For law firms and lawyers, a Chambers & Partners ranking is an influential badge of recognition, signifying a firm’s expertise, professionalism and client service. While many firms submit basic information and lackluster, dull matter descriptions, you can distinguish your firm and its lawyers by creating strategic and compelling submissions. Achieving a coveted Chambers ranking requires more than just excellent legal work; it also requires a thoughtful approach. Here’s a guide to crafting a winning Chambers submission.
- Understand the Criteria: Before you start writing, familiarize yourself with Chambers’ assessment criteria. Understand what they’re looking for in terms of client service, commercial vision, diligence, value for money and depth of expertise. Knowing these criteria will help you tailor your submission to highlight the most relevant aspects of your practice.
- Be Precise and Relevant: Chambers researchers read countless submissions, so it’s crucial that yours stands out by being clear and concise. Avoid legal jargon and ensure that the information is directly relevant to the category for which you’re applying. Use straightforward language to convey your firm’s strengths and achievements.
- Highlight Key Matters: Showcase cases that best demonstrate your firm’s expertise and accomplishments. Include a brief description of each matter, outlining the challenge, your approach and the outcome. Ensure client confidentiality by anonymizing sensitive information. Highlighting landmark cases or those involving significant complexities can make your submission more compelling.
- Demonstrate Consistency: It’s not just about one-off successes. Show that your firm and its lawyers (especially those ones you are putting forth in the submission) consistently deliver results. Highlight any repeat business or long-term clients as evidence of sustained excellence. Consistency in performance and client satisfaction can significantly boost your submission’s strength.
- Showcase Your Team: Highlight key individuals in your team, detailing their specific contributions, skills, and expertise. Chambers rankings often spotlight individual lawyers within specific practice areas and jurisdictions. Highlighting the strengths of your team members in the introduction sections and matter write-ups can enhance your overall submission. By showcasing the standout qualities and achievements of individual lawyers, you can provide a comprehensive picture of your firm’s capabilities.
- Proofread and Review: Ensure that your submission is polished and free of errors. Consider having multiple team members review the document for clarity, accuracy and impact. A well-reviewed submission is likely to be more persuasive and professional.
- Follow Submission Guidelines: Adhere strictly to guidelines and parameters provided by Chambers. This includes word limits, format specifications, number of matters submitted, firm demographic information and of course, deadlines.
- Be Visible in Your Industry: Feedback from peers is a significant part of the Chambers research process. Staying visible in your industry is crucial. Attend and speak at industry conferences, publish articles and thought leadership pieces, and participate in relevant legal associations and groups. Engaging in these activities not only enhances your visibility but also positions you as an expert in your field, making it more likely that your peers will provide positive feedback during the Chambers research process.
- Group Matters Around Common Themes: Highlighting your expertise in specific legal areas or developments can strengthen your submission. Group similar cases or matters under common themes or practices, such as recent legal developments or industry trends. This approach showcases your depth of knowledge and specialized skills, helping researchers and clients see the broader impact of your work.
Key Tips for Strong Matter Descriptions
- Client Anonymity: Ensure you maintain the confidentiality of your clients unless you have explicit permission to name them. Use generic terms like “a major pharmaceutical company” or “a leading financial institution.”
- Start with Key Points: Begin with a crisp, one-line summary that captures the essence of the matter to grab attention immediately.
- Detail the Complexity or Significance: Highlight why the matter was particularly challenging or important, such as involving multiple jurisdictions or being precedent-setting.
- Role of the Firm: Clearly describe the role your firm played, whether as lead counsel or in a supporting role.
- Legal Expertise: Specify the areas of law involved, showcasing the breadth and depth of your firm’s expertise.
- Outcome: Briefly describe the outcome, especially if it was favorable for your client, but avoid exaggerations.
- Value Add: Highlight any additional value your firm provided, such as achieving a swift resolution or reducing potential costs.
- Avoid Jargon: While the description should display expertise, avoid overly technical language that might alienate readers unfamiliar with specific legal terms.
- Proofread: Ensure there are no grammatical or factual errors, and that the description is polished and professional.
- Feedback: Consider getting feedback from colleagues or other professionals to ensure clarity and effectiveness before submitting the description.
How to Get a Lawyer Ranked in Chambers
To get a lawyer ranked in Chambers, focus on the following steps:
- Highlight Individual Achievements: In your submission, emphasize the individual lawyer’s key cases, leadership roles and contributions to significant matters. Detail their specific impact and success in these cases.
- Client Testimonials: Secure and include strong client testimonials that speak to the lawyer’s expertise, client service and successful outcomes.
- Peer Recognition: Ensure the lawyer is visible within the industry through speaking engagements, publications and participation in professional associations. Peer recognition can significantly influence Chambers’ evaluation.
- Detailed and Relevant Information: Provide comprehensive and relevant information in the submission, avoiding generic descriptions. Specifics about the lawyer’s contributions and successes will make the submission stand out.
- Peer Relationships: Building and maintaining strong peer relationships is essential. Make time for networking, assisting colleagues, and being active in legal communities. Helping others and being a visible, active participant in your industry can lead to positive peer reviews, which are crucial for Chambers rankings.
How Lawyers Can Move Up in Chambers Rankings
To help a lawyer move up in Chambers rankings, consider these strategies:
- Consistent Excellence: Demonstrate sustained excellence by highlighting repeat business and long-term client relationships. Show how the lawyer consistently delivers high-quality results.
- Professional Development: Encourage continuous professional development and involvement in high-profile matters or industry-leading initiatives. This demonstrates ongoing growth and expertise.
- Enhanced Visibility: Increase the lawyer’s visibility through strategic marketing, including thought leadership articles, media appearances and active participation in relevant industry events.
- Feedback and Improvement: Utilize feedback from previous Chambers submissions and the Chambers Confidential report to identify areas for improvement. Make necessary adjustments to strengthen future submissions.
Key Takeaways for Crafting a Winning Chambers Submission
A Chambers submission is more than just any other award submission; it’s an opportunity to showcase your firm’s achievements, expertise and dedication to client service. Be concise, relevant and honest in your approach. Tailor your submission to reflect both the category(ies) to which you’re applying and the unique strengths of your firm and its lawyers. Attention to detail, from adhering to guidelines to proofreading, can make the difference between a good submission and a winning one.
Crafting a standout Chambers submission requires effort, but the potential rewards, in terms of recognition and business development, are well worth the investment.
For more on Chambers submission best practices, take a look at these articles:
- 12 Secrets of Ranking in the Chambers Legal Guides
- How to Master the Chambers and Partners Submission Process
- To Submit or Not to Submit: A Best Practices Guide for Law Firms Considering Submitting to The Chambers Legal Guides
- Innovative Strategies to Leverage Chambers Submission Matters in Your Marketing Efforts
