The first U.S. Chambers and Partners submission deadline is officially behind us. Whether you hit send last week or are preparing for upcoming practice areas, congratulations on reaching this major milestone. Submitting to Chambers is no small feat — each submission often demands 10 or more hours of focused effort from lawyers, marketers and communicators alike.

Earning a Chambers ranking is an elite achievement — with just 2% of U.S. lawyers, approximately 26,500 out of 1.32 million, receiving this recognition, according to Chambers USA Guide 2025 and the ABA’s 2024 Profile of the Legal Profession. Given how selective Chambers is, your post-submission strategy can be a game-changer.

So, what should you do now that your submission is in?

#1. Prepare Your Referees

Your referees are the heart of the Chambers research process. Their feedback directly impacts whether your lawyers or practice groups will be ranked. Now is the time to connect with the clients and contacts you’ve listed, let them know a Chambers researcher may be reaching out, and encourage them to respond candidly and promptly. Some firms even offer light-touch guidance on the types of questions Chambers is likely to ask.

#2. Get Ready for Interviews

If your lawyers are selected for Chambers interviews, this is a valuable opportunity to expand on the key matters and market trends highlighted in your submission. Consider helping them prepare with talking points and key messages. Remember, Chambers researchers are there to listen, not to be sold — authenticity and insight go a long way.

#3. Turn Your Submission Into a Strategic Asset

Your Chambers submission is a goldmine of strategic information. Don’t let it sit idle while you wait for rankings news. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Other Rankings and Awards: Much of the data and narratives you’ve compiled will be relevant for other top-tier recognitions, including The Legal 500, Best Law Firms® (BL Rankings), Benchmark Litigation and industry-specific awards. The formats may differ, but the substance often overlaps.
• Client Data and Relationship Management: Use your updated client information to refresh your client relationship management (CRM) system. Keeping key contacts and matter details current can help with everything from holiday card lists to strategic business development and RFP opportunities.
• Website and Proposal Updates: The impactful matters and market insights from your submission can bolster your website bios, practice group descriptions and proposal materials. This is a simple but meaningful way to ensure your public-facing content reflects your latest successes.

Don’t Let Your Effort Start and Stop with Chambers

Think of your Chambers submission as seeds you’ve sown — and this post-deadline period as the time to cultivate further opportunities. The investment you’ve made can yield far more than rankings alone, especially as we move toward the end of the U.S. Chambers cycle this winter. Whether it’s earning additional accolades, deepening client relationships or strengthening your market presence, the potential return on your hard work is well within reach.

Georgie Palm is Poston’s director of content client services. She is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.