MyDCLawyer Profile Guidelines

Suggested Tips for Drafting Your MyDCLawyer Attorney Profile

Below are some general suggestions for creating your MyDCLawyer practice description.

1. Introduction and Personal Touch
   • Start with a very brief introduction about yourself describing what you can do for your potential clients rather than who you are. Include your full name, current law firm name, years of experience, and a personal statement about why you chose your field of law.
   • Example: "My name is Jane Smith, and I am a Senior Attorney at Smith & Associates with over 15 years of experience in family law. I chose this field because I am passionate about helping families navigate complex legal challenges with compassion and expertise."


2. Practice Area(s)
   • Clearly state your practice area(s). Provide a detailed description of the services you offer within each practice area including, if applicable, how the multiple practice areas complement each other. Use a description that relates to relevant client concerns.
   • Example A: "As a family law practitioner, I handle divorce, child custody, alimony, and adoption cases. I provide comprehensive legal representation that includes mediation and litigation."
     
     Example B: "In addition to family law, I have extensive experience in estate planning and probate law. I assist clients with drafting wills, establishing trusts, and navigating the probate process. My combined expertise in family and estate planning law helps to foster holistic outcomes for my clients' familial and financial well-being."


3. Sub-Practice Areas
   • For each practice area, specifically identify and describe any sub-practice areas.
   • Example: "Within family law, I represent clients in high net-worth divorce matters involving the division of complex assets and business valuations. I also handle child custody disputes with a focus on outcomes that are in the best interests of children."


4. Unique Value Proposition
   • Highlight what sets you apart from other attorneys in your practice area including unique experiences that you have.
   • Example: "I am a certified mediator and successfully mediated over 100 family law cases helping clients reach amicable solutions without the need for lengthy court battles."


5. Use Widely Understood Language
   • Use language free of legal jargon (as much as possible) and easily understandable by people without legal backgrounds. Instead of abbreviations, use the unabbreviated form. Instead of acronyms, use the words represented in the acronym.
   • Example: "I help families through difficult times by providing clear, straightforward advice and representation in divorce and child custody cases."


6. Incorporating Common Search Words and Phrases
   • Identify and incorporate words that you would expect potential clients to use when searching for legal help. Use these words naturally within your profile rather than listing them alone.
   • Examples: "divorce lawyer," "child custody attorney," "estate planning services," "probate lawyer," "business law expert," etc.


7. Client-Focused Approach
   • Describe how you address your clients’ needs and concerns including your approach to client communication and case management.
   • Example: "I prioritize open and honest communication and keeping clients informed at every step of the legal process. I tailor my legal strategies to meet the unique needs of each client which helps each one to feel supported and understood."


8. Success Stories
   • Highlight the types of legal matters that you have handled and the results you have achieved. Include brief examples of past cases and their outcomes without disclosing confidential information. Your description should not suggest any guarantee or promise of particular results.
   • Example: "I recently helped a client secure a favorable custody arrangement in a complex divorce case involving relocation. My strategic approach and thorough preparation resulted in a court decision that allowed my client to move with their children and to maintain a fair visitation schedule for the other parent."


9. Final Tips
   • To enhance the matching process, address the following separately from MyDCLawyer profiles (e.g., LinkedIn or personal web page): employment history, names of prior employers, recognition, and awards. Address compensation terms directly with requestors.

The above suggestions are optional and their use is subject to the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct and MyDCLawyer Attorney Terms and Conditions. D.C. Bar does not guarantee a match with a prospective client.