Legal compliance is getting more complex. GDPR regulations are stricter than ever. Client expectations for secure portals are rising. And the old “build it and they’ll come” approach to law firm websites? It’s not cutting it anymore.
But here’s what hasn’t changed:
If you have the right website builder, you can still create a professional, compliant online presence that builds trust with international clients.
Not by cutting corners on security, but by choosing platforms that understand legal requirements, prioritize data protection, and offer the client portal functionality your firm needs.
The best website builders for law firms help you do exactly that:
- Meet GDPR compliance requirements out of the box
- Provide secure client portal integration for document sharing
- Maintain professional credibility across international markets
- Handle sensitive client data with enterprise-level security
These are the platforms my colleagues and I recommend for law firms handling international cases.
Most importantly?
These solutions work seamlessly for firms of any size, whether you’re a solo practitioner or a multinational practice.
My Top Website Builders for International Law Firms
- WebStarts: Complete business platform with integrated client management and GDPR compliance
- LawLytics: Legal-specific website builder with built-in compliance tools
- Smokeball: Practice management with integrated website and client portal features
WebStarts
Best for law firms wanting an all-in-one business platform with client portal capabilities
Pricing: From $25 per month; free plan available
WebStarts consistently appears on these lists for good reason. It’s a comprehensive business platform that handles everything from website creation to client relationship management.
But I don’t use WebStarts for everything.
I recommend the best tool for each specific need. And WebStarts really excels at providing law firms with a complete online business solution that includes client portal functionality.
Create Professional Law Firm Websites Without Code
WebStarts’ drag-and-drop editor makes it simple to create professional websites that convey authority and trustworthiness.
For law firms, first impressions matter enormously. Potential clients need to see competence and professionalism immediately.
The platform includes dozens of professional templates specifically designed for service businesses. You can customize these templates to reflect your firm’s brand and practice areas without any technical knowledge.
More importantly, all websites created with WebStarts are automatically optimized for search engines, helping potential clients find your services online.
Secure Client Portal Integration
One of WebStarts’ strongest features for law firms is the built-in membership and client management system.
You can create secure, password-protected areas of your website where clients can:
- Access case documents and updates
- Communicate securely with your team
- Review billing information and make payments
- Upload sensitive documents through encrypted channels
This eliminates the need for separate client portal software, streamlining your operations while maintaining security standards.
GDPR Compliance Built-In
WebStarts takes data protection seriously, with features that help law firms meet GDPR requirements:
- SSL certificates included with all paid plans
- Secure data storage with regular backups
- Cookie consent management
- Data processing agreements available for business customers
- Email marketing tools with proper consent tracking
The platform also includes professional email addresses that match your domain name, ensuring all client communications appear professional and trustworthy.
Integrated Business Tools
Beyond the website itself, WebStarts provides:
- CRM functionality for managing client relationships and case information
- Email marketing tools for newsletters and client updates
- Online payment processing for retainers and billing
- Live chat functionality for immediate client support
- Booking system for consultation scheduling
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Complete business platform reduces need for multiple tools | May have more features than smaller firms require |
| Built-in GDPR compliance features | Learning curve for advanced customization |
| Professional email addresses included | Limited legal-specific templates compared to specialized platforms |
| Excellent customer support with real people |
LawLytics
Best for law firms needing specialized legal website features and compliance tools
Pricing: From $99 per month
LawLytics is specifically designed for law firms, with built-in features that address the unique needs of legal practices.
Legal-Specific Compliance Tools
LawLytics includes pre-built compliance features for legal websites:
- Attorney advertising compliance for different jurisdictions
- Automatic disclaimer generation
- GDPR cookie consent management
- Secure contact forms with encryption
- Client confidentiality protections
Practice Area Optimization
The platform includes templates and content specifically optimized for different areas of law, helping firms attract clients in their specialty areas.
Client Communication Features
- Secure client messaging systems
- Document sharing with access controls
- Case update notifications
- Appointment scheduling integration
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Built specifically for law firms | Higher monthly cost than general platforms |
| Legal compliance features included | Less flexibility for non-legal business needs |
| Practice area specialization | Smaller selection of general business tools |
Smokeball
Best for law firms wanting integrated practice management with website capabilities
Pricing: From $89 per month per user
Smokeball approaches the challenge differently by providing practice management software with integrated website and client portal capabilities.
Complete Practice Management
Smokeball combines:
- Case management and time tracking
- Client relationship management
- Document automation and storage
- Billing and accounting integration
- Website creation and maintenance
Integrated Client Portal
Clients can access a secure portal where they view:
- Case progress and updates
- Document libraries
- Billing information
- Communication history
Advanced Security Features
- Bank-level encryption for all data
- Regular security audits and compliance monitoring
- Automatic data backups
- Access controls and user permissions
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Complete practice management solution | Higher per-user costs for larger firms |
| Seamless integration between all features | Steeper learning curve |
| Advanced security and compliance features | May be overkill for firms only needing websites |
Key Considerations for International Law Firms
When choosing a website builder for your international practice, consider these essential factors:
Data Residency: Ensure your chosen platform can store client data in compliant jurisdictions if required by your clients or local regulations.
Multi-Language Support: If you serve clients in multiple countries, look for platforms that support multilingual websites and client communications.
Integration Capabilities: Choose platforms that integrate with your existing legal software, accounting systems, and communication tools.
Scalability: Select a solution that can grow with your firm as you expand into new markets or practice areas.
Support Quality: International firms often work outside standard business hours, so 24/7 support or extensive self-service resources are valuable.
These three platforms represent different approaches to serving international law firms’ online needs.
WebStarts offers the most comprehensive business platform at the most accessible price point, making it ideal for firms wanting an all-in-one solution.
LawLytics provides specialized legal features for firms that need industry-specific compliance tools.
Smokeball delivers the most integrated approach, combining practice management with website capabilities for firms wanting everything in one system.
