Standout Case Studies and Achievements of 2024

One of the key focal points of the submission process is the importance of highlighting a firm’s achievements in 2024. It’s crucial to clearly indicate the timing of a matter, as the assessment process gives significant weight to the date of the work. This is especially important as the submission form remains the primary tool for both the rankings and awards process. This dual function means that attention to detail in completing the form is critical to ensure your firm’s best work is recognized in both contexts.

Partner Interviews

The Legal Benchmarking Group continues to value interviews with partners to supplement the written submissions. Their preference is to interview at least two partners per firm, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of a firm’s achievements. If a firm is approached by an IP Stars researcher for an interview, it is crucial to arrange for multiple lawyers to participate in the discussion to provide a well-rounded perspective.

What’s New this Year?

A few new elements have been introduced for the 2025 submission process:

– Addition of the Firm’s URL: On the first page of the submission, there is now a section to add the firm’s URL for their website.

– Your New IP Stars Section: This is where firms can recommend senior IP practitioners who are not already ranked. This is a chance to elevate deserving professionals for consideration in the next edition.

– Diversity and Inclusion Reporting: There has been a change in how the Legal Benchmarking Group collects diversity data. A new Social Impact Awards category is being introduced, giving firms recognition for their contributions to diversity, inclusion, and broader societal impacts.

– Referee Spreadsheets: While last year they introduced two separate spreadsheets for referees, one for companies and one for firms, there is now just one. However, firms must still clearly identify the type of referee (in-house practitioner/ direct client or another law firm) to guide the research team’s questions effectively.

Best Practices for Submitting Matters

A final key piece of advice focused on the submission of matters: it’s recommended to submit at least 10 to 15 cases. Submitting fewer than 10 may not provide a comprehensive overview of your firm’s work, making it harder for the researchers to accurately evaluate your firm’s standing.

As highlighted in the webinar, most of the information from last year’s session remains highly relevant and can serve as a helpful reference for addressing further questions. For a detailed review of last year’s insights, please refer to the following link: https://tieronerankings.com/key-updates-for-you-from-the-recent-ip-stars-webinar/

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IP Stars

IP Stars is the all in one IP Directory. The submission covers all types of work as well as all types of IP.

The submission is broken down into a number of sections:

• Patent Case Studies
• Trademark Case Studies
• Copyright Case Studies
• Design Case Studies
• IP Transaction Case Studies
• Domain Name Case Studies
• IP Tax Advice Case Studies

In last year’s IP Stars webinar, researchers emphasized that incomplete sections do not affect rankings, understanding that boutique firms may specialize in only a few areas. There is no maximum number of matters you may add; however, we recommend only 10 matters per section.

Referees: There are two separate referee sheets, one for referees from law firms (in-house or otherwise) and the other for referees from other companies. Researchers at IP Stars have explicitly said, “the more referees, the better.”

Awards: Yes, at the end of the submission, there is also an option to participate in the Awards. The submission does not affect the Awards, so please highlight the biggest matters from the last year in the Awards section.

Deadline: October/November

Who should submit: Any firm with an IP department

IAM Patent 1000

IAM Patent 1000 identifies the top patent practitioners and firms in key jurisdictions around the globe.

While the rankings have separate tables for Patent Prosecution, Litigation, and Transactions, the submission also includes a separate section for Trade Secrets. It is recommended to select 15 matters per section.

Referees: Up to 5 referees for each submitting practitioner.

Awards: Yes, by submitting to the guide, you will automatically be entered for the Global IP Awards, which are a collaboration between the IAM Editorial teams and their sister platform, the World Trademark Review.

Deadline: September

Who should submit: Firms that specialize in Patent law 

IAM Strategy 300

This guide recognizes leading IP strategists worldwide for their exceptional skills in maximizing IP asset value. Unlike most guides, consideration for IAM Strategy 300 is based on receiving at least three external nominations. Self-nominations will not be accepted. After receiving the nominations, a researcher will contact the nominee for further information.

Awards: No

Deadline: December

Who should participate: IP Strategists

World Trademark Review 1000

A sister platform of IAM, the World Trademark Review (WTR) is a leading source of news, analysis, and insights on trademark law and practice globally.

The submission is broken down into three categories:

• Prosecution and Strategy
• Enforcement and Litigation
• Licensing and Transactions

While there is no limit on the number of matters, we recommend up to 15 matters per section.

