Key and *NEW* Features of the Referee Management Tool

The tool provides comprehensive oversight of your referee management process. It shows when research starts and ends, updates on Chambers’ progress in attempting to get in contact with your referees as the research process advances, and flags issues such as invalid emails, the 3-month rule, and unsubscribed referees. While the tool is incredibly useful, it is not without its quirks. The product team at Chambers is constantly working to fix bugs and develop new features. The latest update includes the “ALL REFEREES” feature, allowing users to see all referees listed, their contact rate, and to search by lawyer name or referee name. You can also see a more detailed view of their communication history when acting as a referee for your firm in the current and past years, which makes it much easier to manage any referees you are using for multiple submissions. Plus, the data is downloadable at every stage, simplifying life for those managing extensive referee spreadsheets.

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: Invalid Email

The email sent by Chambers bounced back. The email address might be technically correct, but the problem could be due to a firewall or other blockers.

Solution:

• Ask your referees in advance to add @chambers.com to their safe senders list.
• Share the Chambers researcher’s email with your referee so they can make contact directly.
• Government and banks email addresses may often have stricter security settings. If using referees from organisations such as these, the above efforts can be very useful, or you could also consider if the referee has an alternative email that might be used as a last resort.

Problem: Unsubscribed

This referee clicked the unsubscribe button on a Chambers correspondence at some point (could be yesterday or 5 years ago) and because of this Chambers will not send further emails to this person without their direct consent.

Solution:

• If you asked and your referee is willing to participate, forward their written confirmation to costumersuccess@chambers.com to have them re-added to the list. It is good practice to always email your referees asking them to confirm their consent before putting them forward to Chambers. If you do this, any referees that are on the ‘unsubscribed’ list can be quickly dealt with as you will already have the written confirmation you need to send to Chambers to get your referee back on the email list. This can allow you to remove any concerns well before research begins. This practice is also widely appreciated by referees who are more likely to respond and be prepared to share detailed feedback if they have been consulted in advance.

Problem: Contacted 3-month rule (green)

This person has been put forward as a referee for several different areas of the research and Chambers have already been in contact with them in the last 3 months about a different practice area (specifically on the date listed in the “latest update” column). This referee WILL NOT be emailed again to request additional feedback for the current practice area.

Solution:

• Plan ahead! Use the “ALL REFEREES” feature to check the past (and potential present) 3-month rule status for each practice area. This is a valid recommendation across the board, since the referees sometimes stay the same from year to year with minor additions or removals, you want to take into account their past contact status (contacted, 3-month rule, unsubscribed, etc.). Past referees who responded are more likely to receive and respond to emails again. Conversely, consider replacing those who did not respond or speak to them directly.
• Replace the referee.
• It is also possible that you do not need to do anything – in many cases where referees have already been contacted under the 3-month rule, the Chambers research team will have attempted to gather feedback from them about as many firms and practice areas as possible, therefore the referee may have already provided feedback on the current practice area ahead of time.

Problem: In Progress 3-month rule (blue)

Same as above, the difference is the referee has not yet responded in this case. Nevertheless, they will not be emailed again and the recommendation remains the same.

Ideal Response: Contacted

Perfect, nothing to do here. Chambers has been able to make direct contact with your referee and will ensure they capture as much feedback as the referee is willing and able to share.

Problem: not all the referees you submitted are listed

Solution: if all referees are submitted properly, the best solution is to wait. If research starts and the list is still not fully updated, you may want to contact the relevant researcher.

The Ultimate Solution

1. Get the Referee Management Tool: Ensure your firm has access to this essential tool.
2. Verify Referees Before Submission: Confirm their willingness to participate before adding them.
3. Upload Early: Submit your referees as early as possible, ideally by the first deadline in your jurisdiction. This allows you to identify and resolve issues before research starts.
4. Stay in Touch: Contact your referees when research begins to remind and guide them.

By following these steps and leveraging the enhanced features of the Chambers Referee Management Tool, you can streamline the process and improve your chances of a successful submission.

The post Everything You Need to Know About the Chambers Referee Management Tool appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

With the latest Chambers USA launched today, the guide received over 58,000 responses from US law firm departments and individuals, by way of interview or survey (between August 2023 and February 2024).

Trends discussed on today’s webinar referenced how embattled GCs face post-pandemic interest rates and inflationary pressures, proving difficult for many law firms across various practice areas (e.g., there was a 10-12% decrease in M&A aggregate value). Yet, there were strong revenues in the upper ranks and for those who have become a destination practice for strategic or bet-the-company work.

