There are many options when it comes to seeking out recognition from local and national credentialing opportunities. One of the most prestigious is the international publication, Chambers USA, which belongs to the Chambers and Partners group. This organization does meticulous research to identify the best of the best when it comes to legal practice by specialty and area.
Platforms like Chambers USA are an excellent marketing tool that can credential your practice, increase your brand recognition, and establish your leadership in a certain market or area of law.
In order to have the best chance of succeeding in being recognized by this organization, it is vital to have a clear understanding of the necessary components for your application, the time frame in which it is completed, and how exactly to qualify to be named on the Chambers USA list.
What is Chambers USA?
Chambers and Partners is a worldwide attorney ranking service that does intensive research to identify the top lawyers and law firms across the globe. Chambers USA is focused only on lawyers in the United States, with rankings of over 18,000 attorneys in 6,000 departments, and an aggregate of more than twenty years of legal market research.
The organization prides itself on providing timely and relevant research, and includes new sections in its yearly guide to reflect the current trends in the industry. For example, in the most recent edition (2019), Chambers USA will provide listings on best attorneys in Nationwide Cannabis Law and Nationwide Power & Renewables Law.
Rankings are not only created nationally, but also at the state level and always include the top law firms in Corporate/Commercial, Labor & Employment, Litigation, and Real Estate law. Other practice areas are often included, but vary by state. In Colorado, the list includes:
- Corporate/M&A
- Environment
- Intellectual Property
- Labor & Employment
- Labor & Employment: Employee Benefits &
- Litigation: General Commercial
- Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government
- Natural Resources & Energy
- Real Estate
- Real Estate: Construction
- Real Estate: Hotels & Leisure
- Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use
How Long Has Chambers USA Been Around?
The first Chambers guide was published in 1990, covering only the United Kingdom. Over nearly 30 years however, they have become one of the leading publications for listing top law firms and have seven journals that span 185 legal jurisdictions across the globe. In March 2018, the company was bought from the original founder, Michael Chambers, by Inflexion, a private equity firm.
What is the Audience/Reach of Chambers USA?
There are no published readership numbers, but there are over 18,000 attorneys listed in just the Chambers USA guide alone.
How Do You Use Chambers USA?
A place in Chambers USA is a commendable accomplishment, and simply being listed has more than nominal impacts on business. In a survey of over 13,500 legal professionals in 2018, they found that a listing in Chambers resulted in 20% higher conversions, 79% improvement of reputation, and 48% enhanced career prospects.
In addition to promoting the award on your website and including it in print materials, you can purchase add-ons available through Chambers. This includes an expanded profile on their website, badges, and ranking brochures to leverage your ranking into higher visibility. You can also buy a one-page profile in the hard copy edition once you have been notified of your inclusion.
How Do You Get Nominated for Chambers USA?
The Chambers and Partners submission form can be filled out by anyone (marketing professional, agency, or the attorney him/herself). What is most important to note is that the process for being included on the Chambers list can be long–sometimes up to two months. Because several of the steps of the process require in-person or over-the-phone interviews, it is wise to know the deadlines at least six months in advance.
The process follows these steps:
- The attorney (or representative) completes the submission form found on the website. Be sure to completely fill out this form, including publishable client information and private clients and outcomes.
- The attorney (or representative) completes the referees form found on the website. This is a crucial step, as most of the information gathered for inclusion comes from one-on-one interviews. It is important that referees return calls promptly to ensure the process moves quickly and smoothly.
- Once the two documents are submitted, a researcher conducts interviews and reviews the submission for possible inclusion. The interviews reflect the activities of the submitting attorney over the past 12 months, and the process can take between one and two months to complete.
Note: Client feedback is the heaviest weighted element in the ranking process. Make sure to include referees of clients who will return calls and be able to speak to your professionalism and command of your practice area.
Is Chambers USA Free?
It does not cost anything to submit for nomination on the Chambers list. Once you are listed, however, you may be interested in purchasing additional advertising products like badges, advertising space in the hard copy edition, or an expanded biography page.
Final Recommendation
Out of all the ranking publications, Chambers USA is one of the most prestigious.
With its intense qualification process and accompanying results for listed lawyers, it is a valuable asset to have in your marketing arsenal. Just remember, being wise about knowing deadlines, filling out forms completely, and choosing referrals wisely are the keys to success.
If you have questions regarding the nomination process for Chambers USA or if you are on the list and need guidance on how to promote this award, please email me at Meranda@DenverLegalMarketing.com
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