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 3 rd 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 Joe Mosby Editor, Chambers UK James Cowdell Bar Editor, Chambers UK