Guest article: Donata Caira, ELE
Legal directory season always feels comfortably far away. Until suddenly it’s not. Good submissions don’t just happen, they’re planned, refined, and delivered on time.
When Legal 500 runs a ‘Meet the editors’ session, it’s one of the few chances to hear directly from the people who will read your submission. It’s also a rare opportunity to find out exactly what they’re looking for, ask questions, and gain insights that aren’t written into the official guidance.
The editors make a strong case for taking the guide seriously. Rankings act as a shop window for prospective clients and are often used by peers and other professionals to find firms to refer work to.
One global listing can save considerable time and effort compared to multiple regional listings, and Legal 500 claims significant reach not only with clients, but also within the profession.
The guide is also an effective way to highlight associates and rising stars, not just senior partners. In short, it’s a business development tool as much as a marketing one.
Planning ahead
Deadlines matter. Missing a referee submission date means those contacts won’t be approached, and the research process moves quickly once it begins. Planning well in advance is the only way to avoid last-minute scrambles and missed opportunities.
Checking for changes
Each year brings category changes and new opportunities across the guides, which are covered in these sessions. Checking these before you start drafting ensures your work is positioned in the most relevant section, rather than squeezed into a less accurate fit.
What makes a strong submission
The editors consistently emphasise the basics:
— Use the official template
— Choose matter highlights for substance, not style
— Tailor each submission to the specific practice area
— Ensure consistency across referees, matter descriptions, and team bios.
If you’d like to be interviewed as an individual or a firm, reach out to the researchers early in the process.
The role of referees
Referees are pivotal, as the editors reiterate. Late lists mean no feedback, which can directly affect rankings. A well-balanced referee list should include clients, peers, and even lawyers at other firms who can vouch for your work.
Giving referees a heads-up ensures they recognise and respond to the researcher’s approach. Positive, relevant feedback strengthens your case considerably.
After the submission
Submitting the form isn’t the end of the process. Keep the editors updated on team changes, confidentiality issues, or anything else that might influence their assessment.
Post-publication, use the guide’s official channels to request updates or corrections.
Why it’s worth attending
Attending a session like this is an hour well spent. Hearing directly from the editors provides clarity, helps you avoid avoidable mistakes, and ensures your effort is focused where it will have the most impact.
The insights you gain can shape your strategy for months, making the difference between an adequate submission and a standout one.
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.
