Tela has analysed the elements featured on the top 50 barristers’ chambers homepages to discover whether there are any notable patterns and trends.
Our Results
The results from our research are detailed below.
Banners
Banners are usually full-width images or videos that can be a powerful tool to capture the immediate attention of site visitors. 96% of barristers’ chambers’ websites incorporate banners at the top of their homepages. This highlights the importance of visual appeal in creating a compelling first impression and engaging potential clients from the moment they land on the page.
Our analysis revealed three predominant styles of banners on chambers’ homepages: static image banners, scrolling banners, and video banners. Notably, 37.5% of chambers, such as Exchange Chambers, opted for a static image banner. Following closely, 35.4% of chambers featured a scrolling banner, utilising a series of rotating images, as observed in 4 Stone Buildings and Essex Court Chambers.
27.1% of the homepages use a video banner such as Cornerstone Chambers. There was a slight correlation between a modern appearance and the incorporation of video banners in our analysis. Websites with a contemporary or recently updated design were more likely to feature video banners. This finding suggests that barristers’ chambers are increasingly leveraging video content as a dynamic and effective means of communication on their homepages.
We took a closer look at the key elements being used within the banners and found that 36% prominently showcase a headline or statement in large text. This design choice aims to convey a concise and impactful message, summarising core values or expertise. Large text captures visitors’ attention, creating a clear and memorable impression. This underscores the strategic use of text-based content for effective communication and brand messaging on chambers’ homepages.
Serjeants’ Inn
30% of websites incorporated a testimonial(s) as a key element in their banner design, instantly highlighting social proof and reinforcing the chambers’ reputation for excellence.
Serle court
Search Bars
Our research revealed that a substantial 60% of the top 50 barristers’ chambers featured a search bar on their homepages. This emphasises a commitment to enhancing user experience and facilitating quick access to desired information for visitors.
Further analysis of the search bars revealed that 37.9% were configured to search the entire site, 34.5% specifically searched for barristers and expertise and 27.6% focused solely on searching for barristers.
Enterprise Chambers
Garden Court
News/Insights
90% of the websites incorporated a news or insight section on the homepage, providing users with a readily accessible source of information to stay informed about the values and vision guiding the business. This underscores the significance of sharing relevant updates to enhance user engagement and understanding.
42% of the websites featured a single section on the homepage that amalgamated news from various categories. Notably, some of these websites, such as 39 Essex Chambers and Devereux, implemented a filtering system, allowing users to selectively view news based on specific categories of interest. This design approach aims to enhance user experience by providing flexibility and customisation in accessing relevant information.
Devereux
28% of websites opted for a segmented approach, organising their news into distinct sections for each category. For instance, XXIV Old Buildings uses this strategy by maintaining separate sections for news, events, and legal updates.
About Us
About Us sections were present on 70% of the websites, illustrating the importance of establishing a professional identity. Websites described the chambers in a couple of sentences or paragraphs and many used statistics about the number of barristers they have etc.
6KBW
Testimonials
We found that 54% of homepages had a section dedicated to testimonials, where they rotated or where the user could scroll through. Testimonials are a strategic and impactful way to convey trust, expertise, and client satisfaction, ultimately contributing to the chambers’ success in attracting and retaining clients. Positive client experiences can also differentiate barristers from others, helping to attract potential clients seeking representation.
Expertise
46% of barristers’ chambers list their expertise on their homepages to provide potential clients with immediate and transparent information about the areas of law in which they specialise. By prominently showcasing their areas of practice, chambers seek to communicate competence, attract clients seeking specific legal assistance, and enhance the overall user experience on their websites.
Blackstone Chambers
Maitland Chambers
Fixed Position Elements
16% of websites have a fixed element on their homepage, where certain content remains static while scrolling down. Doughty Street Chambers has fixed buttons for “Find a Barrister” and “Subscribe to Updates” at the bottom of their homepage, along with social media icons displayed down the side of the page. This design choice ensures the continued visibility of important elements, such as contact options or calls to action, providing users with easy access to key functionalities as they explore the website.
Other Elements
20% of chamber sites featured awards on their homepage such as those from The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. Displaying awards on homepages instils trust and credibility in potential clients, showcasing the chambers’ expertise and achievements and reinforcing their reputation within the legal sector.
Only 12% of websites had a dedicated Contact Us element on their homepage. A couple of websites showcased their office locations on the homepage with maps, addresses and contact details such as Doughty Street Chambers. However, the majority had calls to actions with contact details and direct links to phone or email the Chambers, such as 2 Bedford Row. St Phillips Chambers included an enquiry form on their homepage which creates a streamlined means of communication.
20% had a recruitment/join us section on their homepage.
Final Thoughts
Our research into barristers’ chambers homepages revealed some distinct trends in the elements featured on their websites. The high use of search bars on the homepages underscores user-centric design, facilitating easy navigation for visitors seeking specific information. Also, the inclusion of news sections on the homepages (90%) emphasises the commitment to staying current and informed within the legal industry.
This research provides valuable insights into the evolving trends in barristers’ online presence, emphasising the significance of user-friendly design and strategic content integration.
