Because …

… many clients  are now ( and many more will be)   looking for you on the Internet.  Our children are already trained to go to the Internet rather than the phone book pages when looking for a listing.  Even the "yellow pages" are now on the Internet!  AND, the amount of information you can convey on a web site is extraordinary. Imagine fitting the same amount of information that is on even this small site into a tiny little ad.   Include photos, information,  maps, attorneys CVs, articles,  and a way to contact you that is a click away.   

… a web site is a time-saver.   You can post information for clients to access, saving you hours of explanation.

… you get a memorable,  and permanent, email address, e.g., YourName@YourOwnLawfirm.com.

… there just are not too many left. Dot Com's are now comparable to beach front property.  I have spent countless hours searching for these domains on the unclaimed domain lists over the last  years.  They are hard to find.  Your own initials or area of expertise may be impossible to find.

… names like these can be transferred with the business as an appreciating asset.

… the cost is a business expense paid for with pre-tax dollars (or pounds, euros, whatever).

… many of these domains do not become obsolete when one attorney leaves the firm.  There are big stationery savings to be considered in this regard.

… names  can become a family heirloom. They can make great wedding, graduation or birthday gifts.

… clients, family and friends  think these domains are cute. Or professional.  Or prestigious.  Or memorable.  Or clever., depending on the name.  Certainly, a domain says something about you:  Perhaps it indicates  that you are established  (i.e., you were around in the days when a good dot com could be  registered).   Or, the name can convey something important about your practice  or firm.  Clients expect top firms to have top level domains.  Each domain name has its own "personality."  The personality you wish to convey is, of course, totally  up to you.

… it feels good.  Let's face it, how many intellectual property lawyers are there in the USA?  The world? How many can have the domain  "IPGuy.com"   

…  you need a domain that will bring clients to you and that they will remember. Domains need to contain terms that identify you or what you do or where you do it or all of these things.  Dot Coms, are the extension people remember and to which many Internet address bars default.  Dot coms, net and org (for non-profits) come up earlier in searches.  They are easier to 'optimize" for search if they contain search terms that are used when people are looking for you or what you do or sell. This process of coming up early in search is called SEO, or search engine optimization.  A domain containing the terms the searcher types into the address bar is more likely to come up in a search There are other considerations as well, of course,  but the domain is important.

… if you don't get it soon, your competition will.   Generic and geographical domains are generally not trademark worthy.  If you use a certain title, practice in a certain location,  get the name and get the name's variations.