How to build your profile

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Read the guidance notes below to help you make the most of your profile - it's your face to the world.

Adding a Photograph

Find a good photograph. It can be black-and-white or colour. The photo should not be too close-up: head and shoulders works well.  Make sure it is clear and in focus. Don't look too austere or intimidating. Research shows that people select lawyers who look friendly and approachable as well as professional and competent. Avoid wig and gown, unless you want to make a particular point. Depending on your area of practice, smiling can help.

Selecting Your Specialism(s)

You can choose from one to three specialisms. Your primary specialism is obviously the most important. The specialisms are fairly broad, and are couched in non-technical language. 

We suggest you add a few words about each of your specialisms and what you can offer to clients. This summary will appear beside your photo in the thumbnail profiles in the initial search results.

Selecting Location(s)

You can select one, two or three locations - or none at all, depending on the following factors:

  • Barristers with a more localised practice, or whose clients may want to meet in person, should consider selecting locations.
  • If you get a high volume of contacts from myBarrister, you might prefer these to be closer to you - if so, select some local locations.
  • If you have a national or international practice, and are prepared to travel, then you can select 'No Location'.
  • If a search finds no suitable barristers in a particular location, then barristers from the broader region appear in the search results.
 

Using Keywords

Keywords are a VITAL part of your profile because the search engine will look for words entered by clients in the 'Keywords' section of the search panel. In the Introduction sections of your profile, make sure you use words that clients might enter into their search. You will appear in more search results if you add a good number of appropriate keywords. For example, if your primary specialism is Property & Housing, then you could enter words along the lines of "I specialise in landlord and tenant, dealing with leases; I also deal with boundary, squatter, re-possession and planning issues." Use keywords throughout your profile.

 

Using Analytics to Improve your Profile

Our analytics feature is unique to myBarrister. You can monitor which client search terms have been most effective in generating leads for you and then use this information to improve your performance on the site, as well as offering very useful market intelligence. It’s a form of search engine optimisation actually within the site itself.

Click to see the example profile. Also, make sure that you:

  • Use simple, plain language and directly address your client.
  • Avoid legal jargon.
  • Rather than just listing cases, talk about what you achieved for your clients, and what the process was like.
  • Make your practice come alive.
  • If you have any testimonials from clients, add them. Nothing speaks better than personal recommendations.