In today’s digital-first legal landscape, law firm websites are no longer just static brochures — they’re lead generators, client portals, and sometimes even legal tech platforms. With this growing functionality comes greater responsibility, particularly around user data privacy.
Why Cookie Consent Matters for Law Firms
If your law firm’s website uses cookies for analytics, advertising, or third-party integrations, you’re legally required in many jurisdictions — such as under the EU’s GDPR, California’s CCPA, and Brazil’s LGPD — to inform users and get their consent.
Even if you’re not actively collecting sensitive information, many seemingly harmless cookies (like those from Google Analytics or LinkedIn Insight Tag) track user behavior, which is considered personal data under GDPR.
Key Legal Risks Without Consent
- Non-compliance penalties: Under GDPR, fines can reach €20 million or 4% of global revenue. Even CCPA allows enforcement and private rights of action.
- Loss of client trust: As a law firm, any lapse in transparency undermines your professional integrity.
- Bar association scrutiny: Some jurisdictions require law firms to uphold strict ethical standards in advertising and data use.
What You Need
A compliant cookie banner should:
- Clearly differentiate between essential and optional cookies.
- Allow users to opt-in before placing non-essential cookies.
- Include links to your Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.
Final Word
Yes, law firm websites absolutely need cookie consent banners—not just to comply with global privacy laws, but to model the transparency and trust your legal practice is built on.