Choosing the best domain name for your law firm can feel like a big decision, and honestly, it is. Your domain is part of your brand, part of how Google sees you, and part of how clients remember you. So how do you choose the best domain name for your law firm? Should you keep it traditional and use your name, or go with something more keyword-focused that includes your practice area or location?
Let’s break down both approaches and talk about the pros and cons of each.
Using Your Name in Your Domain
A lot of law firms stick with something traditional like SmithLaw.com or JohnsonAndAssociates.com. It feels personal, timeless, and if your name is known in your area, it can be a strong asset.
Pros of using your name:
- Builds your personal brand. If people know your name, they’ll find you easily.
- Gives you flexibility if your practice areas shift over time.
- Feels professional and trustworthy.
Cons of using your name:
- If your name is hard to spell or very common, it could lead to confusion or lost traffic.
- Doesn’t give Google clear signals about what you do or where you are.
- Could become awkward if you add partners or rebrand down the road.
Using Practice Area and Location in Your Domain
Another approach is going the keyword route: domains like OrangeCountyInjuryLawyer.com or ChicagoFamilyLaw.com. These domains make it instantly clear what you do and where you do it, both for visitors and search engines.
Pros of using practice area/location keywords:
- Built-in SEO boost.
- Immediately clear to potential clients.
- Can help you rank faster in competitive local search results.
Cons of using keywords:
- Can feel generic and lack personality.
- Limits future growth if you expand services or locations.
- Might come across as more of a marketing play than a professional brand.
Choosing the Right Domain Extension (TLD)
The extension you choose — also called the TLD (top-level domain) — matters, too. The obvious first choice is .com. It’s familiar, trusted, and what most people expect. If you can secure a solid .com, do it.
But if the .com isn’t available, or if you want something more specific to your profession, there are legal-focused options:
- .law — Exclusive to licensed legal professionals; requires verification.
- .lawyer — Open registration, clear and professional.
- .attorney — Another open option that signals exactly what you do.
- .legal — Flexible and available for anyone in the legal field.
- .esq — A more unique option if you use “Esquire” in your professional identity.
These legal-specific extensions can help with branding and make your website stand out. Just make sure they’re easy to remember — and if possible, still grab the .com or a close variation to protect your brand.
Finding the Right Balance
A lot of firms land somewhere in the middle, with hybrid domains like SmithInjuryLaw.com or JohnsonFamilyLaw.com. This lets you keep your name front and center while adding a little SEO power.
At the end of the day, whichever route you choose, make sure it’s easy to spell, easy to remember, and feels authentic to who you are and how you want to be known.
Need help choosing the perfect domain?
We help small law firms make smart website and marketing decisions every day. If you’d like guidance on picking the right domain name (or building a site that brings in clients), we’re happy to help.
Schedule a free consultation — no pressure, just solid advice.
