On September 4, The Legal 500’s USA editors are holding a virtual Meet the Editor webinar that will outline updates for the upcoming 2025 editions’ research including additional legal practice areas as well as a summary of the market. Prior to the event, here’s how you can prepare for the start of the research process.

What’s the 2025 Timeline?

Both referee spreadsheets and editorial submissions are due on Wednesday, November 20, with interviews running from late November through early 2025.

What’s Changed?

Aside from a few renamed areas, the 2025 edition also brings newly introduced sections. These are:

• Commercial lending: advice to direct lenders/private credit
• National security
• International business reorganizations/restructurings

Further practice area details are outlined here.

We are also making clients aware of the launch of the US City Focus recognition, which highlights key lawyers in specific business hubs in the United States. The focus is expected to be on regional, local and boutique firms, leaving aside the global elite “white shoe” firms often seen in their research. The first US City Focus edition is expected in mid-September.

What’s Steadfast?

Concerning the best practices around Legal500 submissions, we recommend the following:

• Plan to submit on time or early. Deadlines are less flexible with a shorter timeframe than many other recognition programs.
• Use the proper templates, which are available here.
• Focus on a smaller group of lawyers in your significant matter submissions. Do not include every single person who worked on a matter; instead, include the senior-level people who are relevant to the matter and the practice area.
• Only include client referees who have worked with the firm on matters over the last 12-18 months.
• Remember: the researchers place more value and importance on work highlights than referee feedback.

The Poston Communications’ Content team has a history of writing successful awards and legal directory submissions, including for The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. Interested in learning more? Contact us for more information about the Legal500 process and how Poston can help you assemble strong and successful submissions.

Kristen Greer is Poston Communications’ awards and rankings manager. She is responsible for researching, organizing and supporting clients with professional awards and recognitions.