Many Have No Web Site, No Business Email
Some 98% of Florida law firms, with less than five employees, do not have a web site. Another 60% of firms, with five to 10 employees, also do not have a web site.
Larger firms consistently have web sites but often their internet presence is flawed. A spot check of firms with web sites shows that most do not show an individual’s email address on their web site. Commonly, these firms only allow a preformatted, generic email to an unknown person in the firm; there is no way to directly email any partner or associate by name.
Those results are shown in a 2011 business spotlight study by Harry Haigley, a business analyst and accredited business valuation professional. The data came from national data bases on U.S. and Florida businesses.
“There are a number of internet lawyer listing services that show the address and phone number of all law firms. But if you want to find out anything about smaller law firms or the partners, on the firm’s web site, you simply cannot do it,” said Haigley.
“Of course, practically all professionals use the internet; have email addresses and smart phones.
But the lack of web sites seems particular to small law firms. By contrast, web site usage for small firm Florida architects is about 25% compared to 2% for small firm Florida lawyers.
“There are restrictions on law firm advertising in Florida and that can be a barrier,” he said.
“The idea that 98% of the small Florida law firms are internet invisible defies rational explanation or comment,” said Haigley
Small Florida law firms can produce net income to the owner of about 33% of gross revenues. These
firms can sell to other lawyers for about 70% of total annual revenue, Haigley said.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Harry Haigley is an experienced business broker, mergers and acquisition
professional and an accredited business valuation analyst (National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts). He has performed more than 400 valuations of firms in most industries. He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago. His office is located in downtown Tierra Verde, FL. Telephone: 727 827-8000,email: Harry@fmtservices.com. He does not provide internet or web site consulting services.
