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)