SPOTLIGHT GUIDE: THE LEGAL 500

The Legal 500 is, along with the Chambers & Partners, one of the leading global legal directories. It provides comprehensive rankings and analysis of solicitors and lawyers firms, chambers and individuals within the sector. 

Why do we need The Legal 500 rankings?

The debate as to whether the legal sector needs Legal 500 rankings (along with other directories) has run for almost as long as the directories themselves. Whilst everybody admits that they have somewhat of a duopoly over the sector – with everybody grumbling about putting in the submission documents – everyone equally, secretly admits that they serve a number of uses, as well as that they don’t want to be the first firm to risk stopping submissions. As a result the year-in-year-out grumbles are second only to the annual humble brags, when rankings are published. 

In our experience, the rankings do offer a number of very valid benefits and the savvy firms and chambers maximise on these with each quality submission provided.

The rankings provided by Legal 500 serve as a trusted resource for clients seeking legal representation. They offer detailed insights into the expertise, reputation, and client feedback associated with chambers,  firms and individuals – enabling clients to make informed decisions when selecting legal professionals for their specific needs, and considering factors such as specialisation, industry recognition, and client testimonials. 

However, establishing the ranking categories is notoriously difficult – there are entire forums on the internet dedicated to this. To be honest, it’s a bit of a minefield. Across the wide range of recognised practice areas, the ranking tables differ with regard to the levels of ranking included, then differ again according to geography. Similarly, the nuances of the category subject-matter – in short, what practice area and matters go where – can be as subtly complex and misunderstood as the inner-dealings of the social calendar in Bridgerton.

While we’re not trying to provide an exhaustive guide (it would be a hefty tome indeed), we can give a general (and hopefully helpful) overview of the Legal 500 ranking system to get you started.

The Legal 500 rankings – a quick guide

The rankings in The Legal 500 are organised into tiers, which categorise solicitors firms and individual barristers based on their strengths and expertise, and showing the relative positioning of each firm, chambers, or individual. 

Before we wade into this, here are some quick links to pages you might find useful:

• Legal 500 – FAQs
• Research calendar
• All submission information, containing downloadable submissions forms and referee guides, including UK solicitors, and UK Bar. 

The who… Team and individual rankings in the Legal 500

The Legal 500 provides separate rankings and recognition for teams (firms and chambers) and individual barristers and solicitors, acknowledging the unique roles and expertise of each.

With teams/departments or sets, the editors evaluate and rank based on their overall expertise, quality of their work, and client service within their respective practice areas. Firms and chambers will have to submit a separate submission for each practice area or jurisdiction they wish to be considered for ranking in. 

The directory also ranks individual barristers and solicitors. These rankings assess individual expertise, reputation, client feedback, and notable achievements. Individuals similarly can be ranked in multiple locations or areas of expertise, again having to submit a separate submission for each.

By providing separate rankings for solicitors firms and the Bar, the Legal 500 recognises the distinct roles and contributions of both in the legal industry. This allows clients to more easily navigate the rankings and find the most suitable legal professionals for their needs, whether they require the services of a solicitors firm, or an individual barrister with a specific area of practice.

There’s also the option to have paid-for firm and partner profiles. The profiles are written by the firms themselves however, not by The Legal 500. The investment in a Legal 500 profile is worth considering however, as otherwise, you won’t show up in the main search function on the site (or a relevant Google search). Profiles give an overview of the firm’s strengths, locations, key contacts, individual lawyer biographies (as mentioned, all provided by the firm) alongside current rankings. This provides a ‘one-stop-shop’ for clients to gather information on firms they may be looking to instruct.

The where… Geographical rankings in the Legal 500

The Legal 500 splits its rankings according to geography:

• International Rankings: The Legal 500 groups everything into international rankings (Asia Pacific, EMEA, Latin America, and Caribbean). These are then broken down into regions, before having rankings for each area of law within them. These rankings recognise solicitors firms and individual barristers with a strong international presence and expertise. The international rankings highlight the firms and practitioners who excel in handling cross-border matters and have a solid track record of success in international legal work.
• Country Rankings: In addition there are a number of stand-alone country rankings (UK (solicitors), UK (Bar), USA, Canada, Caribbean, Deutschland) and one City ranking (Paris). Once again, the Legal 500 provides country-specific rankings that highlight the leading solicitors firms and barristers within each jurisdiction. These rankings focus on the legal professionals operating within a particular country and provide clients with insights into the top-tier firms and individual practitioners in that jurisdiction. Country rankings offer clients a localised perspective and help them identify the leading legal professionals within their specific geographic region.

