In the legal world, five years likely pass in the blink of an eye, with familiar routines, similar metrics for success, and not much need for change. But online? Five years is a lifetime, and what success looks like is constantly changing.
If your law firm’s website was launched more than five years ago, it may still look fine (if you are lucky). It might even be bringing in enquiries (but not as many as it should). However, beneath the surface, it could be holding you back, both technically and competitively, and in the eyes of your future clients.
Digital marketing and user expectations have evolved. So have your competitors. Law firms investing in smart, modern websites are better placed to win the attention of clients and talent alike. And while your current site might still perform well, it’s worth asking: will it continue to do so a year from now?
If your firm has evolved over the last five years, your website should reflect that evolution as well. Law firm websites are evolving, and it may be time for your law firm to make it a priority.
How Long Should a Law Firm Website Last?
Yes, we’re a digital marketing agency that designs websites for law firms, so yes, we think you should be investing in your digital presence every year.
But, as a general rule, most law firm websites have a lifespan of around five years. That doesn’t mean they fall apart after that, but it does mean that the technology, design conventions, and user expectations for which they were built are likely outdated.
Here’s why five years is a tipping point:
- Google’s algorithm has evolved significantly, particularly in areas such as mobile performance, Core Web Vitals, and content quality.
- Accessibility standards are becoming increasingly stringent, with legal and reputational risks escalating for firms that fail to comply.
- Security risks grow as tech ages and outdated code and plugins become easy targets.
- Design trends have evolved, and users are more likely to judge poor design or confusing navigation.
- Competitors are making moves. If they’re investing and you’re standing still, the gap widens.
In short, even if your law firm website still works, it might not be working hard enough for you.
What’s Changed in the Last Five Years?
Here are just a few of the key changes:
Mobile-first is now non-negotiable
It’s not just that more users browse on phones, Google now indexes mobile sites first, making mobile performance crucial for SEO.
Accessibility is in the spotlight
With the European Accessibility Act (EAA) deadline approaching in 2025, non-compliance could mean reputational damage or worse. Have a read of our recent blog post on why the EAA matters, and why your law firm should care.
Content expectations have risen
Clients (and search engines) want clarity, not jargon. They want to know who you are, what you stand for, and how quickly you can help.
Technical SEO has levelled up
Structured data, page speed, schema, and site architecture are now essential, not optional. With AI changing the way searches find information, your standard one-page introduction to services isn’t going to cut it anymore. Detailed information, insights and social proof are essential to surpassing competitors.
Your competitors have gotten savvier
Many law firms are investing in better user experience (UX), clearer messaging, smarter lead generation, and more personalised digital journeys, so if you aren’t including these aspects in your digital strategy, you are going to start falling behind.
The Hidden Cost of Doing Nothing
Still not convinced? We get it! Redesigning a website can feel like a big, expensive and time-consuming commitment. However, doing nothing also carries a cost, albeit less visible at first.
And, if you’re worried about having to spend too much time on your website redesign, you don’t need to! Conscious is here from start to finish to make the process smooth and, dare we say, enjoyable?
Five Signs It’s Time to Redesign
If you need a tangible checklist to identify whether your website really is outdated or not, here are some key things to look at:
Poor User Experience
Slow load times, confusing navigation, broken links, or clunky layouts can frustrate visitors and drive them away, fast. The easiest way to send work to your competitors is by having a website that takes too long to load and isn’t easy to use.
Not Mobile Friendly
Another way to send work to your competitors is if your law firm website isn’t optimised for mobile. This isn’t just risking your lead generation; you’re actively harming your search rankings, too. A big chunk of your clients will be searching for services via their mobile phones, and if your target client isn’t, they probably have children or grandchildren searching for them, and they are likely using their mobile phones!
Your Client’s Drop Off
If you're noticing fewer contact form submissions, phone calls, emails or other key conversions, your site could be a silent bottleneck.
Content is Outdated
Old team bios, outdated service pages, and blog posts from 2018 don’t convey the right message about you firm, especially for first-time visitors. Whilst a full website refresh might not be necessary to rectify this, some updates to your service page layout, blog posts, and 'Meet the Team' pages will enable you to include more content, while still maintaining a visually appealing website.
It Doesn’t Reflect Your Firm Anymore
Has your firm grown? Rebranded? Merged? If your website doesn’t showcase who you are today, it’s time for a refresh.
What’s Next? Get a Free Website Refresh Mockup
If your website is over five years old, we’d love to help you see what’s possible.
Conscious clients are eligible for a free homepage mockup, a visual preview of how your law firm website could evolve with a bit of wise investment. No pressure, just ideas.
To request your free mockup, get in touch with the team at Conscious by emailing your Account Manager, contact us at sales@conscious.co.uk or give us a call on 0117 325 0200.