How Explainer Videos Can Tell Better Stories in the Legal Industry (UK)

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In a profession rooted in tradition, complexity, and precise language, the legal industry has often struggled with clear and relatable communication especially online. For decades, law firms in the UK have relied on text-heavy brochures, formal websites, and in-person consultations to explain legal concepts to potential clients. But today’s digital-first world demands a different approach one that prioritises explainer videos better stories clarity, emotional connection, and accessibility.

That’s where explainer videos come in.

In a matter of seconds, a well-crafted video can simplify legal jargon, build trust, and guide viewers through topics they once found intimidating. In fact, explainer videos better stories because they offer a way to transform information into something memorable, digestible, and even emotional something that a wall of legal text can never achieve.

Why Storytelling Matters in Law

Storytelling is at the core of human understanding. It builds empathy, explains complex situations, and helps people relate to abstract ideas. In the legal field, storytelling becomes even more essential when the audience isn’t made up of legal professionals.

People facing legal issues be it a divorce, a property dispute, or an immigration challenge—often feel overwhelmed. They need clarity, not legalese. They want to know that the law firm understands their situation, and more importantly, can help resolve it.

This is why explainer videos better stories they connect the viewer to the law through simple visuals, clear language, and real-life scenarios.

The Shift in Legal Communication in the UK

Over the past few years, UK law firms have started to embrace digital transformation. From automated client intake forms to live chat on websites, technology has begun reshaping how firms interact with the public.

One of the most impactful shifts is the use of video especially explainer videos—to communicate complex legal concepts in a format that resonates with today’s audience. According to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), clients increasingly prefer to engage online before making contact, and video has emerged as one of the most trusted mediums.

This is not surprising. Video content:

  • Builds trust faster than text
  • Helps clarify complex issues
  • Increases website engagement
  • Improves retention and client conversion rates

And when the format is used correctly, explainer videos better stories by replacing abstract processes with relatable, human-centred narratives.

What Makes a Legal Explainer Video Effective?

For a legal explainer video to work, it must do more than just relay information—it should tell a story that reflects the viewer’s concerns and aspirations. That requires a balance of structure, tone, and empathy.

Here’s what successful legal explainer videos typically include:

  • A clear identification of the client’s problem (e.g., being unfairly dismissed)
  • A brief explanation of how the law applies to the situation
  • A visual demonstration of the legal process involved
  • A reassuring tone that emphasises support and guidance
  • A call-to-action that invites the viewer to take the next step

When all of these elements come together, the result is powerful. Clients feel understood and empowered—and that’s when trust is built.

This storytelling structure is exactly why explainer videos better stories and why law firms across the UK are adding them to their websites, emails, and social channels.

Types of Legal Explainer Videos That Work

Not every video needs to be a cinematic production. The key is to use the right type of video for the right purpose. Within the UK legal industry, several formats have emerged as especially effective:

Client Journey Videos

These follow a fictional client through their legal issue showing their struggles, how they found the firm, and how their case was resolved. These videos humanise the legal process.

Legal Concept Videos

These are short animated or live-action videos that break down terms like “probate,” “tenancy disputes,” or “GDPR compliance” in simple language.

Step-by-Step Process Videos

These videos explain what clients should expect from consultation to resolution—easing anxiety and clarifying timelines.

FAQs in Video Form

Addressing common client questions in video format boosts SEO, keeps users engaged longer on-site, and builds credibility.

Each of these formats proves how explainer videos better stories by turning traditional, formal communication into something approachable and engaging.

Why Video Appeals to UK Clients

British audiences are digitally literate and expect clarity and professionalism in equal measure. Explainer videos strike that balance beautifully.

A recent study showed that websites with video content keep users engaged almost twice as long. Moreover, 78% of people say they trust a business more after watching a helpful video on their site.

For law firms, this translates into measurable business benefits:

  • Higher lead conversion
  • Reduced client confusion
  • Stronger online presence
  • More efficient consultations

All because clients feel informed before they even pick up the phone.

This is why so many forward-thinking UK firms are turning to video—not as a luxury, but as a necessity in modern legal marketing.

Case Study: A London Firm’s Success with Video

A mid-sized law firm in Central London specialising in employment law faced a challenge: too many clients booked consultations with little understanding of the services offered. The firm’s team spent valuable hours educating clients on basic issues before even beginning the legal work.

They launched a video series featuring animated characters walking through scenarios such as “What to do if you’re unfairly dismissed” or “How to handle workplace harassment legally.”

Within three months:

  • Website bounce rate dropped by 30%
  • Consultation times shortened by 25%
  • Client satisfaction scores increased significantly

What changed? Information that used to be overwhelming became relatable. The firm didn’t just provide legal help—it told a story people could see themselves in. That’s how explainer videos better stories and impact both client experience and internal efficiency.

The Emotional Power of Visual Storytelling in Law

Legal issues are often emotionally charged. Whether someone is going through a divorce, dealing with discrimination, or facing a legal battle after a car accident, the stakes are high.

While brochures and FAQs offer answers, they lack empathy. Video, on the other hand, can:

  • Show facial expressions
  • Use tone of voice to convey care
  • Illustrate supportive environments
  • Walk through hard conversations with compassion

This emotional resonance builds trust something especially valuable in the legal field, where clients are often in vulnerable positions.

It’s one more reason explainer videos better stories and why law firms using them report higher levels of client loyalty and referrals.

Making Explainer Videos Work for Your Practice

If you’re a legal practitioner or firm in the UK, the idea of producing video content might feel intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be.

You can start small:

  • Choose one key area where clients often seem confused.
  • Write a simple script using plain English.
  • Hire a freelance animator or use video platforms like Biteable, Vyond, or Animaker.
  • Publish the video on your website and share it on social media.

As the response grows, you can scale up adding voiceovers, improving visuals, or producing a video series.

It’s not about making the next blockbuster. It’s about showing clients that you’re human, helpful, and ready to guide them.

How UK Legal Firms Can Leverage Video on Different Platforms

YouTube is a strong platform for building long-term video visibility, especially with keyword-rich explainer titles. LinkedIn is ideal for professional visibility great for firms that work with corporate clients. Instagram and TikTok are surprisingly effective for legal tips and short-form education, especially among younger audiences.

Firms across the UK are finding that repurposing one explainer video into multiple formats helps expand reach and justify the investment.

From a 90-second animated explainer, you can create:

  • A blog post
  • A shortened teaser for Instagram
  • A thumbnail for email marketing
  • A carousel post on LinkedIn

It’s about using one great story across multiple touchpoints to build familiarity and trust.

Final Thoughts

The legal industry in the UK is evolving and clients are no longer satisfied with confusing jargon or outdated communication styles. They want clear, fast, emotionally intelligent content that speaks directly to their needs.

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