legal Directory Submissions
Your lawyers are delivering excellent work. They deserve recognition. We take the “herding cats” and “stabbing in the dark” out of directory submissions, so you achieve stronger rankings, free up your team, and see a return on the investment.
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The problem with directory submissions
Directory submissions can be complicated, time-consuming and hard to justify.
- Deadlines arrive faster than expected
- Lawyers struggle to engage with the process
- Referees don’t respond
- Results don’t always reflect the true quality of your work
- Competitors keep climbing the rankings while your team feels frustrated and overlooked
- You’re left wondering whether it’s all worth the bother
We’ve been on both sides of the table
We understand how directory submissions work, because we’ve been there ourselves.
Our team includes former Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 editors and researchers, in-house directories managers and experienced legal copywriters. We know exactly what the directories want, and how to deliver it in plain English. We know how to integrate legal directories into your marketing and BD strategy, demonstrating a clearer ROI and contributing to overall success. And, importantly, our directories experts understand – through first-hand experience – how law firms and chambers work, so it’s like working with peers, rather than just another agency.
When you work with ELE, you get:
- Insider knowledge and proven strategies
- Practical support that lifts admin off your desk
- Experience of working where you’re sitting
- Clear, transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Flexible support, tailored to your firm OR chambers
Whether you need full outsourcing or just editing support, we offer packages that fit your needs.
Package 1: The Full Service
The complete, 100% outsourced solution. Perfect for firms and chambers that want strategic advantage and everything taken off their desks.
Includes:
- Rankings audit and strategy (see our Directories Audit)
- Referee analysis and development
- Deadline management with reminders
- Information collection and analysis, designed to suit each lawyer
- Drafting, editing and proofreading
- Transfer between Chambers and Legal 500 (and re-editing)
- Interview preparation and training
- Annual reporting against agreed KPIs
Package 2: Pick & Mix
Editing-only Directories Support
Ideal for teams with their own strategy and existing internal processes.
Includes:
- Review and editing of submissions (overview + matters)
- Flexible working methods (calls, forms, emails — whatever works for you)
- Finalisation ready for submission
Referee Development
Referees count for up to half of your results. Yet they’re often an afterthought and ignored, after the spreadsheet is compiled.
We manage the process end-to-end:
- Referee selection and spreadsheet collation
- Stakeholder liaison and briefing
- Monitoring and chasing response rates
- Reporting and feedback
- Supporting client listening and bids teams with insight and information
Legal 500 Management
Adapting your Chambers & Partners work for Legal 500 shouldn’t be copy-paste. We rework content to meet Legal 500’s different weighting on written submissions, not only saving your team from drowning in admin but making sure each directory is approached in the right way for ranking success.
Training Bundles
From “Why bother with directories?” to “Trainee’s guide to submissions.” Tailored for partners, juniors and marketing teams.
Content Bundles
Repurpose submission materials into award entries, bids, tenders, website copy, brochures, and client updates. Get more value from the work you’ve already done.
A simple, proven directories process
Book a consultation → Tell us about your submissions and objectives
Choose your level of support → From full outsourcing to just editing
Get results that reflect your lawyers’ strengths → Stronger rankings, less overwhelming admin, more time for clients and everything else you have to do
Don’t let poor submissions hold you back
Without the right support, you risk:
- Missed deadlines and rushed submissions
- Referees who don’t respond
- Rankings that don’t reflect your expertise
- Competitors overtaking your practice
What success looks like
With ELE, you’ll have:
- Higher rankings across directories including Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, IFLR, WTR, Lexology and more
- Recognition for your lawyers and practice areas
- Less overwhelming admin for your team
- More efficient use of your resources
- A more demonstrable ROI from the directories process
- Submissions that make your firm or chambers stand out
Ready to transform your directory submissions?
Book a consultation
Great lawyers deserve recognition. ELE helps you get it.
We get it. Particularly when you’re doing submissions and guides across multiple directories and locations, it can be impossible to keep on top of the deadlines.
We can help you collate an accurate record of deadlines, as well as providing administrative support to help you meet them. This can range from simply providing a spreadsheet of deadlines, tailored to your firm or chambers, through to management of reminder communications and management of the whole administrative process.
An important part of success with directory submissions is having a clear understanding of where you’re starting from and measurable targets for success.
Our reporting and competitor benchmarking support can help with analysing ranking data, interpretation of Chambers Insight, diagnostic and strategic reporting and providing recommendations for the right rankings to go for. We can even work directly with Partners and senior stakeholders to agree your directories strategy and to make recommendations for the approach you might take.
Sometimes you just want some help getting internal buy-in and developing the team to deliver directory success for yourselves. We run a number of training sessions, ranging from one-to-one coaching on interview technique, introductory ‘why bother’ and ‘top tips for getting it right’ workshops for lawyers, through to sessions for marketing and general support staff on how to run the directories process successfully. All of our training is tailored to your organisation and is delivered online (although in-house is possible if required).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are legal directory submissions, and why are they important for law firms and barristers’ chambers?
