Let’s talk about referees, why underestimating their significance in submissions could be a misstep, and how you can do better.
Often left until the last minute, referees are crucial in legal directories submissions, sometimes weighing almost equally to work highlights in firm rankings and even more so for individual rankings. This holds especially true in esteemed guides such as Chambers and Partners. They’re not just contacts; they offer invaluable, first-hand insights into a firm’s or lawyer’s capabilities, validating the claims articulated in submissions.
Understanding the genuine potential of referees in submissions is a game-changer. Those who recognize this aspect’s significance are already reaping its rewards. Curious to learn how? Let me guide you, step by step:
Before Submission – Strategically Choosing Referees:
- Availability and Willingness: Referees must be accessible and responsive, willing to engage in a brief 5-10 minute call. Avoid the trap of selecting overly occupied CEOs. Opt instead for individuals with whom you share a strong rapport and who are amenable to a gentle reminder when the time comes.
- Comprehensive Insight: Prioritise clients with a deep understanding of the team’s reputation, collaborating within the last 18 months. Those capable of elaborating on multiple lawyers can save space within the 20-30 referee limit.
- Knowledge of Team Strengths: Seek referees capable of articulating the team’s specific strengths and the involvement of individual lawyers. In-house counsel, equipped with both responsiveness and legal expertise, often outshine busy CEOs in this aspect.
- Diverse Options: Consider engaging professionals beyond clients like accountants, surveyors, or colleagues. Referrals from law firms in different jurisdictions can offer unique insights without posing competition.
During Submission – The Nitty-Gritty Tips:
- Understand the “3 month rule”: Chambers won’t contact a referee reached within 3 months. If a referee is open for re-contact, you may request Chambers to reach out.
- Referee Information Filling: Fill in the column titled referring lawyer(s), it will help point the researcher in the right direction when talking to the referee.
- Firewall Tips: avoid government email addresses to prevent potential email blocking if possible.
Post-Submission – Contacting Referees:
- Safe Senders: Encourage referees to add ‘@chambers.com‘ to the safe senders list.
- Survey Navigation: Ensure referees understand the survey process, particularly for recommending lawyers not listed (“+add individual” button).
- Timing and Communication: Use the Chambers Referee Management Tool to track and remind clients if needed. For any issues, Chambers offers support.
- Seek assistance: Should you encounter any issues or come across an unexplained ‘error’ within the RMT, don’t hesitate to contact Chambers.
2025 UPDATE: My Top Recommendation for Avoiding Referee Issues
After experimenting with the system for two years and holding multiple meetings with the RMT team at Chambers, my number one suggestion is this: submit all referees as early as possible. If you’re dealing with several deadlines across multiple jurisdictions, aim to submit all referees before the first deadline—even though I know how challenging this can be when juggling numerous practice areas!
Here’s why it’s worth the effort:
- Early Submission Mitigates Issues: Submitting referees early allows you to identify and resolve any problems well before the research process begins.
- Streamlined Contact Across Practice Areas: By submitting future deadlines alongside the current one, you ensure referees are contacted for all relevant practice areas, potentially bypassing the three-month rule and improving response rates.
The key takeaway is simple: early submission gives you a significant advantage.
Effectively engaging referees, chosen strategically, significantly fortifies the credibility and authenticity of legal directory rankings. They stand as crucial assets within the submission process.