Tailored forms for each practice area capture relevant information upfront.

Local SEO

High effectiveness

Optimise for '[practice area] solicitor [location]' searches. Most legal searches are local.

Google Business Profile

High effectiveness

Fully optimised profile with services, photos, posts, and active review management.

Content marketing

Medium effectiveness

Blog posts answering common legal questions. Builds authority and attracts search traffic.

Downloadable guides

Medium effectiveness

Free resources (wills checklist, employment rights guide) in exchange for email. Nurture leads over time.

Live chat

Medium effectiveness

Immediate engagement with website visitors. Can be staffed or AI-powered.

Testimonials and reviews

Medium effectiveness

Social proof converts hesitant visitors. Request reviews from satisfied clients.

Key insight: Track where your enquiries come from. Use different phone numbers, form tracking, or simply ask every caller how they found you. This data helps you invest in what actually works for your firm.

Getting Found

SEO for solicitor websites

Most people searching for legal services start with Google. Here's how to ensure your firm appears when potential clients search.

Google Business Profile

Critical

Claim and fully complete your profile. Add services, photos, posts regularly. Respond to all reviews within 24 hours.

Local keywords

Critical

Target '[practice area] solicitor [location]' searches. Create location-specific landing pages if serving multiple areas.

Practice area pages

Critical

Dedicated, detailed pages for each service. Answer common questions. Include clear calls-to-action.

Mobile optimisation

Critical

Fast loading, easy navigation, click-to-call phone number. Test on multiple devices regularly.

Content marketing

High

Regular blog posts on legal topics. Answer questions people actually search for. Demonstrate expertise.

Review management

High

Actively request Google reviews from satisfied clients. Respond professionally to all reviews.

Legal directory listings

Medium

List in Chambers, Legal 500, The Law Society's Find a Solicitor. Ensure NAP consistency across all directories.

Schema markup

Medium

Add LegalService schema with practice areas, location, and attorney information.

Local SEO is King

For most law firms, local SEO delivers the best return on investment. When someone searches 'divorce solicitor Cardiff' or 'conveyancing solicitor near me', they're ready to instruct. Focus your SEO efforts on ranking for location-specific practice area searches before targeting broader national terms.

Budget Planning

Law firm website costs in the UK

What to expect when budgeting for a solicitor website. Prices vary based on features, complexity, and whether you need client portal functionality.

Basic Law Firm Site

Typical timeline: 2-3 weeks

£1,000 - £2,500

Typically includes: Practice areas, team profiles, SRA compliance, contact form, mobile-responsive design

Suitable for: New practices, sole practitioners, firms establishing online presence

Professional Law Firm Site

Typical timeline: 4-6 weeks

£2,500 - £5,000

Typically includes: Above plus blog, enquiry management, testimonials, multiple office support, SEO optimisation

Suitable for: Established firms, practices with multiple solicitors, competitive markets

Advanced with Portal

Typical timeline: 8-12 weeks

£5,000 - £10,000

Typically includes: Above plus basic client portal (document sharing, case tracking, messaging)

Suitable for: Conveyancing firms, probate specialists, volume practices

Enterprise Solution

Typical timeline: 12-24 weeks

£10,000+

Typically includes: Full client portal, integrations with case management systems, e-signatures, custom workflows

Suitable for: Multi-office firms, high-volume practices, firms requiring system integration

Ongoing Costs to Budget For

£100-500

per year for hosting

£10-30

per year for domain

£75-300

per month for maintenance

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about solicitor websites

Answers to common questions about law firm website design, SRA compliance, and features.

How much does a solicitor website cost in the UK?

Solicitor website costs in the UK typically range from £1,000-£10,000+ depending on complexity. A basic brochure site with practice areas and team profiles costs £1,000-£2,500. Sites with enquiry management and blog functionality cost £2,500-£5,000. Full client portals with secure document sharing and case tracking can exceed £10,000. Ongoing costs include hosting (£100-500/year) and maintenance (£75-300/month).

What SRA compliance requirements apply to solicitor websites?

The Solicitors Regulation Authority requires all law firm websites to display: your SRA number and a link to the SRA website, details of who regulates you, your complaints procedure, information about professional indemnity insurance, and clear pricing information where possible (price transparency rules). You must also ensure your website doesn't make misleading claims about your services or expertise.

What features does a law firm website need?

Essential law firm website features include: clear practice area descriptions, solicitor profiles with qualifications, SRA compliance information, contact details and office locations, testimonials and case studies (where appropriate), mobile-responsive design, secure contact forms, and accessibility compliance. Optional features include client portals, online booking, live chat, and blog/legal updates sections.

Do solicitors need a client portal on their website?

A client portal isn't essential but can significantly improve client experience and firm efficiency. Portals allow secure document sharing, case progress tracking, and direct messaging. They're particularly valuable for conveyancing, probate, and ongoing commercial work. However, they add £3,000-15,000+ to development costs and require strong security measures. Many firms start without one and add it later as they grow.

How can a law firm website generate leads?

Effective lead generation for solicitors includes: clear calls-to-action on every page, prominent phone number and contact forms, free initial consultation offers, downloadable guides (wills checklist, employment rights guide), live chat for immediate queries, local SEO optimisation, Google Business Profile, and content marketing through blogs answering common legal questions. Track all enquiry sources to measure ROI.

What trust signals should a solicitor website include?

Key trust signals for legal websites include: SRA registration details, Law Society accreditations (Conveyancing Quality Scheme, Lexcel), professional memberships, client testimonials and reviews, case studies with outcomes, team photographs and qualifications, years of experience, office address and photos, secure website (HTTPS), and clear complaints procedure. Trust is paramount in legal services.

Should my law firm website include pricing?

Yes, where possible. The SRA's price transparency rules require many law firms to publish pricing for certain services (conveyancing, probate, employment tribunals, immigration, motoring offences, debt recovery). Even where not required, transparent pricing builds trust and filters enquiries. Use ranges where exact quotes aren't possible, and explain what's included.

How important is SEO for solicitors?

SEO is critical for solicitors. Over 70% of people searching for legal services start with Google. Local SEO is particularly important - 'solicitors near me' and '[practice area] solicitor [location]' searches have high intent. Key factors include Google Business Profile optimisation, location-specific content, practice area pages, and building authority through quality content. Competition is fierce, so ongoing SEO investment is often necessary.

What security measures do legal websites need?

Legal websites require strong security: SSL/HTTPS encryption (essential), GDPR-compliant data handling, secure contact forms, strong passwords and two-factor authentication for admin access, regular security updates, data backup systems, and clear privacy policies. If offering client portals, add encrypted document storage, audit logging, and comply with SRA data protection requirements.

How often should a law firm update its website?

Law firm websites should be updated whenever staff change, new services are offered, or regulations change (like SRA requirements). Blog content should be added regularly (monthly minimum) to demonstrate expertise and help SEO. Review and refresh the design every 2-3 years. Critically, check all compliance information annually and update pricing whenever it changes.

Need a website for your law firm?

Web Cardiff creates professional, SRA-compliant websites for solicitors and law firms across Wales. We understand the unique requirements of legal websites - from regulatory compliance to trust-building design. Let's discuss your project.

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