Yes, we’re here again – the start of Chambers season with submission deadlines due from now until the end of the year. We cover Chambers annually, from why firms don’t get the rankings they want to which Chambers tools can help improve rankings (both worth a read if you haven’t yet). But this year, we’re cutting through the noise to focus on how the rankings process is evolving and how to refine your strategy for a more impactful submission.
What’s New at Chambers
This 2025 Chambers USA Guide launch brought notable updates and trends:
- A New Office in California; Growing U.S. Presence: Chambers has hired its first California staff member and first researcher, expanding its U.S. presence with New York and Los Angeles offices, and plans for additional locations, including Chicago and Texas.
- Expanded Regional Coverage for Unranked Firms: Chambers added California, Illinois and Ohio to its Spotlight Guides, now ranking 888 firms across 40 practice areas in seven states. In response to feedback from general counsel emphasizing their reliance on boutique and mid-size firms, Chambers launched Spotlight Guides to recognize small to mid-size firms that are new to Chambers submissions.
- Depth of Research and New Practice Areas: Over 1,000 USA Guide rankings were based on 70,000 referee responses, underscoring the thoroughness of Chambers’ research process, including their 300 researchers. Chambers also introduced the Artificial Intelligence and Space Law ranking tables, highlighting firms working at the forefront of AI technology and aerospace law.
- Product Enhancements: Tools like enhanced Insight Reports, and newly added Market Pulse and Business Intelligence, all aim to give firms more data on their Chambers performance, support firms’ business development efforts and gain a global view of the legal market. These are all paid tools, and pricing varies for each firm.
Takeaways from Client Feedback
With 70,000 referee responses, this year’s guide launch included the trends shaping client expectations and the future of legal service delivery.
- Rankings Influence General Counsel Buying Decisions: Chambers rankings aren’t just for vanity recognition. While not formally part of Chambers’ research methodology, researchers consistently hear in meetings with general counsel that GCs rely on rankings as a first stop when evaluating firms. And the data backs it up: Cookie tracking shows that 80% of GCs click on a ranked law firm profile, and 73% click through to the firm’s website.
- Cost Sensitivity: Clients cited fee pressures amid economic instability as a driver for reconsidering use of Big Law. In-house attorneys are exploring alternatives, including for traditionally high-end legal work.
- Alternative Fee Arrangements (AFAs) Gaining Traction: Clients are more open to AFAs and outcome-based billing, and are pushing for blended billing rates, especially for commoditized tasks. Thomson Reuters reported that over half of the surveyed companies plan to increase the use of AFAs as a cost control strategy.
- Stronger Client Relationships are Critical: Clients seek deeper partnerships, including longer-term secondments to control costs and foster loyalty. Strategic secondments can enhance both immediate efficiency and long-term client retention. Firms that embed themselves within client organizations and evolve service models will stand out in a saturated legal market.
- AI Adoption: While many law firms remain cautious about integrating AI tools, clients are actively seeking clear, strategic guidance on how to leverage generative AI for high-level, strategic work. The most praise went to firms that demystify AI and offer actionable guidance, while negative feedback was directed at firms that provide vague or overly technical responses.
Strengthening Your Chambers Submission
If you’re hoping to rise in the rankings, or break in for the first time, a compelling, substantive submission is key. Here’s how to make yours count:
- Consider the three pillars. Chambers evaluates submissions and referee feedback based on three main areas, each of which plays a critical role in how your practice and individual lawyers are ranked, particularly with how you stack up against others in your Band (or the Band you’re trying to move up to):
- Scope of work and complexity. Highlight matters that are high-value, novel or otherwise challenging. Chambers is looking for evidence of sophisticated legal work and substance. Write-ups should go beyond “what” happened to highlight “why” it was significant, hurdles overcome and how your team added value.
- Team composition and contribution. Chambers wants to understand who is doing the work and their roles. Don’t skip over including “Other team members” in the matter description. This is an opportunity to showcase the depth of bench strength and get attorneys in front of Chambers early on, so they can be considered for future rankings.
- Client relationship and service quality. This is a key focus of referee interviews. Chambers will ask clients about responsiveness and standout aspects of your service, such as proactive issue-spotting, client education, handling sensitive matters, etc.
- Choose referees wisely. Given how heavily Chambers weighs feedback from referees, don’t list anyone unlikely to respond. It can make or break your ranking. Instead of listing the unresponsive, highest-ranking referee (e.g. the CEO), consider naming the next best contact; someone who’s closely involved in the work and more likely to respond. For anyone you submit, it’s best to obtain their permission in advance and give them notice of when Chambers will be contacting them.
- Have a strategy. So many firms don’t. We see many firms rounding up matters and referees from all partners in the office or practice group, hoping everyone gets a ranking. Instead, consider who warrants recognition this year and at what level. If you already have several partners in Band 1 and are aiming to elevate someone from Band 2, make sure the submission clearly showcases that attorney’s work over the past year and include strong referees. Chambers won’t move up an attorney just because you say they deserve it – you need to make a clear case for why the higher ranking is warranted. Likewise, a younger partner being submitted for the first time is unlikely to debut in Band 1 or even appear in the rankings immediately. A more realistic path is to position them for an Up and Coming or lower Band designation, understanding that it may take multiple years to achieve this.
- Don’t waste your B7 section (formerly B10). The B7 section is a critical opportunity to differentiate your practice. Don’t do a copy–paste from your firm’s website; this is a chance to position your firm with intention. Use this section to highlight your team’s specific strengths: What industries do you dominate in? What is your niche expertise? What work are clients consistently coming to you for? Where have you grown – whether that’s in headcount, high-profile matters or geographic reach? Who are the attorneys you want to showcase? Make a case for why your practice and attorneys stand out in a crowded field.
- Start early. Three months at a minimum, but sometimes more time is needed. Strong submissions don’t come together overnight. When you allow time to collaborate across your team and refine key messages, your submission becomes more persuasive. It’s also worth reaching out to the designated researcher to get your name in front of them and address any questions. This familiarity can also be helpful if you need to request a deadline extension.
- Learn from past feedback. If you didn’t get the ranking you hoped for, request a call with researchers or editors to get input. Chambers typically offers some constructive insights that can help you refine your approach. For in-depth feedback on your submission and rankings, consider purchasing the Insight Report.
