Legal directory season always seems a long way off doesn\’t it? Until suddenly it isn’t.
The recent Legal 500 Meet The Editors webinar, focused on the EMEA research cycle, was a timely reminder that good submissions don’t just happen. They’re planned, honed and delivered on time.
Even though this session was aimed at firms preparing for EMEA submissions, the insights apply equally to any jurisdiction. Whenever you get a chance to hear from the researchers and editors themselves, take it.
It\’s one of the few opportunities to find out exactly what they’re looking for.
So, what did we learn? Here are the highlights, and why it’s worth registering for a spot when these sessions come around.
Why engage with Legal 500?
The panel opened with a refreshingly clear answer to this question. There are some very practical reasons to take Legal 500 seriously:
- New client acquisition.Rankings are a ‘shop window’ for prospective clients.
- Referrals. Peers and other professionals do use the guide to find firms.
- Time savings. One global listing with broad reach can do a lot of heavy lifting.
- Increased reach. Legal 500 claims more traffic than Chambers & Partners, and has strong international coverage.
- Promoting future lawyers. The guide isn’t just about senior partners. It’s also a (very effective) platform to highlight associates and rising stars.
Takeaway: it’s not just about the ranking ‘badge’ these listings can directly support business development.
Deadlines and planning ahead
Critical dates should now be engraved on the collective marketing team calendar (for the EMEA cycle):
- The referee spreadsheet is due by August 4th 2025.
- Editorial submissions for most jurisdictions are due by August 4th 2025.
- The exception is editorial submissions for the Nordic, due 29th August 2025.
If you miss the referee deadline, those contacts simply won’t be approached. Research begins in early September, with publication in March 2026, so timeliness really matters.
Changes and new opportunities
This year’s EMEA guide comes with some notable category changes across countries, as do guides for other jurisdictions.
The message? Check the new categories before you start drafting that submission. There may be a new home for work that was previously squeezed into a broader section.
What makes a strong submission?
The editors hammered home a few simple truths:
- Use the official template, they do notice.
- When it comes to matter highlights, choose carefully. They want facts and figures, not marketing fluff.
- Tailor submissions. A one-size-fits-all approach across practice areas rarely works.
- Consistency counts. What you say about your practice should line up across referees, matters and team bios.
One interesting reminder was, if you want to be interviewed as an individual or firm/chambers, reach out to the researchers early (in the case of EMEA submissions, in September).
Referees. They matter.
Everyone groans when referee management comes up. But the panel made clear just how pivotal it is:
- Late referee lists means no referee feedback. End of.
- Mix it up. Include clients, peers and even lawyers at other firms who know your work.
- Give referees a heads up so the researcher’s email doesn’t end up ignored in their inbox.
- The more positive feedback, the stronger the case for your ranking. Choose people who you know will be cheerleaders for your work.
After submission, keep talking
Research doesn’t end with hitting “send”. The editors want to know about team moves, confidentiality issues or other changes that might affect their assessment.
Post-publication, the Zendesk or FAQ route is your friend for updates or corrections.
Subscription packages – what’s new?
Finally, the webinar touched on subscription options. The standard package now includes up to six client testimonials, twelve key clients and three work highlights, while the premium package ups the numbers and adds real-time updates and submission analysis reports.
You can contact the sales team directly for more advice and information on the best options for marketing your firm or chambers on the Legal 500 site.
There’s also a new firm comparison tool and lawyer “report cards” on the way.
Why sessions like this are worth your time
So, was the webinar worth an hour out of a busy day? Absolutely.
Hearing directly from the people who will be reading your submission brings clarity you can’t get from a template alone. It’s a chance to ask questions, avoid avoidable mistakes, and ensure you’re spending your energy in the right places.
In short: make these sessions part of your submission strategy. Whether your work covers the EMEA, Asia-Pacific, the US or the UK guide, the insights you gain will save a lot of scrambling come deadline season.
In summary, plan early, meet the deadlines, choose matters and referees carefully, and stay in touch during the research period.
A little preparation, and a willingness to listen to the editors, will go a long way towards making next year’s rankings look a lot healthier.
