Reputation is everything. And to some lawyers and law firms, so are law firm rankings. Among various accolades, being listed in Best Lawyers stands out due to its peer-review process. Best Lawyers focuses solely on how peers perceive an attorney’s work. This level of credibility is what makes Best Lawyers a coveted recognition for legal professionals. Here’s how to successfully navigate the Best Lawyers rankings process.

Peer Review: The Heart of Best Lawyers

At its core, Best Lawyers operates on a peer-review process. After nominations, ballots are meticulously crafted, factoring in an attorney’s practice area and market, ensuring that voters are reviewing colleagues with whom they’re familiar. The question posed is simple yet effective, “If you couldn’t handle a case, how likely are you to recommend this attorney?” This method ensures genuine feedback from peers who know the attorney’s caliber.

Voting Season Insights

• Voting involves evaluating candidates from outside your firm first, then competitors, and lastly colleagues.

• The weight of votes differs for internal and external candidates. Internal feedback is crucial for borderline candidates.

• Engage your attorneys in the voting process. It’s essential to improve the accuracy of awards and for your firm to be recognized.

Why Legal Rankings Matter

Accolades like Best Lawyers serve as an endorsement, potentially tipping the scales when a potential client is deciding between multiple firms. Once ranked, it’s pivotal to promote the recognition effectively and ethically.

Importance of Data Quality and Maintaining a Strong Email List

Maintaining accurate data is the bedrock of any successful legal recognition campaign. Especially for a peer-review based ranking like Best Lawyers, having an updated and comprehensive list of contacts is crucial. This list should comprise colleagues, clients and other professionals who can vouch for an attorney’s expertise. An outdated or irrelevant list could skew the voting process, diminishing your chances of being recognized.

Your Actionable Guide: How Lawyers Can Get Ranked in Best Lawyers

1. Self-Nomination: Firms can nominate themselves. While you can nominate many attorneys, it’s advised to stick to three practice areas to maintain a concentrated pool.

2. Peer Review: Ensure you have a well-maintained list of peers who are familiar with your work and can vouch for your expertise.

3. Engage in Voting: Encourage your attorneys to actively participate in the voting process. The more feedback, the better.

4. Liaise with Best Lawyers: If you’re unsure or not thrilled about your ranking, communicate with Best Lawyers. They’re open to discussions and can provide valuable insights on the rankings process.

5. Promote Ethically: Once recognized, promote your accolade adhering to Best Lawyers’ publicizing guidelines. This can boost your reputation and SEO.

6. Continuous Engagement: Engage with Best Lawyers year-round. Understand the timeline for submissions and responses, and ensure your nominations are timely for ballot considerations.

By adhering to these steps and understanding the nuances of the Best Lawyers ranking process, your firm can enhance its performance and boost its visibility.