When the site was last reviewed, it looked like it just needed some additional content population. The result is a crisp and concise site that follows most of the elements that you would learn in Web Site Development 101 (that is a compliment, meaning that the branding, navigation, colors and structure are all where they should be). Another example of steady growth and improvement online. Many firms could take a lesson here.
If you like flash and glitz—Las Vegas-style—you will probably love this site. It is big on graphic design, so much so, that it probably hurts the idea of using it as a resource. The case studies (another recurring theme on sites in the last two years) are nice, if you are trying to get a feel for the firm. The “search results” were the longest wait I’ve ever seen on a site. Which is probably why they have part of the firm logo rotating while you are waiting around for the results. The site is an upgrade by leaps and bounds. It is a stylish effort, without question. And I have to commend them for not having another same old site. It is definitely worth a visit. Some will be blown away; others annoyed. You can judge for yourself.
The publications library was slim pickings for a firm of this size. Yet, lots of news and events. I liked how the “offices” had the web site content that was relevant. Also, I thought the job openings listing on these pages were unique. I would suggest that the “contact” page would be better if it linked to the strong “offices” content, rather than just give a list of addresses and phone numbers. You might miss the “offices” page. I also like the interactive variety of e-mailing attorneys from different places in the site. On the home page, the firm spotlight items could use some updating. It is still an excellent site focused on content in the land that often is more concerned with graphic design (NYC). WILL ALWAYS HATE…that the site is still missing an internal search engine.
Maybe it was a bad time, but the site was operating at a crawl. Ah, Virginia, one of those states where the lawyers figured out the Internet before everyone else did. Maybe it is in the water that our forefathers sipped in days gone by. As you can tell, too many site reviews are starting to melt my mind. This is another case of “don’t screw it up.” In other words, keep adding and updating, and you’ll be fine. Good organization, navigation and user friendly touches.
I’m going to have to pick on an IMA award-winner for the home page (on this review day). It highlights the marketing team winning awards in both scrolling headlines and graphic icons. That does nothing to help the law firm develop business. And an LMA Your Honors Award (with limited entries and a costly entry fee) is not exactly an Oscar. That is not a competition among the nation’s best marketers—most of whom do not even belong to LMA anymore. But, the Pat Summerall Success Stories? Come on. I know. You only had to pay the minimal “production costs”, right? This is one of the best law firm web sites out there, in terms of usability and content. Get people focused on what matters. Highlight your legal work!
I was just about to write really glowing things when I clicked on the home page “recent news” – one item was four months old, the other more than a year. Yipes! However, the home paged headlines for publications and events were up to date. Focus, my friends, focus. Overall, a good site with all the general “important stuff” there to peruse. Good subscription form. Do the same for “contact us.” It looks like the site was well thought out.
Every once in awhile you get a home page that sings. Here, the logos that really count are not that of the firm, but of key (i.e. “recognizable names”) clients. Of the three home page elements, the “done deal” section stands out. The page delivers. The “Newstand”, featuring client advisories, media articles and press releases is also set out in a way that is especially useful to the visitor. While I’ve seen the 3-D “virtual tour” before (you have too if you read the Nifty 50 every year), it is always fun to stroll through the Boston offices. While the attorney bio section could offer up a few more options, I can deal with the site search mechanism being right there as well. One little tip—for links to outside articles (the firm seems popular with Lawyers Weekly), make sure you open that second browser. The site could “reach out” a little better in terms of contact possibilities. And I still prefer that short, sweet firm description somewhere on the home page.
A firm that calls itself “Technology’s Legal Edge” better have a good web site. In my early days of IMAing, I was amazed by how many firms touted their “technology” and had web sites that looked like they were designed by a colorblind, dyslexic relative. They offer up a good showing. The “office pages” could use a little more depth. I happen to know the SF location is right across from beautiful Pac Bell Park. I noticed it on my way in for a few games last season. That would be a selling point to me. But I digress. The strengths have remained—good design, searching, interactivity. The weaknesses are the same—stronger use of the home page, better highlighting of news.
The nice thing about labor law firms from a marketing perspective is that they often run closer to a business than a law firm. The focus is not on bios and practice areas, but on selling services to both lawyers and non-lawyers. Littler, like many similarly situated firms, does a nice job providing much of that online. Including the “Littler Shop” for purchasing. And a slew of interesting resources. The home page is effective and the info continues to stay up to date.
At first glance, I thought it was going to be one of those boring, stodgy, “I’ll show you my lobby if you show me yours” sites, with those interior shots that generally annoy me. I’ve seen conference rooms before, thank you very much. Yet, the McGlinchey site proved to be a solid resource. The contact info was very strong. One thing that was a little odd was that the “case alerts” had posted and removal dates (which is great), except that one that I was reading was to have been removed over a year ago. And only in New Orleans would you have under “resources” a city restaurant guide. I do not mean one of many links…I’m talking one of three sections of “resources”. Any client or attorney not familiar with the city will appreciate it. There are few towns, if any, better to eat in than N.O. and those familiar with the town will know that providing that resource is greater than any bio list or newsletter—that is worth an intangible point or two by itself.
