Methodology
Chambers is the ranking that matters. It is underpinned by a research methodology unrivalled in accuracy, depth and quality. The only process that delivers rankings, insights and actionable business intelligence that truly reflects ability, talent and market presence.
Our world class methodology is applied in 200 jurisdictions across the globe.
1. Starting a submission
Why a Chambers submission matters.
A Chambers submission gives you as a lawyer or as a law firm department the opportunity to showcase your experience and expertise in your chosen field.
Download your submission template here.
Every submission is treated confidentially.
Can I submit and what are the deadlines?
Chambers ranks law firm departments and lawyers globally. Lawyers and law firm departments can be global in reach, boutique or local firms. Quality always stands out.
Deadlines depend on guide updates and vary by practice area.
View the Chambers Research Schedule here.
What do I need to complete a Chambers submission?
To complete a Chambers submission, it helps to have the following information to hand:
- The overall size of your team
- Names of key partners
- Significant client information
- Notable achievements at work in the last 12 months
- Wider industry expertise
- Areas of growth
The information supplied is mapped across our internal knowledge base to determine whether a law firm department or individual should be ranked in our guides.
Adding confidential client references
Our rankings are based on real interviews with your selected references. A reference contact can be a client or anyone who has experience and knowledge of you and your firm over the last 12 months. It's as simple as that.
Discretion is our by-word. We do not disclose the identity of our interviewees and quotes we publish are always anonymised.
Step 1
Download Submissions Forms
Step 2
Complete and upload your submission and client referees
Step 3
Client interviews begin submissions are analysed
Step 4
Chambers Researchers review, discuss and approve the findings
Step 5
Rankings and results are announced
2. The research process
A tried and tested research process
Our dedicated, full time research teams work year round contacting lawyers and clients directly. Their role is to review the submissions and conduct selected interviews with supplied references.
With 200 research analysts able to communicate between them in over 24 languages and with 6 Research Directors overseeing all the work this is a process that delivers.
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3. Adding analysis to the submission
Sending a submission is just one part of the process. Additional analysis includes reference feedback, client satisfaction indices, reputation in the market, peer knowledge and other discreet independent market sources. The most thorough of assessments.
Sending a submission does not guarantee a ranking. Whilst every submission is reviewed and assessed, only the best receive a ranking.
Informing the ranking
Discover the factors that inform the ultimate decisions on rankings.
- Evident legal ability
Demonstration of expertise and experience in the selected practice area and jurisdiction.
- Recognised client service
Evidence of responsiveness, speed of action, clarity in communication and opinions that are both decisive and inform.
- Calibre of bench
Evidence of an ability to support client needs right across the team from associate to senior partner.
- Commercial awareness
A demonstrable understanding of the connection of specific legal issues to the clients business success and long term prosperity in their chosen industry.
- Demonstration of diligence
Proof of exceptional attention to detail and exemplary standards of professional conduct.
- Cost effective
Examples of organisational efficiency and innovation that save clients time and money.
- Rankings for lawyers and law firms
Individual lawyers can be ranked while their law firm is not and similarly law firms can be ranked while individual lawyers are not. The choice of submission is yours.
Law firm rankings are linked to departments in the firm, not the whole firm. We may rank some departments in one firm and not others.
Please note that an individual lawyer can be ranked while their law firm is not and vice versa.
- Determining the rankings
Finally the whole team involved in the assessment from the Researchers to the Research Directors meet to analyse the findings and determine the final ranking tables.
Useful links
4. The recognition
You will be notified if you are ranked at the end of the research period. Firms will see a complete list of the lawyers and departments from their firm who will be ranked by Chambers in the upcoming guide once they have logged into My Account on chambers.com
Chambers publishes a complete list of lawyers and departments of firms that have been ranked at the end of the research period.
See if you or your firm's department have been ranked by logging into My Account.
Questions about our research process or methodology?
We invest significantly in our research and pride ourselves on understanding the profession, and how it is changing and cover new emerging topics and regions. If you have any questions on the research, please visit our FAQs or contact [email protected]