This year, WTR added a section for firms to introduce their copyright practice, providing a broader view of their IP offerings.

Referees: Up to 5 referees for each submitting practitioner.

Awards: Yes, participation in the WTR Awards will automatically enter you in the running for the WTR Industry Awards, as well as the Global IP Awards.

Deadline: March

Who should submit: Firms that specialize in Trademark and Copyright Law

Chambers and Legal 500

Most countries for Chambers Global/Europe and Legal 500 EMEA have one general Intellectual Property submission that covers all types of IP (patent, trademark, copyright etc.) and a full scope of IP work.

However, some regions, have multiple IP practice areas in these guides. For example, Spain has five different IP Practice areas for Chambers and three for Legal 500. Therefore, before submitting, it is imperative to check your jurisdiction’s specifics beforehand.

For both guides, the number of matters is capped at 20.

Referees:

• Chambers: 20-30 referee maximum depending on your region. For Chambers referrals are the most important factor in determining rankings.
• Legal 500: Unlimited referees

Awards: No

Deadline:

• Chambers: Depends on jurisdiction
• Legal 500: August

Who should submit: Any firm with an IP department

In conclusion, selecting the right legal directories for IP submissions can significantly enhance your firm’s visibility and recognition in the industry. By understanding the specific requirements and deadlines for each guide, you can strategically plan your submissions to maximize impact. Whether you specialize in patents, trademarks, or a broader range of IP services, there is a directory that aligns with your expertise. Stay organized and proactive to ensure your firm gains the recognition it deserves.

The post A Guide to IP Legal Directory Submissions appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

While Chambers has explicitly noted that it will not harm a firm’s submissions if mostly men are nominated, Chambers requests that a diverse selection of lawyers be put forward for nomination. This can offer a firm an advantage of featuring on a DEI Spotlight Table (only available in certain jurisdictions) which aims to highlight firms and individuals that are involved in impactful initiatives to advance DEI. Chambers runs DEI Awards in the following jurisdictions: USA, Latin America, Brazil, Europe (including UK solicitors), Asia Pacific and Greater China Region, and the UK Bar. Categories cover individual, firm and in-house submissions, as well as pro bono and sustainability efforts.

Chambers has been gradually improving their research process to consider DEI. To do so, Chambers collects gender diversity data on ranked lawyers and firmwide diversity data across a range of diversity markers at firm discretion for all guides in order to understand the profession’s demographic make up and ensure their rankings reflect the breadth of diversity. Chambers aims to speak to a diverse mix of lawyers and has set a target of holding 50% of our lawyer calls with women to get a broad range of perspectives.

Legal 500:

Legal 500 also encourages firms to put forward women nominees and has recently included a separate part in the initiatives section that welcomes firms to discuss their socio-cultural initiatives specifically. This information is incorporated into their evaluations and research to ensure the representation of diversity in their rankings.

Furthermore, Legal 500 often uses the data collected from their research to publish reports and blog posts on diversity within the legal sector in various jurisdictions, including insights into gender, racial and LGBTQ+ representation trends and challenges. These reports are a valuable tool to raise awareness and provide data which could help diversity initiatives.

Lastly, this year Legal 500 has launched its first-ever ESG Awards in the UK, with the ceremony taking place later this month. These Awards are aimed at championing diversity, inclusion and sustainability in the British legal sector. The scope is broad, with specific awards for LGBTQ+, ethnic, women and disability/neurodiversity representation and inclusion.

IFLR:

Like Legal 500, IFLR also has a specific section in its submission template for DEI asking firms to detail their achievements over the past year. While gender is not a direct factor in the rankings, this information is taken into account during research and evaluation. IFLR leverages its research findings to publish insightful articles and blog posts on ESG matters on their website, accessible to its members. This service is a valuable resource to those in the legal community as it raises awareness about diversity. 

IFLR also hosts the longstanding Women in Business Law Awards, which aims to honour outstanding women lawyers for their achievements in the legal profession and law firms that champion gender diversity. These awards are split into two jurisdictions, Americas and EMEA, and this year have adopted two new awards to recognize leading women attorneys: Thought Leader of the Year and ESG Leader of the Year.

