Legal directories serve as highly effective tools for marketing legal services, benefiting both firms and solo practitioners.
Legal directory submission cycle are currently sizzling hot, with Chambers Asia-Pacific , IFLR1000, Asialaw already underway and the impending arrival of Legal500. This means law firm communication and brand pros are juggling more than a circus performer on a unicycle. With rankings becoming the global currency of brand recognition for firms and their partners, it’s time to approach submissions like a strategic game of chess. Let’s crack the code on making them truly effective. Here’s to hoping we uncover the secrets to crafting submissions that hit the bullseye.
Process of a legal directory submission
A legal directory submission encompasses two key components: a submission document and a client and peer feedback process. Both are essential for achieving a favorable ranking, although their significance may vary across different directories.
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The submission document is a critical part of the process, comprising a narrative pitch and work highlights. The narrative pitch introduces the subject of the submission, such as a practice group or partner, and highlights their standout attributes. This description is supported by real-life work examples, demonstrating well-rounded experience and showcasing innovative matters that reflect depth and breadth of expertise.
Sample Submission Write Up for Practice Highlight
Introduction: Our firm, XYZ Law, is proud to present our Corporate Law practice group for consideration in this year’s legal directory rankings. With a dedicated team of experienced attorneys and a track record of successful client representation, we believe our firm exemplifies the highest standards of legal excellence.
Work Highlights:
- Successfully represented a multinational corporation in a high-stakes merger negotiation, resulting in a favorable outcome and significant cost savings for the client.
- Secured a landmark victory in a complex intellectual property dispute, setting a precedent in the field of patent law.
- Advised a startup company through its initial public offering (IPO), navigating regulatory hurdles and ensuring compliance with securities laws.
Add the key awards, thought leadership opportunities, new areas of growth that have undertaken within the practice in the specified cycle.
Sample Submission Write Up for Work Highlight:
- Deal Matter Description: In a landmark transaction within the renewable energy sector, our team facilitated the acquisition of a leading solar panel manufacturer by a global player in sustainable energy solutions. The acquisition aimed to bolster the buyer’s portfolio and accelerate its mission towards a greener future.
- Firm’s Role: Our firm served as the lead legal advisor throughout the acquisition process, providing comprehensive guidance from due diligence to final contractual agreements.
- Complexities and Challenges: Our team adeptly navigated various legal and regulatory challenges inherent in the renewable energy sector. This included addressing jurisdictional differences in environmental regulations and ensuring compliance with industry-specific licensing requirements.
- Impact/Outcome: The acquisition marked a significant milestone in the renewable energy industry, positioning the buyer as a dominant player in the solar energy market. This transaction set a precedent for future mergers and acquisitions within the sector, showcasing our firm’s thought leadership and expertise in driving transformative deals.
- Teams Involved: Add all the attorneys across multiple departments / practices if involved. This will showcase transaction’s strength and add weight to its overall impact.
- Jurisdictions and Counterparties: Add all the jurisdictions involved. If in doubt, always check headquarter of global clients, counterparties and international law firms involved. .This global reach highlight the deal’s complexity and underscored its significance on a larger scale. (Add all the jurisdiction and other law firms involved).
Client and Peer Feedback Process
Following the submission document, the client and peer feedback process takes place. This involves providing a list of referees whom legal directory researchers will contact during their research cycle. These referees are asked to provide feedback about their experience working with the relevant practice group or partner.
A strong legal directory ranking can significantly enhance a law firm’s marketing efforts. Such rankings serve as objective, third-party endorsements of firms’ and partners’ expertise, bolstering credibility and reputation in the legal industry.
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While submitting the names, try to include mid-level / mid-senior level referee, as we may require multiple follow ups. Try mapping these clients to the work evidence you are submitting.
How to plan for legal directory submission
Handling submissions in-house can be challenging and resource-intensive. Legal directory submissions require meticulous attention to detail, from initial preparation to post-submission follow-ups. They demand short-, medium-, and long-term planning to maximize effectiveness for each year’s research cycle. Compiling compelling work highlights and selecting appropriate client referees require careful consideration and strategic thinking.
Common mistakes in legal directory submissions include overlooking project management aspects, using overly technical language, and prioritizing prestige over innovation in work highlights. Clear communication and a focus on highlighting unique strengths and accomplishments are crucial for improving submission quality.
To further enhance submission quality, firms can invest in purchasing reports that offer feedback on their submissions. These reports provide valuable insights for refining future submissions, ultimately contributing to greater success in legal directory rankings.
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