When was the last time you thought about how accessible your law firm’s website is? If your answer is “never” or “not recently,” you’re not alone. Many firms focus on aesthetics, SEO, and content but overlook one huge factor: accessibility. And that’s a problem — not just from a legal standpoint but also from a business and ethical one.
Website accessibility isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits (although that’s an important reason to care). It’s about making sure everyone — including people with disabilities — can access, understand, and use your site with ease. Think about it: If someone with a visual impairment or motor disability can’t navigate your website, you’re potentially losing a client before they even get a chance to contact you.
So, let’s break down why accessibility matters, what’s at stake if you ignore it, and how you can fix it.
What Is Website Accessibility, Anyway?
Accessibility, in the simplest terms, means designing your website so that everyone can use it. This includes people who are blind or visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, or those with mobility challenges that prevent them from using a standard mouse.
Some common accessibility barriers include:
- Text with poor color contrast (making it hard for visually impaired users to read)
- No alt text on images (leaving screen reader users in the dark)
- Videos without captions (excluding users with hearing impairments)
- Complicated navigation (frustrating for people who rely on keyboard shortcuts)
When your site isn’t accessible, you’re unintentionally shutting out a big chunk of potential clients.
The Legal Side: Yes, You Can Get Sued for This
If you think website accessibility is just a “nice-to-have,” think again. It’s a legal requirement. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to websites, and companies are getting sued left and right for failing to comply.
Just ask Sweetgreen or Barnes & Noble — both have been hit with multiple lawsuits for failing to make their websites accessible. Sweetgreen has been sued for not accommodating blind and visually impaired users, while Barnes & Noble has faced legal action for similar accessibility barriers. These cases send a clear message: businesses that ignore website accessibility are putting themselves at serious legal risk.
And they’re not alone. In 2024 alone, over 4,000 website accessibility lawsuits were filed, targeting businesses of all sizes. If your law firm’s website isn’t accessible, you’re rolling the dice on a potential legal headache.
Why Accessibility Is a Smart Business Move
Beyond avoiding lawsuits, making your website accessible is just good business. Here’s why:
- You reach more potential clients. About 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. has some type of disability. That’s a huge number of people who may need legal help — but not from your firm if they can’t navigate your site.
- Google loves accessible websites. Many accessibility best practices — like clear navigation and properly structured headings — also improve SEO. So, you’re not just helping users; you’re helping your site rank higher, too.
- You build trust and credibility. An accessible website shows that your firm cares about inclusivity and client experience, which sets you apart from competitors.
Simple Fixes to Make Your Website More Accessible
So, how do you ensure your site is accessible? Here are some quick wins:
- Add alt text to images – Describe images so screen readers can convey them to users who are visually impaired.
- Improve color contrast – Make sure text is easy to read against its background.
- Make your site keyboard-friendly – Users should be able to navigate without a mouse.
- Include captions on videos – Help users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Simplify your forms – Make sure fields are labeled properly and easy to fill out.
How to Get Started
The best way to check if your site is accessible? Test it! There are free tools like WAVE and Lighthouse that scan your site for accessibility issues.
But if you want to do it right, consider an accessibility audit from a professional team (yes, that’s where we come in). A quick review now could save you a lawsuit — and make your site better for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Website accessibility isn’t just about compliance — it’s about being a law firm that truly serves everyone. It’s an easy win for your reputation, your SEO, and your bottom line.