Conclusion:

By recognizing and celebrating the diverse talents and contributions of individuals from underrepresented groups, these platforms not only promote a more inclusive legal profession but also pave the way for broader societal change. Let us continue to support and champion law firms in their DEI initiatives, fostering a more inclusive and equitable legal profession for all.

The post Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Legal Directories appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

These interviews are more than just a means of providing information to researchers. They serve as a unique opportunity to build relationships, explore finer details, and gain deeper insights into the ranking process. Through these discussions, valuable connections with researchers are formed, enhancing understanding and rapport.

What are Directory Interviews?

During these sessions, researchers aim to deepen their understanding of the legal market by gathering additional insights about law firms and lawyers to assess their suitability for inclusion in the directory. These interviews provide an opportunity for firms and practitioners to highlight their achievements, showcase notable cases, share client testimonials, and present other relevant information that may enhance their candidacy. Additionally, firms can bring up new matters or recent clients acquired since the submission was initially submitted.

Directories like the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners often structure their interviews into three primary sections. One wave of questions may focus specifically on the team’s work and the individuals involved, another on broader market trends and anticipated changes, and a third on peer feedback and perceptions of current rankings for firms and individuals.

Preparation is Key

It’s essential for firms and lawyers to review the directory’s criteria carefully and ensure they have the necessary supporting evidence for their submissions. While it’s useful to review the submission beforehand, reciting details verbatim is unnecessary; the interview should serve as a supplement to the written submission, offering insights that go “beyond” it.

Here’s how to come prepared:

1. Key Matters: Identify three significant matters that illustrate your firm’s expertise, accomplishments, and contributions to the legal sector. Be prepared to discuss these matters in depth, emphasizing their importance and the distinct approach taken by your firm.
2. Comparison to Other (Higher) Ranked Firms/Individuals: Prepare to compare your firm or individual lawyers with others in the field, including those ranked higher. Provide supporting details, such as case studies, client endorsements, or industry recognition, to substantiate these comparisons. Highlight what sets you apart and why you’re distinguished in the market.
3. Feedback on Current Rankings: If applicable, address any areas where you feel your firm or lawyers have been underrated or overlooked. Present concrete examples and evidence to support your feedback. Even if you believe your firm is the best, researchers will require supporting facts, like statistics, deal values, and notable client names, to validate these claims.

Showing respect, kindness, and a willingness to assist researchers can make a lasting impression. Building a human connection ensures you’ll be remembered favorably when it’s time to consider rankings in directories.

Follow-Up and Feedback

After the interview, following up with researchers can be helpful to address any remaining questions or offer additional information if needed. Additionally, requesting feedback can yield valuable insights into areas where the firm or lawyer might improve for future directory submissions.

The post Making the Most of Legal Directory Interviews appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

To kick off the preparations, seasoned World Tax Editor, Jon Moore hosted a comprehensive webinar yesterday, sharing key insights and vital details about the upcoming submissions for next year’s World Tax.

The Three Pillars:

As with previous years, the research process for World Tax consists of three pillars: Practical Evidence, Peer Feedback and Client Feedback.

Firstly, Practical Evidence is all about your firm’s submissions. The researcher will be looking at how your deals stack up against others, with a focus on highlighting innovative and complex matters. It’s crucial to explain why each item is in the submission in a clear and comprehensive way. They look for the best matters, not necessarily the most. As Jon emphasised in yesterday’s webinar: “The best submissions are the most detailed submissions.”

The second pillar is Peer Feedback, which will be assessed from the practitioner surveys and the firm interviews. Through the surveys and interviews, the researcher will also enquire about other firms and their place in the market. It’s crucial to keep in mind that, given the competitive nature between firms, only positive feedback about them will be taken into consideration.

The last, and most important pillar is Client Feedback, which will be the most heavily weighted out of the three. Accordingly, it is essential for firms to encourage clients to participate and remind them during the research period. 

World Tax cannot disclose which referees have participated, so taking steps to ensure that they respond is important.

Practitioners Survey:

The Practitioners’ Survey is more than just a way for peers to share feedback. It’s a chance for all kinds of professionals—tax lawyers, economists, advisors, and consultants—to showcase their work to the researcher. Initially, the survey is sent through email to those in the World Tax system. But don’t worry, after the March deadline, a link will be shared so all tax practitioners can take part. The deadline to take part in the survey is in May.

