Creating a disruptive brand in an archaic industry.
The legal industry is often perceived as archaic, inaccessible, and intimidating. Open Legal was founded to challenge this norm, but they needed a brand to match their mission. Our goal was to build a disruptive identity that could establish credibility while eliminating the cost uncertainty and fear associated with traditional firms. We needed to create a brand that signalled a new, open approach to law for everyone, not just clients with unlimited budgets.
CHALLENGE
The challenge was to build a law firm brand that could be both credible and accessible in an industry known for being neither. We had to overcome the deep-seated anxiety many small business owners feel towards lawyers, driven by intimidating traditions and unpredictable billing practices. The brand needed to project expertise and trustworthiness without resorting to the stuffy, archaic conventions of established firms, creating a safe and welcoming space for clients who felt shut out of the legal system.
APPROACH
Our approach was to create a bold identity that competed on innovation over heritage. The name “Open Legal” was chosen to instantly communicate the firm’s core values of transparency and accessibility. To visually break from the archaic, whitewashed industry, we developed a unique brand identity using an Australian design motif that pays respect to First Nations people. This disruptive positioning immediately established Open Legal as a modern, approachable alternative for clients seeking expert legal help without the intimidation.