As we’ve mentioned, the specific breakdown of rankings within each country may vary depending on the size and competitiveness of the legal market in that jurisdiction. The Legal 500 tailors its rankings to reflect the legal landscape of each country, providing clients with detailed information about the leading solicitors firms and individual barristers within their specific geographic region or across multiple jurisdictions.

The actual ranking… Tiers

Tier 1 is the highest-ranking tier in The Legal 500 and represents those firms, chambers or individuals considered to be at the forefront of their practice areas –  known for exceptional expertise, experience, and achievements. Being ranked in Tier 1 signifies a high level of recognition and a stellar reputation within the legal industry. 

It’s important to note that the number of tiers can vary across practice areas, and locations,  reflecting the different sizes and levels of competitiveness within each field. The rankings are based on a combination of factors, including client feedback, the breadth and depth of practice, notable cases or transactions, and overall reputation. The rankings are updated annually to ensure they reflect the current landscape of the legal industry.

The commentary accompanying the rankings provides additional information about the firms or barristers, highlighting notable work, industry recognition, and any specific areas of expertise or specialisation. This commentary is a form of tangible proof for prospective clients, and a valuable resource for those seeking legal services, enabling them to make informed decisions and choose with confidence from among those ranked.

The ranking doesn’t stop there… 

Alongside the tiered rankings for solicitors firms, there are additional or alternative distinctions given to individual solicitors or barristers, or firms or chambers based on their contributions and achievements within their respective practice areas. 

In some cases these are additional categories, above and beyond the tiers. In smaller, often regional rankings, these are used instead of the tier structure.

• Hall of Fame: This highlights individuals who truly stand out as leaders in their field, and receive constant praise from clients for continued excellence – essentially highlighting those (generally partners) at the pinnacle of their profession. 
• Leading Individuals: The “Leading Individuals” ranking highlights solicitors who have demonstrated exceptional expertise, track record, and influence within their practice areas. These individuals are recognised as leaders in their fields, often serving as go-to experts for complex and high-profile matters. Their expertise, client feedback, and contributions to the legal industry contribute to their inclusion in this category.
• Next Generation Partners: The “Next Generation Partners” category recognizes solicitors who are on the path to becoming leading individuals in their respective practice areas. These individuals display significant potential, emerging as prominent and influential figures within their fields. They have a strong track record of providing high-quality legal services to clients and are poised to take on more substantial roles in the future.
• Rising Stars: The “Rising Stars” designation identifies talented and promising solicitors who have made notable contributions early in their careers. These individuals exhibit exceptional capabilities, dedication, and potential within their practice areas. Rising Stars demonstrate the ability to provide valuable legal services to clients and are seen as future leaders within their respective fields.
• Firms to watch: The Legal 500 also recognises up-and-coming firms in the “Firms To Watch” section, giving credit to those who are not otherwise ranked in a specific category but exhibit notable expertise.

When it comes to those practising at the Bar, the designations beyond Tiers include: 

• Hall of Fame: This highlights individuals who truly stand out as leaders in their field, and receive constant praise from clients for continued excellence – essentially highlighting those (generally partners) at the pinnacle of their profession. 
• Leading Silks and Leading Juniors: Eminent KCs and juniors with eight years’ call and above are recognised here for their legal prowess, expertise and reputation. Leading silks are considered to be true market leaders in their respective practice areas, instructed by leading firms in high-profile, complex, and high-value matters. 
• Rising Stars: As with the solicitors designation this recognises talented and promising barristers, with  between four and eight years’ call, seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value matters, working alongside and against more experienced leading counsel.

The Legal 500 further states that “All individuals mentioned in the editorial, either in firm write-ups, client testimonials, as heads of practice or other key lawyer listings, should be regarded as recommended lawyers.”

Finally… directories within directories – the Legal 500 guides

To add to this, the Legal 500 also operate a ‘directories within directories’ system where they have compiled trusted rankings guides:

• The General Counsel Powerlist: The GC Powerlist outlines the best counsel in over 40 different jurisdictions. 
• Private Practice Powerlists: These highlight the leading arbitrators.
• The Global Green Hub: This is dedicated to exploring the legal sector’s engagement with a green transition – from ESG and sustainability to climate action and net-zero.
• Country Comparative Guides: These offer a practical overview of laws and regulations in key jurisdictions, for specific practice areas. Each country chapter is written by a renowned firm in a straightforward format.

How do they work out your ranking?

The editorial team conducts extensive research to compile its rankings, which includes interviews with clients, peers, and other legal professionals. 

The rankings are objective and independent, and take into account factors such as technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment, and size of team. The research process is conducted annually to ensure the rankings reflect the current landscape of the legal industry.