This year shows a remarkably stable and resilient US economy and legal market.

Chambers USA Regional Spotlight:

Chambers continues its mission to spotlight the best-performing firms, ranging from small to medium-sized firms that are considered go-to counsel for legal buyers seeking wider options and localised expertise.

This year, Chambers returned to Texas and continued to delve into the legal markets of Florida, New York, and North Carolina. In addition, Chambers announced they will spotlight law firms based in Ohio and Illinois.

New Submission Areas for Chambers USA 2025:

In each state, Chambers ranks the top US law firms in four areas of law: Corporate/Commercial, Labor & Employment, Litigation, and Real Estate. Despite covering over 50 different practice areas/sectors on a state and national level, Chambers has announced that they will be introducing new coverage areas this year.

The new areas of coverage are as follows:

• Nationwide: Construction: International Disputes
• Nationwide: Higher Education
• Nationwide: Impact Investing
• Nationwide: Energy: PHMSA Specialists
• Nationwide: Transportation: Aviation: Transactional

Practice areas ranked at the state level are based on the location in which a law firm or individual lawyer practices, regardless of where their clients are located or where most of their deals take place.

USA Research Expansion:

Research for the Chambers USA 2025 Guide will begin in August this year.

The upcoming edition will cover numerous emerging and expanding practice areas across the US legal market, expanding existing areas of coverage into new jurisdictions.

The full list of research coverage can be found here.

When should I submit?

Submissions for the Chambers USA 2025 Guide are now open!

The first submission deadline is 11 July 2024. The full research scedule can be found here.

Upcoming Events:

• Annual Chambers USA Awards – June 13^th, 2024

Sources:

https://chambers.com/legal-guide/usa-5

https://chambers.com/topics/new-submission-areas-for-chambers-usa-2025

The post Chambers USA 2024 Guide Launch appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

One of those organizations is Delinian, which has been publishing Women in Business Law Awards for some years. We caught up with editor John Harrison: 

Q: What have you noticed overall about the award submissions received and the impact of women lawyers in their given practice areas or industries?  

JH: Entries to the Women in Business Law Awards have become much more detailed over the last five years. Firms are detailing amazing leadership endeavours by women lawyers, both within their given practice specialisms, as well as in firm initiatives that grow and promote, not only women, but various historically underrepresented groups in the practice of law. 

It is without a doubt that women lawyers have been having a major positive impact on the practice areas and industries in which they practice. We are seeing more and varied companies across the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific where women are taking on the lead counsel roles. 

Likewise, we are seeing practice specialisms, such as securities litigation in the US, and industry advisors, such as in the Life Sciences in EMEA, where women have started to take over as the key leaders.

Q: With innovation at the heart of the Women in Business Law Awards, what do you think – and admittedly generalizing for a moment – women lawyers bring to these practices, industries, and categories that can sometimes be missing with male counterparts? 

JH: Many women lawyers develop innovation, not only in getting deals done, but in making their firms and the legal industry a better place through their work. We have seen that the leading women lawyers make time to be mentors, sponsors, and are highly engaged with initiatives that help the next generation of lawyers grow and not be held back by “how things have always been done.” 

This innovation has been seen globally, where women have produced unique ways of engaging with sensitive subject matter to help everyone in the firm better understand the struggles and trials of their colleagues. 

This kind of innovative thinking is not left to the firm alone, we have also seen many women lawyers taking on leadership roles in industry group, boards of companies, and within their communities.

In June 2024, Women in Business Law Awards will present the winners of the 2024 EMEA awards, celebrating the most ground-breaking achievements by the region’s leading female lawyers and the most progressive law firms in terms of their gender policies, advocacy, and support of women in law. 

The post Championing Change: Insights from Delinian’s Women in Business Law Awards Editor, John Harrison appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

Recognizing these hurdles, Chambers has introduced a new opportunity tailored specifically for SME-focused firms – the SME-focused Firms section. 

This innovative section offers a streamlined submission process that focuses more on a firm’s client base rather than individual work highlights. Notably, Chambers is not requiring client referees for this category this year.

This category is designed to provide a platform for firms that may not have the same resources as larger competitors but have a roster of satisfied clients whom they support on a variety of issues, including corporate matters, disputes, financing, restructuring, and tax.

