Bar Association Website Developer

Bar association websites have a distinct set of requirements that differentiate them from general websites. These unique features cater to the specific needs of the legal community and are centered around three primary aspects: structure, content, and ethical considerations. As bar association website designers with nearly two decades of experience, we create compelling websites that address each of these aspects.

Structure and Functionality

The architecture of a bar association website is designed to facilitate a multitude of member services. These include:

• Member Directories: A bar association website often hosts a comprehensive, searchable directory of its members, enabling users to easily locate legal professionals within the association.

• Member Communication Through Emails. We provide bar association directors with the ability to easily send emails to all current bar members on a wide range of matters, including judicial updates, upcoming events (including CLE presentations), and other matters.
• Event Calendars: To keep members abreast of upcoming events, meetings, and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) opportunities, these websites often feature integrated calendars.
• Event Registration and Payments: Bar associations often offer events that require registration and payments. We integrate solutions that allow members to sign up for events, choose customized offerings (such as meal selection), and make payments (with registration confirmation and emails).
• Secure Member Areas: A typical feature of these sites includes secure, members-only sections where confidential information can be accessed.
• Online Payment Systems: For easy payment of dues, event registration, and other fees, bar association websites often incorporate secure online payment systems.

Content

The content hosted on a bar association website is typically focused on:

• Legal News and Updates: To keep members updated on developments in the legal field, bar association websites often host news sections, legal updates, and blog posts.

• Sponsored CLE Events: Most bar associations also host a number of CLE events throughout the year. It’s important to communicate with members concerning these matters.
• Legal Resources: From legal forms and templates to detailed articles and case studies, these sites provide resources that support the professional development of their members.
• Ethics Opinions: Ethics opinions, guidelines, and other regulatory information are often provided to help members adhere to professional standards.

Ethical Considerations

Perhaps most notably, bar association websites must adhere to strict ethical guidelines as an outreach of the individual attorneys, particularly what information is shown on member profiles. This means ensuring that the content, advertising, and other forms of communication on the site align with legal ethics rules. An understanding of these ethics rules is essential, as non-compliance can have serious consequences.

Developing a compliant website requires a blend of technical knowledge, understanding of the legal profession, and awareness of ethical regulations — qualities we at Esquire Interactive bring to every project.