The internet is now the first place people go to find a lawyer and with a .law domain, you’re sure to get noticed.

When we need legal advice from an attorney, it’s not the yellow pages we seek first, nor is it family or friends we immediately turn to, the Internet is the first place people go to find a lawyer.

According to a FindLaw survey done last year, more and more consumers are turning to the Internet to research a lawyer before hiring them.

“Thirty-eight percent of people surveyed said they would use the Internet to help them find a lawyer with only twenty-nine percent stating they would ask a friend or relative and even less would contact the local bar association or use the Yellow Pages.”

Now with the newest addition of the industry specific domains, “.law”, it has become even easier for people on the internet to find themselves an attorney.

On August 5, 2015, Minds + Machines, the owner of the new “.law” top-level domain, announced that two of the world’s most prominent law firms were among the first to adopt the much anticipated “.law” URL.

Specifically dedicated to law firms and lawyers globally, and requiring validation of legal credentials upon application and renewal, the “.law” domain will offer legal professionals a chance to stand out from the overcrowded and unregulated domains.

“The 60-day Sunrise period for .law, where trademark owners can register their names in .law, began on July 30, 2015. Names in the .law domain will first be available for sale to credentialed legal practitioners beginning October 12, 2015.”  More information on the .law launch program can be found at nic.law.

The newest member of the legal specific domains, “.law” joins five other domains, .associates, .attorney, .esq, .legal and .lawyer, available for attorneys and legal practices to offer law-related content.

How do I get a “.law” domain?

These two questions are likely at the forefront of legal professionals, but the answers aren’t so simple. In order to get the “.law” domain, there are a couple caveats.

• Names in the .law domain are to be issued only to credentialed legal practitioners
• Application for a .law domain will require validation of legal credentials upon application and subsequent renewal

Why would I want a “.law” domain?

First, it provides practicing attorneys a singular opportunity to boost their presence on the Internet and because of the strict conditions in order to acquire the “.law” domain, it assures consumers that they are researching and communicating with real lawyers.

Second, from a branding standpoint, it has been a best practice in legal marketing to register the law firm’s .com and .net URLs together with different iterations in order to ensure brand equity.

To get in on the ground floor of the “.law” domain release this fall, law firms, legal administrators and lawyers can sign up by email to receive updates at nic.law.

Looking to add the “.law” domain for your law firm? We specialize in branding, public relations and online marketing throughout the Seattle area

Our award winning marketing team at Firm Evolution welcomes the opportunity to assist you. We provide a wide range of marketing and public relations services throughout Seattle, Redmond and Bellevue, Washington. We focus on the needs, goals and differentiating aspects of each law firm client. Our emphasis is on the big picture — leveraging the strengths of the individual attorneys, practice groups and overall firm on all fronts. We work closely with our clients to insure that all components of their marketing program – from press releases and marketing plans, to website and Internet campaigns – provide a strong foundation for maintaining existing clients and developing new ones. Contact Firm Evolution at 206.321.3220 or with our online contact form to learn more about how we can help your law firm!