Firm Interviews:

Firm interviews will take approximately 15-20 minutes and will be a chance for firms to discuss areas of their tax practice that may have been overlooked in the submission or the past. 

This is also a good opportunity to provide peer feedback if you have not done so already. It is important to note that these interviews do not have a direct impact on the rankings and if your firm has not been given an interview, that is not necessarily a disadvantage.

How to submit:

Due to some confusion last year, Jon stressed that all World Tax submissions should be submitted via the Delinian portal. 

On the other hand, the Awards should be submitted via the nominations gateway available on the website.

As we wrap up this journey through the World Tax research process, we extend our sincere wishes to all participating firms. Best of luck to each team as you navigate the rankings. Remember, your efforts in this process not only reflect the present but pave the way for future achievements.

For any submission related questions, please feel free to contact me at daniela@nishlis.com

The post Key Takeaways from the World Tax 2025 Webinar appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

1. You don’t have to fill out all the practice areas. Managing IP will take into consideration if you are a smaller firm that specializes in only a few areas within Intellectual Property.
   
   
2. Put details/statistics you want the researcher to know about your firm in Section 1e. There is no word limit in this section, so this is your opportunity to really show off your firm, but less is often more and concise is a must!
   
   
3. Prioritize the inclusion of new matters. Obviously, you can still roll over previous matters if they remain ongoing, but fresh mandates are also important as the guide looks to stay fresh and current.
   
   
4. This year, there will be two separate referee sheets: one for referees from law firms (in-house or otherwise) and the other for referees from other companies. This will make it easier for Managing IP to consider and analyze the data.
   
   
5. The more referees, the better!
   
   
6. The submission does not influence the Awards, so also highlight the biggest matters from the last year in the Awards section.
   
   
7. Nominate other firms. The researchers will look at your submission favourably if you do so.
   
   

If you and your firm have any more questions regarding the upcoming IP Stars submission, please email us at info@tieronerankings.com.

The post Key updates for you from the recent IP Stars Webinar appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

Firm Rankings:

The Legal 500 Poland results saw 175 moves across the board with 80 firms added to various practice areas. The practice area with the most moves was Commercial, Corporate and M&A, with 20 moves. Interestingly, the vast majority of those moves were positive, with 11 firms going up and 8 new firms added. The practice area that saw the least amount of change was Investment Funds, which stayed the same.

Furthermore, this year saw some practice areas removing or adding tiers to their rankings list. Insurance added a Firms to Watch category but, removed Tier 3 along with the two firms previously listed in this category. Private Client, Public Procurement and Restructuring and Insolvency also all added a Firms to Watch category.

This year 11 firms moved from Tier 2 to Tier 1 or were added to Tier 1. The best performing firms this year, like with Chambers Global, were Baker McKenzie and SSW Pragmatic Solutions. The former saw eight positive moves, two of which were to tier 1. Meanwhile, SSW saw seven positive moves and one move to Tier 1. Interestingly, SSW was also one of the best-performing firms in Chambers.

Individual Rankings:

The Legal 500 individual results saw 75 total moves, where Real Estate had the most changes with 8 moves and Banking & Finance was at a close second with 7 moves.

Alternatively, the practice areas that saw the least change were Investment Funds,with no changes, and Restructuring & Insolvency, with one move.

This year 29 lawyers moved into the leading lawyers table. The most improved firm with 11 of its lawyers with positive moves, two of which were newly added to leading lawyers, was Dentons. It is also interesting to note that Dentons was the most improved firm in the individual category for Chambers as well.

Congratulations to all the firms who participated! Whether you and your firm had positive or negative results, remember that there is always next year as the Legal 500 EMEA submissions deadline for 2024 will be announced in late May.

View report below or click the link to download: 

The post Legal 500 2023 Results Analysis for Poland appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

Firm Rankings:

The Chambers Europe firm results saw 92 moves across the board with 39 new firms added to various practice areas. The practice areas with the most moves were Banking & Finance and Corporate M&A: Mid Market, each with 11 moves. Mid Market, in particular saw many changes with the addition of 9 new law firms to its rankings. The practice areas that saw the least amount of change were Projects & Infrastructure, which stayed the same, and Life Sciences with one move.

Furthermore this year saw many practice areas removing or adding bands to their rankings list. Dispute Resolution added a Band 6 with 4 new firms within this new band. TMT and Environment also added a Band 4 and Band 3, respectively. Conversely, Corporate/M&A removed its Band 5, along with four of the firms that were in this band last year.