Unlike traditional submissions, which typically require 20 unique work highlights, the SME-focused Firms section requests firms to describe their relationships with ten key clients they regularly work with. This approach aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the firm’s practice while reducing the burden of compiling extensive documentation.

Open to firms across the UK, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, it is nonetheless important to note that firms with three or more department rankings in Chambers UK are not eligible for this category.

If your firm fits the criteria and would like to apply, submissions are open until April 17th. 

For more information and access to the submission template, please visit: https://chambers.com/topics/showcasing-smaller-law-firms-across-the-uk

The post Introducing Chambers UK’s New Opportunity for SME-focused Law Firms appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

Submission Deadline: March 25, 2024

Why Submit to WTR?

• Global Recognition: Inclusion in WTR’s rankings provides global visibility.
• Industry Benchmark: Benchmark your performance against industry leaders.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals and potential clients valuing excellence in trademark practices.

What’s New?

• Copyright Practices Inclusion: Recognizing the evolving strategies of companies, WTR now invites firms to introduce their copyright practices. This enables us to comprehend IP offerings in a broader context.
• Recent Developments Section: With the ever-changing dynamics, especially in the age of AI, WTR’s new submission form includes a section on recent developments. They’ve posed specific questions to assess firms in this evolving market, understanding their strategic priorities.

Tips for a Successful Submission:

1. Start Early: Begin compiling firm achievements and notable cases in advance.
2. Be Comprehensive: Provide a concise overview of standout contributions to the trademark field.
3. Stick to the provided guidelines: Ensure your submissions adhere to the provided guidelines.
4. Quality over Quantity: Focus on quality submissions with clarity and relevance.

How to submit?

• Obtain your personalized submission link by reaching out to Sophie Storrs at sophie.storrs@lbresearch.com.
• WTR recommends completing the online form. However, if you prefer to submit via email, please send your submission directly to the email address above in Word format.
• Both Word format and Excel client referee sheet are available for download in the research page: https://www.worldtrademarkreview.com/rankings/wtr-1000/research

Good luck!

The post WTR 1000 2025 Rankings Submission Deadline Approaching: What’s New appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

This can indeed prove frustrating for all parties involved, from lawyers to the BD team, particularly as the directories do not automatically communicate the rationale behind every decision to participating firms.

At Tier One Rankings, here is our advice, based on our decades of experience working at the directories, on how to best overcome this frustration and ensure that you put your best foot forward for next year:

Step 1. Conduct An Internal Review

The most common reasons for a demotion/non-ranking are often related to:

Did your firm provide enough work? Both directories permit a maximum of 20 matters and recommend that you send over the full amount. Firms that send over fewer than a dozen or so matters are unlikely to achieve any positive results, especially if they are currently unranked.

Did your firm describe the work highlights in sufficient detail? A crucial criterion for both directories is the quality of the work, and this cannot be accurately assessed when firms only write a sentence or two for each matter. If the table was transactional in nature, were enough deal values disclosed, this a crucial gauge that is often overlooked.

Did you fail to showcase a broad breadth of work? If, for example, your Commercial, Corporate and M&A submission focused on too many private equity deals, or had an overwhelming number of matters within a specific industry, this could be a likely cause for demotion. The scope of work is one of the most important considerations after the assessment of its quality.

Was all the work relevant to the table you submitted for? This can be double-checked by referring to the respective practice area definitions. I.e., did you include an abundance of energy/construction/project matters in a real estate submission?

Did you have any major partner departures? This is a very common reason for demotion, especially if the departing name was ranked on an individual basis

Did you fail to include enough new instructions? Both directories understand that the most complex matters will span multiple years, though firms should be sure to relay that their practice continues to thrive by providing at least a handful of new instructions.

How was your referee response rate? If it was particularly low, you should certainly consider providing more easily reachable contacts for the next research cycle.

Step 2. Seek Feedback Internally

Discuss the ranking results with your team, partners, and colleagues. Get their insights and input on where improvements can be made. Were there any changes in the preparation of the submissions these years, and could these have had a detriment on their quality?

Step 3. Contact the Directories for Feedback

Both Legal 500 and Chambers will provide a limited amount of feedback in most circumstances, though this should be enough to point you in the right direction for next year.

A simple sentence such as ‘We felt that your submission focused too heavily on leasing matters, whereas the firms above showed a greater breadth’ can be all you require to better prepare next year’s submission.

Firms who would like a more detailed breakdown will also have the option of purchasing premium products such as Research Plus and Chambers Insight.

