As a law firm looking to stay ahead of the competition, investing in a modern website design is increasingly essential. It is important to make sure that your website represents who you are as a firm, as well as being up-to-date and appealing to potential clients. In 2023, we will see more and more websites incorporating movement into their homepages, with web designs featuring interactive elements such as parallax scrolling and animated graphics. Sleek minimalism and modern designs will still be popular, as well as websites that feature bold typography and simple navigation structures. By carefully considering the key elements of web design such as visuals, functionality, and usability, you can effectively create an engaging website that stands out from the crowd.

Here are four website design trends we expect to see incorporated in law firm websites in 2023. 

1. Movement Reigns Supreme in 2023

Last year we talked about micro animations on websites as well as smart, intentional video. For 2023, we will see firms take that a step further. Making video or animation a part of your law firm’s homepage is an excellent way to draw a potential client’s attention and effectively communicate the services you offer. 

In 2023, look for kinetic typography (or moving text), which can immediately grab a website visitor’s attention, help a visitor navigate the web page, and gradually reveal a message. Cinemagraphs (or high-quality video or GIFs that run on a loop) will also be popular, adding visual interest to a page that may otherwise not have any, and keeping visitors scrolling throughout the layout. Animated illustrations, which can serve as an engaging and visual way to explain complex legal concepts in understandable terms, and scrolling effects will also be popular. 

2. Minimalism is Still on Trend

Minimalism has been popular for many years now, and it remains so in 2023. In an increasingly complex world, firms can stand out with the simplicity of a minimalist website, making it easier to convey the firm’s strategic message. By focusing on minimalism, you can help keep your website easy to navigate while avoiding overwhelming users with visual clutter. Investing time in creating clean, minimal designs will go a long way in enhancing user experience, making your website more accessible and user-friendly. Some design options include ultra-minimalism, which allows websites to load faster and enhances the user experience by giving visitors only the absolutely necessary information. Text-only websites are also becoming increasingly popular. 

3. Fonts Get the Royal Treatment

We have already touched on fonts in both the movement and the minimalism sections. While selecting a font has always been part of the website design process, in 2023, look for it to take on even greater significance. A high-quality font can set the tone for how your company will be perceived. By selecting a font that truly represents your law firm, and incorporating movement into the design, a font-focused website homepage can make a big impact. 

Structured typography, such as choosing to use all caps in your headers, provides the structure and stability website users are looking for. Additionally, many designers are focusing on typographic layouts, leaving images out of the design entirely and getting straight to their message. If done correctly, website designers know that strategically selected messaging and the creative arrangement of those words can be as compelling as images and animations.

4. Overlapping Text Makes a Splash

For those looking to incorporate font AND images on their law firm website, overlapping text is also on trend in 2023. With an increased focus on font, and an ongoing focus on images, overlapping text takes it a step further and combines both of them into one compelling visual. Reminiscent of a magazine cover, overlapping text breaks some rules by breaking up the traditional grid web designers have used for years. For many law firms, overlapping text will show up on their website as a header or hero image, returning to the traditional website structure on the rest of the page. This maximizes the use of space on the web page, allowing more information to display above the fold. By creating a compelling visual that draws the eye, users will focus on both the words and images used to communicate the firm’s message.