LEGAL 500 EMEA 2024 – All you need to know in a nutshell

EMEA Deadline: August 7, 2023
Editor: Ella Marshall
Submit via the Legal 500 portal at submissions.legal500.com

There were two mostly technical changes made to this year’s Legal 500 template:

1. Initiatives and innovation: This year, Legal 500 expanded on this section and divided the potential firm answer to 3 categories:

Tech / systems innovations – this may include the updating of the firm’s technology capability, the introduction of AI, new policies regarding billing systems, collaboration, etc.

Socio-cultural initiatives – this should include diversity & inclusion initiatives (not only women in law, but also concerning minority groups, the differently-abled, LGBQT+ etc.); sustainability, corporate social responsibility and allied matters.

Pro-bono work – this should include accreditation where possible, seniority of acting lawyer and/ or number of hours.

2. Addition of “Length of relationship” column to the client list.

BE DESCRIPTIVE: make sure the matters are detailed but not lengthy. Avoid using legal or marketing jargon.
MIX IT UP: your submissions should ideally showcase: Expertise in a variety of industries Different types of work A diverse team(s) with multi-tier capabilities and knowledge
LESS IS MORE: when it comes to individual rankings, be selective and strategic about the individuals you choose to promote in this research cycle and do not put forth more than 2-3. Use the background information to “plant” the relevant names into the researchers’ minds.
HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY: benchstrength is an important factor in the research process but do not be tempted to ramp up the numbers. The size of the team you state in numbers should be reflected in the submission.
MAKE YOUR PITCH: use the first box to introduce the firm to the researcher; use statistics and hard facts. This is not the place to discuss your existing rankings.