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

What to include on your profile page

Your Websta profile is a standalone page that acts as your web address. Unlike a social media post, it stays in place and shows up when people search for lawyers near them. The core sections are straightforward: a brief introduction that says what kind of law you practice (family, commercial, employment, property, or another area), your location in Belgium, and the services you offer.

Add a professional photo of yourself. Clients want to know who they are contacting. Include contact details - your phone number and email - so people can reach you directly. A short description of your background (years of experience, languages you work in, relevant qualifications) builds confidence, but keep it factual.

List the specific services you provide. Instead of writing 'legal advice', say 'contract review for small businesses' or 'divorce proceedings' or 'tenant disputes'. This helps the right clients find you. Add a description for each service that explains what you do and what clients should expect.

Use the booking or quote request feature. Most clients will ask for a quote first - they want to know the cost before committing. Set up your profile to accept quote requests, or use the booking option if you offer fixed-rate consultations that people can reserve directly.

Languages and who searches for legal services in Belgium

Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French and German. Publish your profile in the language or languages you actually work in. If you practise only in Dutch, publish in Dutch. If you handle cases in both French and Dutch (as many lawyers in Brussels and Wallonia do), publish in both. Publishing in a language you do not speak will frustrate clients who contact you.

People in Belgium search for lawyers by service type and by place. When someone needs a lawyer for a specific problem - employment law, property transfer, inheritance - they search for that service plus their town or region. Websta's marketplace lets them do that: they search by service category and location, and they also post tasks to which nearby lawyers can make offers. Small numbers of lawyers advertise on Websta in Belgium right now, which means less competition but also that you will need to respond quickly and professionally to inquiries.

Working as an independent lawyer in Belgium

If you are a sole trader (independent professional), you need to check your professional obligations with the Bar Association (Orde van Advocaten, Barreau de Belgique, or Anwaltskammer) in your region. Bar associations in Belgium regulate lawyer conduct, require continuing professional development, set rules about client communication and data protection, and oversee client funds. These rules apply whether you advertise on Websta or not.

As for business registration, check with your local Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel) or your cantonal tax office what paperwork you need. Self-employed lawyers must register as a business in Belgium and may be required to hold professional indemnity insurance. Do not assume what applies - contact your regional Bar Association and tax office to confirm current requirements.

Websta handles payments through Stripe: when a client pays, the money goes to your own bank account, and you set your own rates. You are responsible for invoicing, taxes and keeping records as required by Belgian tax law.

What to write in your first hour

Start with the essentials: your full name, phone number, email address, and the town or district where you work. Do not leave these blank. Write two or three sentences about what you do. Example: 'I advise small businesses on contracts and employment matters' or 'I handle family law cases including divorce and custody'. Be specific.

Choose one to three service categories that match your practice. Write a short description for each - what the service covers and what the client should prepare. Add a professional photo if you have one. These steps take less than an hour and make your profile searchable.

Do not worry about perfect wording at this stage. You can update and refine your profile later. The goal is to be findable and reachable. Once you have a working profile, you can respond to inquiries and improve the description based on the questions you receive.

Booking, quote requests and follow-up

Websta profiles can use either a booking system (if you want to let clients reserve a specific time slot) or a quote request form (if you prefer to discuss scope and price before agreeing to work). Most lawyers use quote requests because legal work varies case by case.

When someone sends a quote request through Websta, respond within 24 hours if possible. Tell them what information you need to give an estimate, what the next steps are, and how to contact you directly if they prefer. Prompt responses matter when people are looking for legal help - they may contact several lawyers at once.

After the initial conversation, communicate directly by phone or email rather than through the Websta platform. Websta is a way for clients to find and contact you, not a place to do ongoing casework.

Photos and profile appearance

Add a clear, professional headshot. This is the single most important photo. It should be recent, well-lit, and show your face. Avoid group photos or casual snapshots. A photo builds trust and makes your profile more likely to get inquiries.

If you have office photos or want to show your work environment, add one or two more. They should be neat and professional. Do not add generic stock images or anything that does not represent your actual setup. Clients can tell the difference.

Finding your profile and staying visible

Once your profile is live, it appears in Websta's marketplace under the legal services category for Belgium. People who search for lawyers by service and location can find you there. They can also post a task (for example, 'I need a lawyer to review a lease agreement in Brussels') and you can make an offer.

Keep your profile up to date. If you are no longer available, close it. If you change your services or location, update it. Respond to inquiries promptly. These habits keep you visible to the right clients.