Short answer: Law firms need consistent attorney headshots for the website, bar directories and LinkedIn; a way to photograph new attorneys so they match the existing team page; and occasional event coverage for client dinners, retreats and bar association events. Choose a formal but approachable style, document it, and photograph the whole firm on-site in one or two days.
For a law firm, the attorney bio page is often the most visited page on the website. Prospective clients and referral sources read it before they call, and the photo is the first thing they see. This guide covers what law firms need from photography, how to keep a team page consistent as attorneys come and go, and how to schedule a shoot around billable hours. It reflects our work with firms in Cincinnati, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Boca Raton, New York and Chicago.
What law firms need
Attorney headshots
The core deliverable. Attorney headshots should communicate competence and trustworthiness: clean backgrounds, structured clothing and a confident, approachable expression. Most firms lean formal, but litigation, corporate, family law and plaintiff firms may each want a slightly different tone. Decide what your clients expect and stay consistent.
A consistent team page
Multi-attorney firms often have headshots from five different photographers and ten different years. That inconsistency undercuts the professionalism you are trying to show. A firm-wide shoot with one background, one lighting setup and one crop fixes it in a day.
New attorney onboarding
Associates and laterals join throughout the year. Document your headshot style (background, lighting, framing, retouching level) so every new attorney can be photographed to match, either in a short individual session or at the next scheduled firm shoot.
Environmental and office photography
Photos of attorneys at work, in conference rooms and with colleagues give your website and proposals a more human feel than headshots alone. They are also useful for recruiting pages.
Events
Client appreciation dinners, partner retreats, CLE programs, bar association events and community sponsorships are all good content for the firm’s website, newsletter and LinkedIn.
Practice areas and markets
The right style often follows the practice. A few examples from our markets:
- Cincinnati: regional and national firms downtown, plus boutique practices and solo attorneys across the metro.
- Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton: maritime and admiralty practices tied to the marine industry, real estate and construction law, and litigation and corporate firms throughout Broward and Palm Beach County.
- Miami: international, corporate and real estate practices in Brickell and Downtown.
- New York and Chicago: large firms with frequent lateral hires, where a documented headshot standard saves time every month.
Scheduling around billable hours
Attorneys don’t want to lose an hour to a photo shoot. We set up a portable studio in a conference room and book short time slots, so each attorney is away from their desk for only a few minutes. A firm of 30 attorneys can usually be photographed in a morning. Tips that help:
- Share a sign-up sheet with 5-minute slots and build in a make-up window
- Avoid trial weeks and filing deadlines
- Send wardrobe guidance a week ahead (solid colors, no busy patterns)
- Have a mirror, lint roller and water available near the set
See how to plan a company headshot day for a full checklist.
Usage and directories
Make sure your agreement covers how the photos will be used: website, LinkedIn, directories, award submissions, press and proposals. Most attorneys will also use their headshot personally, so confirm that is included. Our LinkedIn headshot guide has tips on cropping for each platform.
Cost
Firm-wide headshots are usually quoted as a package based on headcount, number of offices and retouching. See how much corporate headshots cost for current ranges.
See our work with financial and professional services firms, or request a quote for your firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should attorneys wear for headshots?
Most attorneys wear a suit or blazer in a solid color with a simple shirt or blouse. Avoid busy patterns and logos, and bring a second option if you are unsure.
How do we keep headshots consistent when new attorneys join?
Document your headshot style (background, lighting, crop and retouching) and photograph new attorneys to match, either individually or at the next firm-wide session.
How long does a law firm headshot day take?
Each attorney needs only a few minutes. A firm of about 30 attorneys can usually be photographed in a morning.
Do you photograph law firm events?
Yes. We cover client appreciation events, retreats, CLE programs and bar association events.