Do I need to be admitted in multiple states to use Websta in Australia

No. You must be admitted in at least one state or territory, and you can only take instructions in matters where you are admitted to practise. If you are admitted in New South Wales, you can take NSW matters, but you should not offer services in Victoria unless you are also admitted there. Your profile can make it clear which state you are admitted in.

Can I use Websta if I work as a lawyer in a law firm rather than alone

Websta is designed for independent service providers. If you work as an employed lawyer in a firm, you would not normally set up a personal profile. Check with your employer and your professional rules - some jurisdictions have specific rules about outside practice.

What happens if a client pays me through Websta and then does not pay the balance they owe

Websta processes the initial payment and deposits it to your bank account via Stripe. Any balance owed beyond that is between you and the client. You set your own payment terms and invoice clients for additional work, same as any legal practice. Keep records of all work and costs.

Should I list my prices on my Websta profile

Most lawyers do not list fixed prices because legal work varies in complexity and time. Use the quote request method: clients describe their matter, and you respond with your estimate or hourly rate and likely costs. This is standard practice and clients expect it.

Can I do all my client communication through Websta or should I move to email

You can use Websta to receive initial enquiries, but move to direct contact - email and phone - once you start working with a client. Keep records of all communications. Most lawyers send engagement letters, invoices, and legal advice by email or in person. Websta is the door, not the main office.

How to set up a Websta profile as a lawyer in Australia

Updated October 21, 2026

What your profile page should contain

Your profile is your online business presence on Websta. It replaces a basic website for most purposes. Start with a clear description of what you do - for example, whether you handle family law, conveyancing, commercial disputes, wills and estates, or another area. Australian clients want to know your area of practice because legal work is highly specialised.

Add a professional photo of yourself. Use a recent, clear headshot. You can add photos of your office or workspace if you have one.

List the services you offer as separate entries. Each service should have a name, description of what it covers, and a method for clients to get in touch - either a quote request form (clients describe their matter and you respond with terms) or online booking (for fixed appointments like initial consultations). Most lawyers use quote requests because legal matters vary too much for fixed pricing.

Write an 'About' section covering your qualifications, years of practice, and any professional memberships or accreditations. Australian clients often check whether you are admitted to practise in your state.

Include a 'Contact' section with your office address, phone number, and email. A contact form on Websta lets people reach you directly through the platform.

Which languages to publish in

Publish in English. This is the standard for professional services in Australia. Unless you are actively marketing to a specific non-English-speaking community as part of your practice strategy, English is sufficient. If you do speak other languages and want to note that, you can mention it in your description - for example, 'I also speak Mandarin' - which can be a genuine differentiator for clients.

How people in Australia search for lawyers

People search for lawyers on Websta by service type and location. On the Websta marketplace at /marketplace/legal, users can filter by the kind of legal work they need and their suburb or region. They also post tasks describing their legal issue, and lawyers respond with offers.

Most searches are location-based because clients prefer to meet their lawyer in person or at least work with someone local. They also search by the specific type of law - 'family lawyer Sydney' or 'conveyancer Melbourne'. This means your profile needs a clear description of your practice area and your suburb or city.

Some clients use the task feature: they describe their situation and ask for offers from nearby lawyers. Others browse profiles directly. Having both a well-written profile and willingness to respond to tasks increases your chances of being found.

Setting up as an independent legal provider

You must be admitted to practise law in at least one Australian state or territory. This is not optional. Check the relevant legal admissions board for your state - for example, the Law Society of New South Wales, Law Institute of Victoria, or equivalent body in your territory. Admission requirements and processes vary by state.

You must have professional indemnity insurance (PII). This is compulsory for legal practitioners in Australia. Your state's law society or professional body sets minimum cover amounts. Do not take clients without it.

If you are working as a sole trader (self-employed), register for an ABN with the Australian Taxation Office. You will need to register for GST if your turnover meets the threshold, and you must keep records for tax purposes. Check the ATO website for current requirements.

Many states require lawyers to hold client money in a trust account and have it audited regularly. This is a compliance matter you must understand before taking retainers. Check your state's rules on trust accounting.

Payment processing through Websta uses Stripe, which deposits payments to your own bank account. You set your own prices and terms. Keep records of all transactions for tax and audit purposes.

Confirm your admission status with your state's law society
Obtain professional indemnity insurance before you start
Register for an ABN with the ATO
Understand trust accounting rules in your state
Set up a business bank account

What to write in your first hour

Start with your practice description. Write two or three sentences about the type of legal work you do. Be specific: 'family law and divorce' rather than 'general legal services'. Australian clients want to know whether you are the right lawyer for their problem.

Add your qualifications. State which state you are admitted in, how long you have been practising, and any relevant accreditations or memberships - for example, Accredited Specialist status if you have it.

Write one or two service entries based on the areas you listed above. For each service, describe what it covers: 'Divorce and property settlement matters' or 'Residential property conveyancing and settlement'. Add a quote request form asking clients to describe their situation.

Upload a professional photo. If you do not have one, use a clear recent photo and replace it later.

Write your contact details and any office address. Let people know your response time - for example, 'I respond to enquiries within one business day'.

Do not spend time on pricing lists. Your terms and fees depend on your specific arrangement with each client. Use the quote request method and discuss costs individually.

What clients look for on a lawyer's profile

Clients want to know your area of practice first. A vague profile does not work. Be clear about what you handle.

They check your qualifications and how long you have been practising. Recent admittees and experienced practitioners both have clients, but people want to know what they are getting.

They want to know your location and how to contact you. Include a physical address if you have one, a phone number, and email.

They look at how you describe your process. Do you offer a free initial consultation, or do you charge for advice. Do you explain your fees upfront. Clarity about this builds trust.

They want to know your response time. If your profile says you respond within two business days, clients will wait for that instead of assuming you have disappeared.

Common questions about lawyer profiles on Websta

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be admitted in multiple states to use Websta in Australia: No. You must be admitted in at least one state or territory, and you can only take instructions in matters where you are admitted to practise. If you are admitted in New South Wales, you can take NSW matters, but you should not offer services in Victoria unless you are also admitted there. Your profile can make it clear which state you are admitted in.
Can I use Websta if I work as a lawyer in a law firm rather than alone: Websta is designed for independent service providers. If you work as an employed lawyer in a firm, you would not normally set up a personal profile. Check with your employer and your professional rules - some jurisdictions have specific rules about outside practice.
What happens if a client pays me through Websta and then does not pay the balance they owe: Websta processes the initial payment and deposits it to your bank account via Stripe. Any balance owed beyond that is between you and the client. You set your own payment terms and invoice clients for additional work, same as any legal practice. Keep records of all work and costs.
Should I list my prices on my Websta profile: Most lawyers do not list fixed prices because legal work varies in complexity and time. Use the quote request method: clients describe their matter, and you respond with your estimate or hourly rate and likely costs. This is standard practice and clients expect it.
Can I do all my client communication through Websta or should I move to email: You can use Websta to receive initial enquiries, but move to direct contact - email and phone - once you start working with a client. Keep records of all communications. Most lawyers send engagement letters, invoices, and legal advice by email or in person. Websta is the door, not the main office.

About the numbers

Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.

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