A) Before you write (strategy + scope)
- Confirm practice area definition + submission window dates
- Identify your target outcome (maintain band, move up, launch new team, add individuals) using Chambers Analytics if available.
- Build a draft matter longlist (2–3x more than you’ll submit), then prioritize
- Decide the narrative theme (e.g., cross-border strength, sector leadership, complex mandates, growth)
B) Matter selection (what makes the cut)
For each shortlisted matter, confirm:
- Fits the definition (not “adjacent”)
- Shows sophistication/complexity (novel issues, high stakes, multi-party, multi-jurisdiction) or for transactional practices (e.g., M&A), demonstrates high value/strategic importance (deal value where appropriate, market impact, or transformational nature)
- Demonstrates your role clearly (what you led/delivered)
- Has verifiable proof points (milestones, outcomes, deal size/value if relevant, filings, decisions)
- Supports bench strength (more than one name appears meaningfully)
C) Matter write-up template (use every time)
Use the 5 Ws in ~5–8 lines:
- Who is the client (and why they matter)
- What happened + what you did (your role)
- Why it matters (impact, novelty, complexity, precedent, risk)
- Where (jurisdictions / cross-border)
- When (confirm timeframe + key milestone)
Final pass
- Can a non-lawyer understand it in 20 seconds?
- Any jargon removed or explained?
- No “marketing adjectives” without evidence
D) Referee plan (the controllable lever)
- Select referees for responsiveness + willingness (not just seniority)
- Get consent + confirm preferred contact details
- Brief them with: 2–3 bullet reminders of the work + what feedback themes matter
- Track who reliably responds for next cycle using the Referee Management Tool
- Plan around Chambers re-contact window (~3 months): avoid over-using the same people across staggered deadlines
E) Team + individuals (visibility with proof)
- Ensure key individuals appear in matters (not just bios)
- Include a short, evidence-based team summary: breadth, leadership, growth, differentiators
F) Confidential matters (if names/details are restricted)
- Use a high-quality descriptor (industry/size/role) instead of name
- Provide as much detail as allowed: jurisdiction, complexity, outcome/milestones, your role
- Avoid vague statements (“major client,” “significant matter”) without specifics
G) Final QA (submit-ready checks)
- Everything aligns to definition + timeframe
- Strongest matters first
- No duplicate/overlapping matters unless clearly differentiated
- Proofread for consistency: dates, parties, spelling, roles
- One person sanity-checks it for clarity (someone not on the matter)