The verdict in three sentences
A 30-lawyer corporate law firm in Montreal should plan CAD 33,000 to 70,000 in total for a serious redesign: website, accessibility audit against Quebec standard SGQRI 008 and WCAG 2.1 AA, and practice area copywriting. The budget is driven by the quality of partner profiles and publications, which matter most to in-house legal teams. The Barreau du Québec advertising rules govern content, not design: no comparison with other firms, no promise of results, accurate information.
Budget item by item
| Item | 2026 range (CAD) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Redesign (UX, design, development, CMS) | 24,000 to 52,000 | 30 to 60 pages, FR/EN, partner and associate profiles |
| Accessibility audit (WCAG 2.1 AA, SGQRI 008) | 4,500 to 9,000 | Sample of 15 to 20 pages, remediation plan |
| Writing 20 practice area pages | 5,000 to 9,000 | Corporate, employment, M&A, banking... |
| Photo shoot for 30 lawyers | 3,500 to 7,500 | Consistent portraits, half a day to a full day |
| Legal French/English translation | CAD 0.18 to 0.30 per word | Mandatory in Quebec for the French version |
| Maintenance and hosting | CAD 370 to 900 per month | Security, backups, updates, accessibility monitoring |
The realistic timeline is 12 to 16 weeks. The longest steps are not technical: approval of copy by each partner, photos, decisions on how to present client matters.
Accessibility: what is required and what is useful
In Quebec, the SGQRI 008 standard binds public bodies, and the Charter of the French Language requires French content of equal quality. Private firms are not always directly covered, but their clients (banks, listed companies, public agencies) increasingly require accessibility in their panel tenders.
| Criterion | Non-compliant site | Site targeting WCAG 2.1 AA |
|---|---|---|
| Text contrast | often too low (light grey) | minimum 4.5:1 ratio |
| Keyboard navigation | menus unreachable | 100% of functions accessible |
| Publication PDFs | untagged | tagged or mirrored in HTML |
| Contact form | errors not announced | explicit messages read by screen readers |
| Accessibility statement | missing | published with conformance level |
| Extra development cost | baseline | +10 to 15% if planned from the start |
Building accessibility in from the start costs 10 to 15% more. Retrofitting it later often costs 30 to 50% of the original price.
Professional conduct: points to validate
- Practice areas: avoid claiming superiority or using "specialist" in a misleading way under the Code of Professional Conduct of Lawyers.
- Client references: only with the client's express consent and without disclosing privileged information.
- Fees: billing methods can be described (flat fee, hourly), without misleading teaser prices.
- Required mentions: firm name, Barreau du Québec membership, business structure.
- French first: the French version must be at least as complete as the English one.
Mini case study
Catherine, managing partner of a 30-lawyer firm in Montreal, sets CAD 35,000 for the redesign, CAD 6,500 for the accessibility audit, CAD 7,000 for copywriting and CAD 5,000 for photos, so CAD 53,500, plus CAD 600 per month of maintenance. Over 3 years, total cost is 53,500 + 21,600 = CAD 75,100. If the new site helps win two extra corporate mandates a year at CAD 50,000 in fees, it generates CAD 300,000 over the period, a return of about four times the investment. The firm can also answer panel tenders that require an accessibility statement.
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FAQ
How much does a corporate law firm website redesign cost in 2026?
Between CAD 24,000 and 52,000 for the website alone, and CAD 33,000 to 70,000 with accessibility audit and copywriting. Small firms of 3 to 5 lawyers usually stay between CAD 9,000 and 18,000.
Is an accessibility audit mandatory for a law firm?
Not always, but institutional clients ask for it more and more. An audit costs CAD 4,500 to 9,000 and produces a costed remediation plan.
Can we name our clients on the site?
Yes, with written consent and without revealing privileged information. Many firms prefer anonymised matters showing sector and deal size.
How long does the project take?
Count 12 to 16 weeks, including 4 to 6 weeks for partners to approve content. A review schedule fixed at kickoff avoids delays.
Do we need a bilingual site?
In Quebec, French is required and English is essential for cross-border work. Plan CAD 6,000 to 12,000 of legal translation for 30,000 to 40,000 words.
Let's scope your project. Tell us about your practice groups, number of lawyers and accessibility requirements: we will price the redesign with audit and copywriting, an indicative budget and a 12 to 16 week plan. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
