chambers directories and submission process. chambers research – key points extensive market...
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Chambers Directories and Submission Process
Chambers Research – key points
• Extensive market research -largest research team of any legal directory
• Reference to most recent work (over the past 12 months)
• Discussion of firms’ abilities with their existing clients
• In depth client interviews on the phone and in person undertaken by experienced researchers – often in native language
• Further research undertaken with other 3rd party experts: accountants; bankers; barristers/advocates; regulators; placements agents etc
• Researching the UK legal market since 1989
• Trusted by clients globally
How Clients use Chambers
• Secondary source
• Uncovering the unknown
• Clients trust our independence
• Character and personality: the use of quotes
• Use of internet for research
• Clients look to us to capture trends in the market.
• Recognised as an independent “seal of approval” by clients the world over
• Some clients now ask specifically for Chambers rankings on RFPs and won’t consider firms who do not have this.
What we look for:
Leading lawyers best placed to assist clients in the year ahead
• Depth of team
• Culture
How we measure this:• Interviews (clients and lawyers),
• Wider research,
• Submissions
Chambers Directories measure:
• Sophistication of work
• Client service
• Value for money
Research Submissions
• Springboard for research
• Reference for commentary
• Feedback on guide
• Use the online submission site & meet the deadline
• Follow submission guidelines
• Keep it short and relevant
• Factual
Uses:
Tips:
What should I submit for?
Please prepare one submission document per practice area and region in which the firm specialises, whether or not it has been ranked in that area before.
Work Highlights
• Three to ten examples, which include:• Name of client • Description of the matter, including details of its interest
e.g. its value, seminal nature, complexity, any international dimension
• The specific role played by the team • The role played by the wider firm, if applicable. This
may include the firm's other departments or international offices
• The team members involved • How the firm was uniquely placed to serve the client in
this matter • The date of completion or current status of the work • Which firm or firms represented the other party or parties.
Confidentiality
• Mark confidential information clearly throughout
• Ensure partners know which matters are confidential and do not contradict message
• Use generics instead
• If in doubt, leave it out
Hiding the negatives
• Don’t! Be objective and frank
• Indicate departures, critical mass of team and how the firm has responded.
• Researchers will raise negatives so use your right to reply
Client referees
• Tie to work highlights
• Clients that know the team and the market
• Clients that will respond
• Let them know we may call
• Quality not quantity
• Not just clients – especially some practice areas
• Use spreadsheet, if desired
Arranging the interview
• Indicate how the interviews should be arranged
• Head of department or charismatic junior?
• Avoid conference calls
• Be proactive not pushy
Are we always right?
• Be constructive in your criticism and realistic
• Consider the structure of the chapter
• Use the submission to suggest new categories or subsections
Research Developments
• More detailed client research – Including face to face interviews
• Independent client sources
• Additional content
• More detailed focus on firms and lawyers’ skills:– Client Skills Tables
– Commercial Awareness Tables
• Chambers Confidential
And finally….
We spend hours speaking to your clients, collecting information on your firms and individual lawyers. No organisation does the kind of in-depth research we do.
MAKE USE OF IT. There is no better third party endorsement than the editorial and rankings we produce because it is based on client feedback.
This is not us or you saying you are good. It is your clients.We encourage you to use the editorial and rankings in marketing material and client briefings. Clients take notice of what we say, so make sure they see the parts that relate to you.
For Further Information
Catherine McGregor, Managing Editor, Chambers Directories+44 207 778 [email protected]
Joe MosbyEditor, Chambers UK+44 207 778 1601 [email protected]
James CowdellBar Editor, Chambers UK+44 207 778 [email protected]