Who We Are

Meet the digital strategists behind Elm Studio. We're passionate web professionals dedicated to helping law firms build trust and grow their practice online.

Dylan Richards

Dylan Richards

Co-Founder & Technical Director

Dylan brings over 12 years of experience helping professional service firms—from industry leaders like Amazon, Etsy, and CVS to boutique law practices—build websites that establish trust and authority. He understands that for legal professionals, your website isn't just marketing—it's often a client's first impression of your expertise and credibility.

Before founding Elm Studio, Dylan built AI solutions for America's largest law firms and developed eDiscovery platforms from the ground up, giving him deep insight into the complex technology needs of legal practices. His experience spans everything from high-traffic e-commerce platforms to the software behind Xbox. What sets him apart for legal clients isn't just his technical background—it's his firsthand knowledge of legal tech challenges, compliance requirements, and the critical role technology plays in modern legal practice. As a former lead instructor at the New York Code + Design Academy and professor at Strayer University, he excels at translating complex legal technology into user-friendly solutions that drive results.

When he's not helping law firms leverage technology to grow their practice, Dylan's probably playing tennis, going for a run, or cooking something ambitious in the kitchen.

Tony Estrella

Tony Estrella

Co-Founder & Director of Product

Tony is a full-stack developer with a deep focus on security and professional-grade applications. With 10+ years in web development, he specializes in building secure, compliant platforms that meet the exacting standards required by legal professionals and their clients.

His expertise spans secure client portals, practice management integrations, and GDPR/CCPA-compliant systems. Tony understands that law firms need more than just attractive websites—they need robust, secure platforms that protect sensitive client information while delivering exceptional user experiences that convert prospects into clients.

Outside of coding, Tony enjoys cooking elaborate meals, playing jazz guitar, and contributing to open-source projects. He's also an avid cyclist who explores the five boroughs on weekend rides.

Our Story

Elm Studio was born from a shared vision: to help legal professionals establish the commanding online presence their expertise deserves. Dylan and Tony met while working on a professional services project in Brooklyn, where their complementary skills in legal marketing and secure development sparked an instant partnership.

Named after the iconic elm trees that once lined New York's courthouse districts, our studio represents growth, trust, and deep roots in the legal community we serve. We believe in the power of professional design and secure technology to help law firms attract the right clients and build lasting practices.

Today, we're proud to partner with legal professionals across practice areas, helping them build credible digital presences that convert prospects into clients while maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance.

Ready to work together?

We'd love to hear about your project and explore how we can help bring your vision to life.

Get in touch