Legal directory submissions are detailed guides (originally books but now online) showcasing a firm’s, chambers’ or individual lawyer’s expertise, key achievements, and client feedback. The term usually applies to independent ranking organisations like Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, although there are a number of other guides that might be applicable, depending on your area of work. They’re crucial for building credibility, attracting clients, and standing out in a competitive market by securing recognition from trusted industry benchmarks.
Why should people outsource the directory submissions to an agency like ELE?
Outsourcing legal directory submissions to a specialist agency like ELE ensures your firm is presented at its best, with expert guidance on criteria, standout messaging, and smooth project management. Our specialists save you time, avoid common pitfalls, and maximise your chances of improved rankings, while letting you focus on client work and the bigger marketing picture. Read more here.
How does ELE assist in preparing and submitting legal directory entries?
ELE provides end-to-end support for legal directory submissions, ensuring a seamless and professional process. If you want us to just cast an eye over one submission – we can do that. If you want us to assess your work to date and set out a strategic review of your approach – we can do that. If you want us to take the whole problem away – yes, we can do that too. We start by gathering all the relevant information about your firm’s expertise, notable cases, and client feedback. Next, we draft clear, persuasive submissions tailored to each directory’s specific criteria. We also assist with selecting and managing client referees, help you with briefing them to provide insightful and supportive feedback, as well as following up to check they’ve responded. Our team coordinates the submission process, managing deadlines and ensuring everything is submitted accurately and on time. Finally, we offer post-submission support, training, handling any follow-up queries from directory researchers and providing feedback on outcomes. Learn more.
What information is required to create effective directory submissions?
To prepare a strong submission, we need information about your practice’s ambitions (growth, expertise, client focus) and any innovative developments or unique solutions. Key details include significant client wins, the mix of work handled, market trends, standout individuals, and noteworthy cases. We also consider topics like succession planning, diversity, legal tech, ESG, and pro bono efforts as well as your views on the current rankings. Don’t worry, though, we’ll work through all of this with you on our onboarding call and have lots of written checklists and guidance to support with the data collection process.
How does ELE ensure that submissions align with each directory’s specific criteria and guidelines?
We have decades of experience working with the directories, doing this work. And many of us have been researchers and editors for them as well. We pay careful attention to the changes that come out each season, as well as the submission definitions. Actually, quite a lot of our work involves making sure you’re 100% adhering to the criteria and guidelines.
Can ELE help improve our rankings in legal directories?
In short yes and no. Most importantly, we can only work with what you have to give us. If you deserve an improved ranking then we will help you get it. But we aren’t miracle-workers and we can’t get you better ranking if it isn’t backed up by evidence (both in your submissions and through your referees). What we can do, however, is advise on the best way to get higher rankings both as a team and individually, and then support you in doing what you need to do. We also have great links with the various researchers and editors, so can help answer questions as well.
What are some common mistakes law firms make in legal directory submissions?
How long is a bit of string?! The most common mistake in legal directory submissions is failing to back up claims with evidence – for example, saying Jo Bloggs should be ranked but not including any of their cases. Next comes providing vague or overly generic information, failing to tailor content to the specific directory criteria, and submitting incomplete or poorly organised entries. Another biggie is not writing for the researcher, in terms of setting the matters out clearly and with bullet points to highlight the significance of each case. And many also overlook referee selection, or fail to manage deadlines effectively, which can weaken their rankings.
Can ELE help firms that are new to submitting to legal directories?
Absolutely. A significant number of firms and chambers that we work with are new to the process each year. In fact, it’s an area of work we really enjoy.
Aren’t the legal directories just for big law firms then?
Not at all. Legal directories are valuable for firms of all sizes, including smaller and boutique practices. They highlight expertise, niche specialisations, and client service excellence, helping firms stand out in competitive markets. Recognition in directories builds credibility and can attract new clients, regardless of a firm’s size. In fact, Chambers UK has recently launched a category for SME-focused firms, alongside its directories for NewLaw, FinTech and more.
Do you provide guidance on referee management for submissions?
Yes. Absolutely! We called it referee development, because we think it’s about developing the best referees, not just managing people. In fact we’re so passionate about developing referee relationships we’ve written about it here.
What directories does ELE help with?
We do all of them. But most of the time this means Chambers (UK, UK Bar, Global, USA, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Greater China Region, as well as specialist rankings for NewLaw, Crisis & Risk Management, FinTech, GC Influencers, High Net Worth and Litigation Support) as well as Legal 500 (all jurisdictions and both law firms and Bar) as well as the Green Guide.
Does ELE offer training for in-house teams on preparing directory submissions?
We offer a variety of tailored training sessions for in-house teams (both lawyers and marketing professionals). These range from one-on-one coaching focused on interview techniques and training for trainee solicitors, through to introductory workshops that cover the importance of directory submissions and essential tips for success. Additionally, we provide training for marketing and support staff on effectively managing the directories process. While all sessions are primarily conducted online, in-house training is also available upon request.
How much does it cost to get support from ELE with directory submissions?
We provide a tailored price for every client, depending on the service you want. The price varies depending on the level of involvement required as well as the quantity of submissions. Everything is done as a fixed-fee, per submission price. Bar submissions are charged per barrister, per submission. For more information please get in touch.
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