Essentially, it’s a five-step process for the researchers:

• Reading submissions, where the team will be looking for evidence of notable expertise, along with strong, evidence-backed examples to back up your claims. 
• Reference checks, where the team will consider who the referees you’ve supplied are (their status and relevance to your submission and the matters included within it), and what they have to say. Unlike Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 does not limit the number of referees you can provide. In fact, they recommend “as many as possible”.
• Interviews with you and the clerks or key members of staff from your chambers or firm.
• Peer research, where the team will work to establish how you’re viewed by your peers, for example other advocates, barristers, or law firms.
• Desk research, where the team will look at your online presence, and your marketing. This might include doing a Google search to check how you rank, and the available news and information about you online.

We’d like to add that continued ranking in the Legal 500 isn’t a case of when you’re in, you’re in. Your ranking isn’t guaranteed year after year – the research team expects you to send in submissions annually to retain (or argue to elevate) your ranking. Failure to do this can result in your ranking being removed, and your having to start from scratch and build it up again. Like the lottery catchphrase, you’ve got to be in it to win it. 

Why does ranking in Legal 500 matter?

Hopefully this has given you a rough idea of how the Legal 500 rankings work. And our previous blogs may give you some valuable tips on how to be successful when the time comes.

But you may well be thinking, “this sounds hideously complicated – why should I bother?!”. Submission to one (or both) of the legal directories is time consuming, it’s true. 

The time investment is, in our opinion, massively worthwhile. Ranking in the directories can be a huge boost to your reputation, and make the difference between a client choosing you over your competitors. Other benefits that appearing in the directories can bring include:

• Enhanced Credibility and Reputation: Being listed in either directory provides immediate credibility and validates your expertise. Clients seeking legal representation often turn to these directories for guidance, and a ranking or profile can serve as an endorsement of your capabilities. There are real benefits here if, for example, these are direct access clients going to barristers, in-house solicitors instructing directly (either to law firms or barristers), or international clients looking for representation in a new jurisdiction.
• Increased Visibility: Both directories have significant traffic and visibility, attracting potential clients, general counsel, and referral sources. Your inclusion ensures your firm and lawyers are exposed to a wider audience, increasing your chances of attracting new business. There are benefits from a marketing perspective too, particularly with regard to SEO, and links to your website appearing on the first page of Google.
• Competitive Edge: Directory inclusion allows you to differentiate yourself from competitors. Potential clients can easily compare your firm’s rankings and accolades against others, providing you with a clear advantage during the decision-making process. write up helps to do this by showing what clients think of you and how you’ve helped/stand out – sharing the softer skills it can be hard to otherwise communicate
• Business Development Opportunities: Appearing in these directories opens doors to new business opportunities, referrals, and partnerships. Clients and industry professionals are more likely to trust and engage with lawyers who have been recognised by the legal directories. Being ranked can also benefit your recruitment marketing efforts, showcasing a team’s competence and expertise to potential job applicants.
• Marketing opportunities: The directories process is a great way for you to collate case studies to build on over the year, and to then use in pitches, on your website, and in your marketing content, as well as building a library of testimonials and quotes.
• Career progression and personal development: Completing submissions (and looking back at those from previous years) is a fantastic method of monitoring your career and standing. With barristers in particular, there are significant benefits to career progression that come with moving up the rankings.
• Recruiting the best people: You know the old adage that success breeds success? Well, being able to demonstrate your team’s expertise in this externally validated way can help establish your firm and area of work as somewhere the very best people want to work too.

So, all this is fine and dandy, but you’ve got other things to worry about? Like client work?

A word of warning – directory submissions aren’t just a one-time, set it and forget it task.  Many a firm, chambers or individual has, in recent years, been missed out of the rankings  (irrespective of merit and expertise) because they have not put in that year’s submissions.

Maybe directory submissions feel like one more thing that would be a ‘nice to do’, but you simply don’t have the time? Or perhaps form-filling and writing up matters and overviews in a way that ‘sell’ your expertise and abilities to the directory editorial team is something that’s outside your comfort zone. 

Or perhaps you’re worried that your submission won’t stand out as much as you think it should, during the research process. Perhaps you’ve noticed it not gaining the ranking you think you deserve, year-on-year? 

It can be a lengthy process to include all categories and individuals. This is where outsourcing to an expert agency can be a life-saver. 

At ELE, we understand that marketing can often take a back seat in the legal sector as a result of demanding client work. Over the years, we’ve helped many firms and chambers not only rank in Legal 500 (and Chambers & Partners), but improve their rankings year on year. Get in touch to find out how we can help.

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