Guest article: Donata Caira, ELE
It’s easy to think the Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) Guide is only for tax, trusts, or family lawyers. But it’s far broader (and far more valuable) than many realise.
The guide is read by intermediaries, referrers, and clients in the private wealth market. A ranking can strengthen credibility, open new relationships, and put you in front of exactly the right audience.
What is Chambers HNW?
Launched in 2016, it’s a standalone guide researched by a dedicated team. It ranks not just private client lawyers but also:
— Contentious trusts and probate specialists
— Family lawyers advising on HNW divorce and wealth structuring
— Commercial litigators acting for HNW individuals or family offices
— Offshore firms and chancery sets
— Accountants, wealth managers, private banks, and trust companies
Who should pay attention
Beyond private client, family, and trust lawyers, it’s relevant to:
— Litigators handling disputes for HNW individuals or family wealth structures
— Tax and structuring specialists, particularly cross-border
— Offshore firms and chancery sets
— Anyone working with private wealth intermediaries
Why it’s worth it
The HNW Guide is widely read across the private wealth industry, making it a valuable platform for building credibility with intermediaries who use it to identify trusted advisers.
A ranking also raises your visibility with high net worth individuals, their families, and their professional advisers, whilst also opening the door to cross-border work and fresh referral opportunities.
Common misconceptions
Some firms assume that being ranked in Chambers UK or Global means they don’t need to appear in the HNW Guide, but the audience is different and the value distinct. Others believe it’s relevant only to private client teams, when in reality disputes, tax, family, and offshore work can all fall within scope.
While a lack of dedicated HNW practice might seem like a barrier, the real threshold is credible expertise and demonstrable experience, not the size of your caseload.
Making the most of your submission
To get the best results, choose referees carefully, including not only clients but intermediaries and peers in the private wealth space. Focus your highlights on matters that demonstrate work with HNW individuals, family offices, trusts, or wealth structures.
Most importantly, tailor your submission to the HNW audience rather than copying text from your Chambers UK or Global entry. The nuances matter!
What works (and what doesn’t)
Successful submissions treat HNW as part of their strategy, select the right referees, and clearly explain their relevance to the private wealth market.
Missed opportunities often come from generic submissions or those without a clear HNW focus.
Final thoughts
Chambers HNW is more than a niche ranking. It’s an opportunity, a strategic tool for building visibility, credibility, and connections where trust matters most.
Donata Caira is Marketing Manager at ELE, with a background in both the legal sector and content marketing. She steps in to work on client projects as a directories and content consultant during peak periods, helping with legal directory submissions, websites and words for law firms and chambers.
