In 2026, law firms are competing not just on expertise, but also on digital credibility. Prospective clients often make decisions about hiring attorneys based on their website experience, from first impressions to ease of navigation. A well-planned redesign can strengthen trust, improve usability, and increase conversions for consultations. This checklist highlights the key elements law firms should consider when redesigning their websites, focusing on credibility, accessibility, and conversion best practices.
Why Law Firm Sites Need a Credibility Focus
Establishing Trust Online
Legal services require a high level of trust, and your website is often the first interaction potential clients have with your firm. Outdated design, missing attorney information, or poor usability can undermine confidence. A credibility-focused website communicates professionalism, expertise, and client-centered service.
Differentiating Your Firm
In a crowded legal market, your website needs to clearly communicate your unique value. Highlighting practice areas, attorney experience, and successful outcomes helps potential clients understand why they should choose your firm over competitors.
Key Redesign Elements for Credibility
Reviews and Testimonials
Displaying client reviews prominently reinforces trust and social proof. Incorporate star ratings, client testimonials, or case highlights where allowed by legal ethics. Positive reviews not only reassure prospects but also enhance SEO and search visibility.
Case Results and Success Stories
Showcasing case results or examples of past successes demonstrates expertise. While maintaining confidentiality, general descriptions of case outcomes or notable settlements help visitors evaluate your capabilities and track record.
Detailed Attorney Bios
Attorney bios are crucial for establishing credibility. Include education, certifications, practice areas, experience, and professional affiliations. Personal touches, such as photos and short narratives about motivation or client approach, humanize your team and strengthen trust.
Accessibility and Compliance Considerations
ADA Compliance
Ensuring your website meets ADA accessibility standards is essential for inclusivity and legal compliance. Key elements include clear navigation, proper color contrast, alt text for images, and keyboard-friendly functionality. Accessibility improvements also improve SEO and broaden audience reach.
Legal and Ethical Compliance
Content must adhere to advertising rules for attorneys, avoiding misleading statements or unverified claims. Clearly differentiate between educational content, marketing, and legal advice. A compliant site demonstrates professionalism and protects the firm from potential issues.
Conversion Best Practices
Strategic CTA Placement
Calls-to-action should be visible, clear, and consistent across the site. Use phrases that encourage potential clients to schedule consultations, download resources, or contact the firm. Placement at the top of the homepage, within practice-area pages, and at the end of blog posts maximizes engagement opportunities.
Optimized Intake Forms
Simplify client intake forms to reduce friction. Ask only for essential information and provide multiple contact options, such as phone, email, or chat. Forms should be mobile-friendly, secure, and designed to instill confidence that data is handled responsibly.
Engaging Content and Navigation
Organize content so that visitors can easily find information on services, attorneys, and resources. Clear menus, search functionality, and well-structured pages improve user experience and keep potential clients engaged long enough to convert.
Trust Signals
Include security badges, professional memberships, certifications, and any relevant awards. These signals reinforce credibility and help clients feel confident sharing personal information or scheduling consultations.
Additional Design Considerations
Mobile Responsiveness
A responsive design ensures that your website looks and functions well on all devices. Many clients first visit a law firm’s site on mobile, so optimizing for touch navigation, load times, and readability is critical.
Performance Optimization
Fast-loading pages reduce bounce rates and improve SEO. Compress images, leverage caching, and minimize unnecessary scripts to maintain speed without sacrificing functionality or aesthetics.
Visual Consistency and Branding
Consistent branding—including logos, color schemes, and typography—enhances professionalism and recognition. Cohesive visuals communicate attention to detail and reliability, which are critical traits for law firms.
Redesigning a law firm website with a focus on credibility, accessibility, and conversion not only attracts more qualified leads but also strengthens your reputation in a competitive market. By implementing best practices across reviews, case results, attorney bios, ADA compliance, and intuitive conversion flows, firms can maximize both user trust and client inquiries.
Download our law firm redesign checklist from Koi today to ensure your website is professional, accessible, and optimized for conversions.
