As the European Accessibility Act (EAA) deadline approaches on 28 June 2025, the digital readiness of the UK’s legal sector is under increasing scrutiny. While public sector websites have long had to meet accessibility standards, the EAA now extends these obligations to many private sector organisations, including law firms that serve or trade with EU clients.
This article presents the results of accessibility audits carried out on the homepages of ten mid-sized UK law firms. The audits reveal common issues, identify which firms are closest to compliance, and explain why accessibility is essential to the legal profession.
Why Accessibility Matters for Law Firms
For law firms, accessibility is not just a technical requirement. It reflects a core commitment to equality, fairness, and inclusive service delivery. Clients may include elderly individuals, people with visual or motor impairments, or those who rely on screen readers or keyboard navigation. Without accessible websites, many are excluded from legal advice and services.
Additionally, regulators such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Legal Services Board are recognising digital accessibility as part of ensuring fair access to justice. Failure to comply with accessibility standards could expose firms to reputational damage, complaints, or legal action – especially after EAA enforcement begins.
Key Findings from the Audit
All ten law firms assessed had accessibility errors on their homepage. None were fully compliant with Level A of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2), which forms the legal minimum under the EAA.
Most Common Accessibility Problems
- Missing link text: Links without descriptive text make it difficult for screen reader users to understand where the link goes.
- Vague link language: Text like “Read more” or “Click here” without context creates confusion.
- Autoplaying videos: Videos that cannot be paused present difficulties for users with cognitive or visual sensitivities.
- Low contrast text: Text that blends into the background reduces readability, particularly for visually impaired users.
- Hidden focusable elements: Elements that are focusable by keyboard but hidden from screen readers create a poor experience.
- Improper use of ARIA labels and roles: These errors often prevent assistive technologies from interpreting page elements correctly.
Although none were audited for this sample, another common area of accessibility concern for law firms is the use of inaccessible PDF documents on their websites. Many PDFs are not tagged properly for screen readers, lack alternative text for images, or do not allow proper keyboard navigation, which creates further barriers for users with disabilities.
Accessibility Performance by Firm
| Firm ID | Level A Issues | Level AA Issues | Total Issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firm D | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| Firm H | 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Firm B | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Firm I | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Firm G | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Firm F | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Firm A | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Firm E | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Firm J | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Firm C | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Trends in the Sector
Widespread Non-Compliance
Every firm audited has at least one issue that puts it out of compliance with Level A. This indicates that most firms are still not legally ready for the EAA.
Common Design and Content Pitfalls
Design decisions such as colour contrast and content management practices such as missing alternative text are among the most frequent problems. These are relatively simple to fix but often go unnoticed.
Smaller or Independent Firms Show Higher Risk
Firms such as Firm D and Firm B had more issues, which may suggest smaller firms lack the dedicated resources or processes to manage accessibility effectively.
Most Compliant Firms
- Firm C had the lowest number of total issues.
- Firm J and Firm F also performed relatively well, with only two or three identified problems.
Nonetheless, none of these firms passed the test completely.
Implications for UK Law Firms
Risk of Enforcement
Once the EAA comes into effect in June 2025, any firm operating in the EU or targeting EU consumers will be subject to penalties if their digital services are not accessible. Fines, reputational risk, and legal action are real consequences.
Missed Business Opportunities
Accessible websites are faster, easier to navigate, and perform better in search rankings. They serve all users better, not just those with disabilities. Firms that ignore accessibility may be turning away potential clients.
Reputation and Ethical Duty
Law firms are expected to uphold standards of fairness, justice, and equality. Failing to meet digital accessibility standards undermines this principle and may damage public trust.
Recommendations for Law Firms
- Conduct full-site accessibility audits rather than relying on single-page tests.
- Fix basic Level A issues without delay, particularly those affecting navigation and content clarity.
- Invest in staff training on accessible design and content practices.
- Test websites with assistive technologies, such as screen readers and keyboard-only navigation.
- Integrate accessibility checks into all future website updates and procurement processes.
- Audit and remediate PDFs and downloadable content to ensure these materials are also accessible.
Conclusion
The findings show that most UK mid-sized law firms have work to do to meet the requirements of the European Accessibility Act. While some are further along than others, none of the audited firms are currently compliant with the minimum accessibility standards.
With less than a month before enforcement begins, now is the time for action. Accessibility is not only a legal requirement, but a reflection of a firm’s values and commitment to serving all clients equally. Those who take it seriously now will not only avoid penalties, but also lead the way in creating a fairer, more inclusive legal sector.