Redesigning your law firm or chambers website: is it time?

Your website is your digital front door, often serving as the first impression clients have of your chambers or law firm. But how do you know when it’s the right time to give it a makeover? The timing of a redesign depends on a blend of strategic, technological, and industry-specific factors. Here’s a guide to help you decide when it’s time for a refresh.

How often should you redesign?

For many businesses, redesigns happen every three to five years, but the legal world has many unique characteristics. The conservative nature of the legal sector (particularly the Bar) often means fewer visual overhauls. A site that is deliberately designed to be clean, simple and user-friendly may stand the test of time better than one that rides the wave of current design trends. On the other hand, compliance, user expectations, and technology still evolve quickly and can affect the impact of your site. While a firm or chambers website might not need annual facelifts, neglecting it for too long could leave it looking outdated and out of sync with client expectations.

Our experience suggests that legal sector websites are often redesigned every four to five years, to avoid feeling “old”, but that the pace of change in your specific corner of the market should guide you.

Key triggers for a redesign

Rather than working to a fixed schedule, consider these situations that might signal it’s time for an update:

• Changing context or goals: Are you rebranding? Merging? Moving to new premises? Expanding into new practice areas? Your website should align with your evolving objectives.
• Client feedback: If clients struggle to find information or view your site as unprofessional, it’s a clear sign to act.
• Competitor pressure: Are rival firms or chambers unveiling modern, feature-rich websites? Don’t let yours fall behind.
• Content & structure: while the text and image content on your old site should be easy to update, it may be that a redesign project is the easiest way to give everything a deep spring-clean.
• Outdated technology: Slow loading times or poor mobile performance are more than an annoyance – they can cost you clients. You may also not be taking advantage of new opportunities, from AI to animations to font and icon libraries.

Legal industry-specific considerations

The legal world values trust, professionalism, and expertise. Here are factors unique to the sector that may dictate timing:

• Compliance needs: Accessible web design (meeting WCAG 2.2 AA standards) and data privacy best practices & regulations (like GDPR) require constant vigilance. A redesign might be necessary to keep up with these evolving demands.
• Content accuracy: Outdated case studies or legal guidance can damage your credibility. Regularly auditing content is vital, and a periodic full review may neatly fit into a redesign project.

When design trends aren’t optional

While the legal sector doesn’t always chase trends, falling too far behind can hurt credibility. Clean, modern layouts, intuitive navigation, and mobile-friendly designs are now non-negotiable. If your site looks like it’s from the last decade, it’s time for a refresh.

Measuring performance: analytics and feedback

If your site’s bounce rate is high or conversions are low, it’s a red flag. Likewise, if users frequently report frustrations or if analytics show declining traffic, it might be time to redesign. User metrics e.g. Google Analytics provide invaluable insights – use them to guide your decision.

Technology that’s past its prime

In a fast-changing digital landscape, your website’s underlying technology can become a liability. Consider a rebuild if:

• Your site isn’t fully mobile-responsive, or the experience on mobile could be improved.
• You’re using outdated code or unsupported plugins, and noticing an increase in errors.
• Security issues or poor performance become recurring problems.

(If you are worried about the technology on your website being out of date or the security of your website, we offer website security audits to keep your website in check.)

Incremental updates vs. full redesigns

Not every issue requires starting from scratch. Updating fonts, images, or layouts can sometimes buy you a year or two. But for deeper issues – like branding misalignment or poor performance – a full redesign may be more cost-effective in the long run.

How WordPress can influence timing

If your site runs on WordPress, you benefit from:

• Flexible updates: Themes and plugins let you modernize incrementally.
• Scalability: WordPress can grow with your firm or chambers, delaying the need for a complete overhaul. It’s easy to add new content and significant new features.
• Community support: Ongoing platform improvements ensure access to cutting-edge tools and security features.

That said, even WordPress sites aren’t immune to ageing. Evaluate periodically whether updates are enough or if a rebuild is needed.

Proactive redesign vs. reactive fixes

Don’t wait until problems stack up. Regularly reviewing your website – its design, functionality, and user experience – helps you stay ahead of the curve. Consider annual audits to assess performance and alignment with your goals.

Conclusion: timing is everything

For law firms and chambers, a website redesign isn’t just a technical decision – it’s a strategic one. By proactively evaluating your site’s performance and considering industry shifts, you can time your redesign to make the biggest impact on your business and your clients.

If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to redesign, we’d love to help you assess your site’s health and potential for improvement. Let’s start the conversation.

Disclaimer

This article and the audit it recommends are for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on as such. If in any doubt, readers should consult qualified legal professionals for specific guidance. The authors are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this content.