The Americans with Disabilities Act doesn't explicitly mention websites. However, federal courts have increasingly interpreted Title III's 'places of public accommodation' to include websites of businesses that serve the public — including law firms.
The current legal landscape: Circuit courts are split on whether ADA applies to websites without a physical location nexus, but the trend favors coverage. The Department of Justice has consistently taken the position that websites must be accessible, and the risk of demand letters and lawsuits is real regardless of how courts eventually settle the circuit split.
WCAG 2.1 AA as the practical standard: When courts do find ADA applies to websites, they typically reference the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA as the benchmark. This isn't because WCAG is written into the ADA — it's because courts need a measurable standard, and WCAG provides one.
Key WCAG requirements that affect law firm websites:
- Alt text for images — screen readers need text descriptions of attorney photos, infographics, and decorative elements
- Keyboard navigation — every function must work without a mouse
- Color contrast — text must have sufficient contrast ratios against backgrounds
- Form labels — intake forms need proper labeling for assistive technology
- Video captions — any video content requires accurate captions
This is educational information, not legal advice. Consult with an ADA compliance attorney for guidance specific to your firm's situation.