A disclaimer for legal advice against all of the works that many do as a creative professional can be an important statement. If a portfolio website is used to show the creativity and custom project management undertaken for clients, the need for a disclaimer for legal advice applies to the platform. An article, Disclaimers About Legal Advice – What You Should Consider, notes that most professionals should consider a disclaimer, and mentions that in some jurisdictions, disclaimers against legal advice are strongly recommended, if not required. Websites that have any connection with the practice of law can provoke action from those seeking legal solutions. In this context, search engines favor websites with clear and detailed disclaimers.
Not all disclaimers will make a difference, and the type and placement of the disclaimer may affect the outcome. The challenge for designers, developers, and writers is to be creative under the constraints of a disclaimer. Regarding a disclaimer for legal advice, common elements: Websites are often designed for human consumption and search engine optimization. Disclaimers can be difficult to craft when the website is expected to attract visitors, and the tone is friendly.
Many cartographers, designers, and developers expose their work on social media platforms. Disclaimers serve a purpose, but they can be disruptive to the website. Placement can affect the outcome. The model agreement that a portfolio site presents to prospective clients can also commit the professional to provide ongoing advice and information to the client. As the search engines are getting smarter about the ability to cobble together passages to create an opinion, the portfolio website can draw a professional further into liability. It may be that a different approach is required. A separate informational website is certainly one option. Another is dedicating a section of the portfolio website to legal issues.
For more information on legal disclaimers, you can visit Wikipedia.
