The Chambers USA Guide 2025 is here, with new rankings, expanded coverage, and the debut of two high-profile practice areas.
As ever, it’s one of the most comprehensive directories of the US legal market, based on over 70,000 responses from clients, peers and industry insiders. It features thousands of law firm and lawyer rankings, with detailed analysis across every major area of legal practice.
Here’s what’s new in this year’s edition.
New tables: AI and Space Law make their debut
Two of the fastest-moving sectors in the US economy are getting full Chambers coverage for the first time.
- Artificial Intelligence: Chambers has launched its inaugural AI table, ranking firms with dedicated AI practices across transactional, commercial and regulatory work. Researchers noted that clients are looking for clarity in a highly technical and fast-evolving area, and that international capability (particularly across US, UK and EU regulation) is a growing priority.
- Space Law: As private investment in space exploration grows, so too does the need for legal expertise. Chambers’ new rankings in this area highlight lawyers advising on commercial contracts, regulatory frameworks, and emerging disputes work. Clients emphasised the value of firms with FCC and DoD insight and a track record of shaping the future of the sector.
New states in Chambers Spotlight
Chambers continues to expand its Spotlight coverage of small and mid-sized firms. New for 2025 are Ohio, Illinois and California, with Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Georgia due to follow for 2026.
There are now 888 firms ranked in Spotlight tables across 40 practice areas and seven states, a number that’s set to grow again in the coming months.
Client feedback trends: value, innovation and service delivery
This year’s research shows a clear shift in what clients value when choosing external counsel. Beyond legal expertise, three key themes emerged:
- Cost control: Fee pressure remains top of mind for in-house legal teams, especially for work that previously defaulted to top-tier firms. Clients are embracing AFAs, outcome-based billing and blended rates, and they expect firms to adapt.
- Innovation in delivery: Firms that embed themselves in client organisations (through secondments, tech integrations or service design) stand out in a competitive market. Clients praised those who can deliver legal advice alongside operational value.
- Relationship-building: Clients are still looking for strategic partners, not just technical legal ability. Those who invest in understanding clients’ business context and building longer-term relationships look to be rewarded with greater loyalty and higher-quality work.
Chambers’ new Market Pulse tool (first mentioned in the Chambers 2025 Spring Release and due to launch later this year) will support firms with insight into client priorities, region by region. Based on 200,000+ client responses, it aims to help BD and marketing teams understand what’s driving demand for legal advice across sectors.
Referee limitations
For several of its Nationwide research sections, the Chambers USA team does not contact referees directly.
Instead, feedback gathered during state-level research is used to decide the relevant Nationwide rankings. For example, the Nationwide Antitrust table is based on client feedback collected through the DC, New York, Texas, California and other state-specific research processes. Chambers does not request separate referees for these Nationwide sections, in recognition of the time those clients have already given.
The only change for the USA 2026 guide is the addition of Technology & Outsourcing to this list.
See the full list of Nationwide sections where Chambers do not accept referees here.
Looking ahead
Research for Chambers USA 2026 begins in August 2025, with the first deadline on July 10, 2025.
If you’re planning submission, now’s the time to review your rankings, assess your category choices, and start preparing your matter summaries and referee strategy.
We’ve pulled together a guide on what’s new, what’s changing and what to focus on:
Chambers USA 2026: deadlines and new practice areas
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