What is Benchmark Litigation about?
Benchmark Litigation is a directory dedicated to the world’s leading litigation firms and lawyers. Unlike general legal directories, it focuses exclusively on dispute resolution specialists, covering firms and practitioners across different industry sectors. Rankings are determined through extensive interviews with litigators and their clients, alongside analysis of significant cases and firm developments. The directory covers jurisdictions across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and EMEA; this guide focuses specifically on the USA process.
Methodology
Benchmark Litigation’s research draws on firm questionnaires, attorney interviews, client and professional feedback surveys, news sources, and independent research. The key components are explained below:
The Submission Document
The case highlight section is the most important part of the submission. Firms should use it to present work highlights and summaries, spotlighting the lead partners on each matter. As only partners are ranked, there is no need to feature associates prominently. Confidential matters should be marked in red font for easy identification. It is also worthy of note that there is no limit to the number of matters that can be included on the submission.
The awards section is reserved for matters being put forward for the Impact Case Award. These should represent the firm’s most significant work, must not be confidential, and should ideally be concluded matters the firm has won.
Client and Professional Referees
The best referees are those who are accessible, willing to engage with researchers, and able to speak specifically to the firm’s practice and the partners involved. Where possible, referees should be linked to matters referenced in the submission. Co-counsel, opposing counsel, and retired judges are all acceptable as referees. There is no cap on the number of referees, though quality is more important than quantity.
Attorney Interviews
Benchmark also conducts interviews with partners. These interviews are considered more than a firm promotional opportunity. Peer review and market commentary are important elements of the interviews.
Firms are encouraged to proactively request interviews rather than wait to be contacted. Interview requests can be directed to:
- Michael Rafalowich — mrafalowich@benchmarklitigation.com
- Makenzie Rodrigues — makenzie.rodrigues@benchmarklitigation.com
- Blaike Parker — blaike.parker@benchmarklitigation.com
Interviews can be conducted by phone, video, or in person in New York. They can be booked from the start of the research period, even before the submission deadline, and will run until 27 June 2026.
Getting started
To participate, firms must:
- submit firm questionnaire and client/professional references on the Accreditation Portal
- create account if the firm does not have an existing account. (HERE)
- Ensure all eligible dispute resolution partners complete the practitioner survey once it becomes available.
Tips for Improved Rankings
- Register on the portal promptly.
- Observe submission deadlines; extensions can be requested and are usually granted within reasonable timeframes.
- Write clearly and directly. Researchers prefer plain language over legal jargon.
- Lead with the strongest cases. Since there is no limit on the number of matters included, ensure the most complex and significant work is not buried lower in the submission.
- Make sure the firm’s strongest partners during the research period are well represented. Rising stars deserve attention too.
- If any part of the firm’s practice is underrepresented or missing in the rankings, flag this in the submission and provide supporting evidence.
Rankings
Firm Rankings
Firms are ranked as either “recommended” or “highly recommended” depending on the volume of peer recommendations received. Rankings are further divided into National firms (dominant players with coast-to-coast recognition), and State firms (acknowledged as leaders within a single jurisdiction).
Lawyer Rankings
- Litigation star — established key players identified by peers and clients.
- National star — specialists in key practice areas recognised across the country, regardless of where they are based. National stars are also ranked locally by default.
- Future star — lawyers still building their reputations. Future stars cannot simultaneously hold National star designation.
Benchmark Special Honors List
In addition to its core rankings, Benchmark Litigation produces three special lists.
Benchmark 40 & Under
This list recognises law firm partners aged 40 or younger as of 1 August 2026, across the US and Canada. Nominees must hold partner status, and a confirmed date of birth must be provided for every candidate. To nominate, complete the relevant section of the US research questionnaire. Results are announced in August.
Benchmark Top 250 Women in Litigation
This list is compiled through several months of research into individual female litigators’ professional activities, supported by client feedback surveys and one-on-one interviews. It covers practitioners in the US and Canada. Nominees must hold partner status and are put forward via the Top 250 section of the US research questionnaire. Results are announced in August.
Both lists require the submission to be uploaded by the deadline.
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
This is a special feature list and accompanying novel editorial that will be appearing with the master edition in the fall of 2026. It will highlight the leading trial lawyers (as opposed to litigators) in the US as discovered during the Benchmark research.
2027 Cycle – Key dates
| Milestone | Deadline |
| Submission deadline | 24 April 2026 |
| Practitioner survey closes | 5 June 2026 |
| Partner interviews close | 27 June 2026 |
| Client survey closes | 1 July 2026 |
| 40 & Under and Top 250 results | August 2026 |
| Final rankings published | October 2026 |
Important Reminders
- One submission per firm, regardless of location or the number of practice areas covered.
- One referee document per firm.
- No minimum or maximum on the number of cases, nominated lawyers, or referees.
- Only partners are ranked in the USA.
- Cases should ideally have been resolved in the past 12 months, though ongoing matters may be included if they are particularly innovative or significant.
- Confidential cases may be included, and confidential information should be marked in red font.
- The deadline for the 2027 research cycle is April 24, 2026.
Useful links