Choosing between .COM and .LAW comes down to one core question:
Do you want maximum universality, or instant legal-sector authority?
Both extensions can work exceptionally well—but for different goals.
.COM — Universal Trust & Broad Reach
Advantages
- Global recognition & credibility
The most trusted and familiar extension worldwide. - Flexible branding
Works for law firms, legal tech startups, consulting, education, and media. - Higher resale & liquidity
.COM domains generally command higher prices and sell faster. - No eligibility restrictions
Anyone can register—no proof of profession required.
Considerations
- Availability challenges
Strong legal keywords in .COM are often already taken or expensive. - Less industry signaling
“Law” isn’t obvious from the extension alone.
Best for:
- Large or international law firms
- Legal tech platforms & marketplaces
- Long-term brand assets and resale value
- Firms expanding beyond legal services
.LAW — Immediate Legal Authority & Niche Focus
Advantages
- Instant professional clarity
Visitors immediately know it’s a legal website. - High trust within the legal niche
Feels specialized and credible for attorneys and firms. - Better keyword availability
Premium legal terms are often still obtainable. - Brand differentiation
Helps stand out from generic domains.
Considerations
- Restricted registration
Typically limited to licensed lawyers, firms, or legal professionals. - Narrower audience perception
Less suitable if you plan to diversify beyond law. - Lower resale market
Buyer pool is smaller compared to .COM.
Best for:
- Solo attorneys & boutique law firms
- Practice-specific sites (e.g., IP law, family law)
- Jurisdiction-focused legal services
- Credibility-first branding
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | .COM | .LAW |
|---|---|---|
| Global recognition | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Legal niche clarity | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Registration restrictions | None | Yes (legal professionals) |
| SEO impact | Neutral | Neutral (branding advantage only) |
| Brand flexibility | Very high | Focused |
| Resale / investment value | High | Limited |
| Availability of strong names | Low | Higher |
How to Decide (Quick Guide)
Choose .COM if you:
- Want maximum trust, reach, and resale value
- Plan to scale into legal tech or broader services
- Target international or mixed audiences
Choose .LAW if you:
- Are a verified legal professional
- Want instant authority and clarity
- Focus on a specific legal practice or region
Pro strategy: If budget allows, own both.
Use .COM as the primary brand and .LAW to reinforce professional credibility or protect your name.
✅ Final Verdict
- .COM = Long-term brand power & investment strength
- .LAW = Precision, trust, and legal identity