Step 4. See the Bigger Picture

It is important that the rankings can influenced by various factors and are fundamentally comparative in nature. It may be a case that your submission was just as strong as in previous years, though a number of your competitors improved.

It is worth keeping a tab on the firms above you, especially those who have received promotions, and noting any developments that may have positively influenced their positions e.g., the growth of the team, several standout cases, or increased activity within a particular sector.

Patience and persistence are key. Both directories keep track of your performance year-on-year and factor in your track record. At the recent Chambers 360 event, reference was even made to a firm that finally achieved a ranking after six years of submitting.

If you were expecting a promotion on this occasion and felt that there was a notable uptick in the quality of your submission, this was most likely noted by the directory. It may simply be that they are taking a wait and see approach, particularly when it comes to promotions at the very top of the table.

The directories can only work with the information you provide to them, meaning that firms need to be on top of any developing assumptions and ensure that these are countered by the relevant evidence.

The post The Ultimate Comeback: Tier One Tactics for Overcoming Chambers Rankings Setbacks appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

Key Takeaways:

• Departmental Rankings: Dentons paves the way, with a diverse geographic footprint, showcasing its stronghold in the 2024 rankings alongside Al Tamimi & Company, Bowmans, ENSafrica, and Allen & Overy LLP, among many others.
• Regional Spotlight: The legal prowess of firms in Africa and the Middle East, particularly ENSafrica and Al Tamimi & Company, highlights the region’s growing influence in the global legal market.
• New Practice Areas: The introduction of niche-focused tables, such as Africa-Wide Banking & Finance and UAE Venture Capital & Emerging Companies, responds to the evolving needs of clients in these markets.
• Cross-Border Expertise: Firms like Baker McKenzie and DLA Piper, with their far-reaching global services, exemplify the critical importance of international legal capabilities in today’s market. They are far from alone. 
• Litigation and Arbitration Trends: The focus on sectors like energy and ESG-related disputes, along with the rise of AI in arbitration, underscores the shifting landscape of dispute resolution.
• Diversity in Law: The increase in rankings for women lawyers in jurisdictions like Angola and Ghana marks a step in the right direction toward gender diversity in the African legal market.
• Offshore Jurisdictions: Emerging trends in regulation and ESG principles in places like the Cayman Islands and Bermuda reflect the legal industry’s alignment with global sustainability goals.

The post Chambers Webinar Brief: A 2024 Rankings Snapshot appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

From the Lawyers’ Perspective: Lawyers approach directory submissions with a desire to showcase their prowess comprehensively. This often involves delving into complex case specifics and legal nuances, utilizing elaborate legal terminology to underscore their accomplishments. The aim is to present a detailed and comprehensive picture of their expertise.

The Researchers’ Viewpoint: On the other side of the spectrum, researchers tasked with evaluating these submissions seek clarity, impact, and contextual narratives. They prioritize concise, results-oriented descriptions that effectively communicate key achievements, highlight the significance of cases, and emphasize the value delivered to clients. Researchers look for information that is not only informative but also digestible and to the point.

Bridging the Gap: The challenge lies in finding a middle ground that satisfies both parties. To create impactful submissions, lawyers should focus on emphasizing outcomes, client impact, and succinct case studies. This involves striking a delicate balance between providing essential details and presenting content in a reader-friendly manner that resonates with researchers.

Know Your Audience: It’s crucial for lawyers to keep in mind that researchers handle a substantial volume of submissions during each cycle. Therefore, clarity and brevity significantly aid their review process. Crafting submissions that are clear, concise, and directly relevant to the criteria set by the directories not only expedites the review process but also bolsters the chances of being recognized.

In conclusion, aligning lawyers’ aspirations with researchers’ needs in legal directory submissions involves understanding the importance of clear communication and the significance of presenting information in a format that is both informative and easily digestible. By recognizing and addressing these needs, legal professionals can enhance the effectiveness of their submissions and maximize their visibility within the legal community.

The post Legal Directory Submissions: What Lawyers Want vs. What Researchers Need appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

Submission Details: Presenting Your Initiatives

Firms are invited to provide evidence of their initiatives in career development, gender diversity, innovation, mentoring, talent management, work-life balance, and pro bono work. Clearly articulate the significance of each initiative, emphasizing the firm’s commitment to championing women and diversity.

How to Submit: Streamlined Process

Submit entries through the Euromoney portal here.

