When a lawyer encounters an opposing counsel for the first time, or when a client is reviewing recommended lawyers to handle their new case, one primary resource for learning about a lawyer is to review his or her online bio, typically housed on the firm’s website. Online bios can confirm basic biographical information, such as name, title, education, bar admissions and contact information.

But online bios also serve as a valuable marketing tool, to highlight relevant experience, identify wins or awards or otherwise credential a lawyer’s skills. Clients may decide to hire a lawyer based on the content of their bio or even decide not to hire a lawyer whose bio is scant or underwhelming.