Directory rankings in global legal directories hinge primarily on written submissions and client feedback. However, a crucial third factor often influences outcomes: market feedback, primarily gathered through partner interviews.

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.