Key Dates:

• Submission Deadline – Americas: February 8
• Submission Deadline – EMEA: February 22
• Shortlist Announcement: April
• Award Ceremony: June

Award Categories:

• Firm Awards
• Lawyer of the Year
• Rising Stars
• Thought Leaders & ESG Leaders of the Year
• In-House Team & General Counsel of the Year
• Jurisdictional Firm of the Year

Validation Process: Beyond Submissions

The Women in Business Law Awards research team will conduct peer-review interviews with leading female practitioners. Additionally, other directory and awards analyses within the group will be incorporated for a comprehensive evaluation. The winners will be carefully selected by an esteemed global panel of women dedicated to the advancement of women in the legal profession.  

For More Information:

Visit https://awards.womeninbusinesslaw.com/ or reach out to Galit Imbo, Managing Director, Submissions Department, at galit@nishlis.com.

The post Women in Business Law Awards 2024: Now Accepting Submissions! appeared first on Tier One Rankings.

How are the rankings determined?

The IFLR1000 rankings are determined based on a comprehensive evaluation process that involves the following four key components:

1. Deal Highlight:

This aspect focuses on the significant legal transactions and projects undertaken by law firms. It assesses the complexity, innovation, and impact of these deals, allowing firms to showcase their expertise in various practice areas.

2. Client Survey:

Client feedback plays a crucial role in the IFLR1000 rankings. The client survey component involves obtaining input from clients who have worked with the law firm during the research period. The survey seeks to gauge client satisfaction, the effectiveness of legal services, and the overall client-firm relationship.

3. Partner Interviews:

Partner interviews provide an opportunity for IFLR1000 researchers to engage directly with key partners at law firms. These interviews delve into the firm’s capabilities, expertise, and notable achievements. Partners may provide insights into the strategic direction of the firm and elaborate on their roles in significant deals.

4. Lawyer Survey:

The lawyer survey is a critical component and will be relied on more heavily this year, especially in light of the change from evaluating 20 matters to 10. It allows lawyers, especially junior lawyers nominated in the Rising Stars categories, to highlight their individual contributions. This survey provides a more nuanced view of the firm’s talent pool and acknowledges the diverse contributions of legal professionals.

Why the Shift from 20 Matters to 10?

• The shift from evaluating 20 matters to 10 is a strategic move aimed at enhancing the competitive aspect of rankings. The change encourages law firms to focus on the most impactful and impressive projects, providing detailed insights into innovative, impactful, and challenging cases.

What are the main guidelines when crafting the work highlights: 

• Context is Key: avoid leaving sections blank, as it makes it harder for researchers to judge.
• Ensure that you are looking at practice areas relevant to your jurisdiction and reviewing the definitions before selecting matters.
• Provide articulate and digestible information that can be easily benchmarked against other firms.
• Focus on the most impactful work and explain why a case was innovative, impactful, or challenging.
• Deal Values: Include deal values when possible. 
• DEI & ESG: Fill in information related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as well as Environmental, Social, and Governance initiatives. It can demonstrate the firms level of sophistication. 

How many referees can I include?

• Include as many client referees as possible, picking those willing to participate.
• Inform clients beforehand to increase engagement
• Nominate referees capable of providing comparative, tailored feedback about lawyers and the firm. This feedback is more valuable to your ranking than a generic one. 

Please note: IFLR1000 is also considering introducing client discovery calls to enhance the quality of feedback so your refers may be approached to set up a call. 

How can I boost my individual ranking? 

• Add significant work in the work highlights
• Use the lawyer nomination section of the submission to make your case in a short concise matter that is relevant for the research period, highlight evidence, wins, and recognitions, and DON’T repeat your website biography information. 
• Provide valuable, available referees.
• The lawyer survey – given the change from 20 matters to 10, the lawyer survey provides an opportunity for all lawyers, especially rising star partners, and rising star associates to showcase their contributions. 

If I was interviewed last year, will I be interviewed this year as well?

IFLR1000 tries to rotate the firms getting interviewed to get an objective view of the market so you may not be approached year after year. However, firms can reach out to IFLR1000 if they wish to participate in partner interviews.

Staying informed about the IFLR1000’s ranking criteria and incorporating the recommended tips into your submissions will not only enhance your firm’s visibility but also contribute to a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of your legal expertise.

The post IFLR1000 2024: Insights from a Q&A Webinar by IFLR1000 Global Editor, Danielle Ngwana-Joseph  appeared first on Tier One Rankings.