The verdict in three sentences
If your 2019 site runs on an up-to-date CMS, loads in under 3 seconds on mobile and already meets the SRA Transparency Rules, a visual redesign at GBP 6,000-10,000 is enough. If the technical base is outdated, if you need separately indexed practice area pages or online booking, a rebuild at GBP 14,000-28,000 costs less over five years. Either way, plan for 6 to 10 weeks and a compliance sign-off by the managing partner before launch.
Redesign or rebuild: the deciding criteria
This is not about looks. A 12-lawyer firm in London lives on three sources of instructions: referrals, professional networks and Google searches such as "employment lawyer London" or "commercial lease solicitor Shoreditch". The website has to serve all three.
| Criterion | Visual redesign | Full rebuild |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 budget | GBP 6,000 to 10,000 | GBP 14,000 to 28,000 |
| Timeline | 6 to 7 weeks | 8 to 10 weeks |
| Technical base | Kept (WordPress, updated theme) | Rebuilt (Next.js or clean WordPress) |
| Practice area pages | Existing pages restyled | Dedicated structure, schema markup |
| Target mobile speed | 3 to 4 s | Under 2 s |
| Online booking | Plug-in added | Integrated with the firm's calendar |
| Annual maintenance | GBP 1,400 to 2,800 | GBP 1,000 to 2,000 |
| Expected lifespan | 2 to 3 years | 5 to 6 years |
Rule of thumb: if more than 40% of pages need rewriting or the theme is no longer maintained by its vendor, a redesign becomes a patch. These figures are 2026 estimates for an independent agency, excluding legal copywriting by a specialist (GBP 90 to 170 per page).
Regulation: what a law firm website must and must not show
In England and Wales, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Transparency Rules require firms offering certain services to publish price and service information. A rebuild is the right time to get this right.
| Item | Allowed | Watch point |
|---|---|---|
| Practice areas | Yes | Avoid "specialist" claims you cannot evidence |
| Price information | Mandatory for listed services | Conveyancing, probate, employment tribunals, debt recovery, etc. |
| Case results | With care | No misleading outcomes, no guaranteed results |
| Client reviews | Yes | Must be genuine, respect confidentiality |
| SRA digital badge | Mandatory | Displayed on every page where services are offered |
| Complaints procedure | Mandatory | Including Legal Ombudsman details |
| Contact form | Yes | UK GDPR compliance, retention period, encrypted uploads |
The managing partner should budget 2 to 3 hours to review the price pages and regulatory wording before going live.
What each option costs over five years
The upfront price is misleading. Over five years, redesigning an ageing base often triggers a second intervention around year three.
| 5-year line item | Redesign | Rebuild |
|---|---|---|
| Initial build | GBP 8,000 | GBP 20,000 |
| Maintenance and updates | GBP 10,500 | GBP 7,500 |
| Hosting | GBP 1,800 | GBP 1,800 |
| Second redesign in year 3 | GBP 7,000 | GBP 0 |
| Estimated total | GBP 27,300 | GBP 29,300 |
The final gap is about GBP 2,000, less than one average employment matter. The real difference is acquisition: a fast site with well-structured practice pages captures more qualified searches.
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Mini case study
Claire Whitmore, managing partner of a 12-lawyer firm in London, currently receives 6 qualified enquiries a month through the website. After a GBP 20,000 rebuild, a realistic target is 10 enquiries a month. With a 30% conversion rate and an average fee of GBP 4,000 per matter, the 4 extra enquiries mean about 1.2 additional matters a month, or GBP 4,800. The investment pays back in just over 4 months, a 2026 estimate that excludes the 3 to 6 months needed for search rankings to build.
FAQ
How much does a law firm website cost in London in 2026?
A visual redesign costs GBP 6,000 to 10,000, a rebuild GBP 14,000 to 28,000. Multilingual versions add GBP 3,000 to 6,000 depending on the number of practice pages.
Does the SRA approve websites before launch?
No, there is no prior approval, but the SRA can act on non-compliant information. Plan a 2 to 3 hour internal compliance review before launch.
Do we have to publish prices?
For services covered by the Transparency Rules, yes: for example a fixed fee range for residential conveyancing. Other services can show indicative fees or none.
Should we translate the site?
Only if you serve a defined client base, such as French or German speaking corporates. Translating 6 to 10 key pages covers most demand, at about GBP 0.12 to 0.20 per word for legal translation.
How long before results show in Google?
Allow 3 to 6 months for local practice area searches in London, where competition is intense and well-structured content makes the difference.
Let's scope your project. Send us your current website address and the number of practice pages you need: we will tell you whether a redesign is enough, with an indicative budget and a 6 to 10 week timeline. 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.
