Chambers and Partners USA 2025 has seen its first wave of deadlines come and go with more to come through the end of the year. The next step after submission is the assignment of researchers. Researchers are those who work year-round contacting lawyers and clients directly. Their role is to review the submissions and conduct selected interviews with supplied references.

Ensure You’re on Chambers’ Radar

Once a researcher is assigned to the area(s) for which you’ve submitted, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to them and position the practice group leader for an interview. Offering your insight and experience as a resource for the researcher can illustrate how key your firm’s practice is in the legal landscape. The purpose of the interview is for the researcher to hear the practice group leader’s impressions on the current (2024) rankings, as well as to contribute other firms and attorneys you believe deserve consideration from the guide.

How to Approach the Interview

Approximately 25% of the interview will focus on your firm, department and practice. While focusing on other firms may feel counterintuitive, this interview can play an important role in positioning your practice for ranking. The researcher is most likely not a lawyer nor entrenched in your practice or region, so this is an opportunity to educate them. An attorney can demonstrate parity between their firm and the ranked firms. This can help support a ranking or a move up in the rankings and still allows the attorney to talk about their firm’s work but in the context of discussing other firms. Take the time to review the rankings from the prior year. Develop three to five message points to communicate and keep them in mind when framing your responses.

Remember that candid feedback is helpful, but steer clear of overly negative comments. Instead of “John should retire,” you could say “John is an excellent lawyer but seems to be winding down his practice more in favor of his colleagues.” It is an excellent opportunity for you to demonstrate your knowledge of the market based on your experience and that your strengths are on par with those of ranked firms and attorneys. But it is not a moment to diminish the research Chambers has done.

Why Chambers Matters

Chambers is one of the most respected law firm rankings in the U.S. and an important source of comparative intelligence about law firms. It is a key resource that clients and other legal professionals use to learn more about a firm. As law firms dedicate more time and energy to their applications, submissions have become increasingly competitive.

Interested in learning more? Contact us for more information about the Chambers process and how Poston can help you assemble strong and successful submissions.

Kristen Greer is Poston Communications’ awards and rankings manager. Formerly a senior member of a global legal research and awards company, she is responsible for researching, organizing and generally supporting clients with professional awards and recognitions.