Regarding how individual firms performed, 7 firms moved from Band 2 to Band 1. The best performing firms this year, like with Chambers Global, were White & Case and SSW Pragmatic Solutions. The former saw four moves up, two of which were to Band 1. Meanwhile, SSW saw one move up and was a new addition to three practice areas!

Individual Rankings:

The Chambers Europe individual results saw 129 total moves, where Banking & Finance had the most changes with 16 moves. Alternatively, the practice areas that saw the least change were Construction, with no changes, and Competition & Antitrust and White Collar, with one move each.

Like with the firm rankings, many practice areas removed or added bands and categories to their rankings list. These include:

• Corporate/ M&A: Mid Market where the category of Senior Statespeople and its only lawyer was removed;
• Corporate/M&A: High End Capability, Dispute Resolution: Arbitration and Real Estate saw the removal of its Up and Coming category where the lawyers that were in these categories last year were moved up;
•  Capital Markets: Equity, Environment and Intellectual Property all added an Associates to Watch with one new lawyer
• Public Procurement removed its Associates to Watch category and the one lawyer in the category was moved up to Up and Coming.

This year 9 lawyers climbed to Band 1. The most improved firm with 8 of its lawyers with positive moves, one of which was from Band 2 to Band 1, was Dentons.

Congratulations to all the firms who participated! Whether you and your firm had positive or negative results, remember there is still time to set the tone for Chambers 2024 ahead of the upcoming deadlines.

Check out the full analysis below: 

The post Chambers Europe 2023 Results Analysis for Poland appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

1. Have last year’s firm and lawyer rankings to hand 

This is the first thing to do. Once the rankings are published, the previous ones and juicy editorials are wiped from the website. Therefore, it is imperative that you prepare and collate that beforehand.  

2. Take a holistic approach

It is important to view the results not only in terms of practice areas, departments and lawyers but, as a firm as a whole. Prepare a spreadsheet with all the ranking changes in one place, so it will be easier to view the data more widely and allow you to prioritize for the next round.

3. Analyze the market 

It’s important to see how your market has changed, which practice areas experienced the most/least changes, and how peers and competitors performed. By taking an inventory of the rankings in your jurisdiction, you can see essential market trends. 

4. Take a deep breath

A directory launch can be a stressful day for any firm. It is important to remember that changes do happen. These guides, going back decades, are evolving and expanding all the time, reflecting the vibrant markets they serve. Whatever happens, good or disappointing, you are building a platform and helping clients understand what you do well in the market, which remains priceless.

The post Steps for you to take when a legal directory is published appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

Firm Rankings:

The Chambers firm results saw 32 moves across the board with 9 new firms added to various practice areas. As previously mentioned, practice area with the most moves was Banking & Finance with 9 changes; the least was Corporate/M&A with only one move. It is also worth noting that there were no negative changes to Capital Markets: Equity, with 5 firms going up in the rankings and 2 new firms added.

Regarding how the individual firms performed, this year 3 firms went from Band 2 to Band 1: Greenberg Traurig and White & Case in Capital Markets: Equity, White & Case in Capital Markets: Debt and SK&S in Dispute Resolution. The two best-improved firms this year were White & Case with three moves up, two of which were from Band 2 to Band 1 and SSW, a new addition to three practice areas!

Lawyer Rankings:

This year there were 55 moves for the individual lawyer rankings and 17 new lawyers added to various practice areas. Like with the firm rankings, Banking & Finance saw the most changes with 16 moves; Dispute Resolution had the least with only 4 moves.

Three lawyers, Andrzej Stosio from Clifford Chance, Rafał Kamiński from White & Case M. and Justyna Szpara from Łaszczuk & Partners moved from Band 2 to Band 1.

In terms of most-improved firms, Clifford Chance and Dentons had three lawyers that raised their rankings, Baker McKenzie had 2 lawyers raised and one newly added, and lastly, SSW had 3 newly added lawyers in three practice areas.

Congratulations to all the firms who participated! Whether you and your firm had positive or negative results, remember there is still time to set the tone for Chambers 2024 ahead of the upcoming deadlines.

The post Chambers Global Results Analysis for Poland appeared first on Tier One Rankings.