Insight

Our Tips on Top Lawyer Lists

What are legal rankings, and how can you get your name in the top spot?

A Guide to Lawyer Rankings

Pat Rafferty

July 19, 2018 12:32 PM

Ubiquitous is the only word to describe the various “top lawyer” and law firm listings these days. What was once an occasional ranking has become a year-round onslaught of surveys and nomination opportunities. Can anyone blame attorneys and law firm marketing directors who say they are overwhelmed by all these lawyer and law firm recognitions?

It might be tempting to simply boycott the whole system, but that’s not advisable because many potential clients put some stock in “best” lists. A lawyer’s or a law firm’s presence on such a list can help validate a referral and provide confirmation that the lawyer or law firm is highly regarded in the legal community.

Lists have become part of the legal landscape and are used as a point of differentiation. Whether the clients you seek are the general counsel of a major company or an individual seeking a divorce lawyer, having a “best lawyer” stamp can help legal consumers narrow the list of potential contenders or validate a selection they already have made.

Don’t waste time seeking out a spot on every list. It’s essential to prioritize and pursue only those opportunities that make sense for your firm and its clientele.

Consider these tips to help improve your chance at being selected to credible “top lawyer” lists and rankings:

Identify Lists with a True Methodology for Selection

There are many factors involved:

  • Nominations
  • Participation and voting
  • Submission of information
  • Feedback from peers
  • Client reviews
  • Verdict amounts
  • Independent research
  • Vetting by a panel of experts

Avoid lists that charge a fee to be included. If you can pay to be on it, it’s not credible and not worth your time and effort.

Understand the Criteria for Consideration

Learn what it takes to earn selection:

  • Is it based on number of votes?
  • Is it based solely on peer review?
  • Is client feedback important?
  • Do you need a specific verdict amount?
  • Is there a submission form or template?
  • Are there certain benchmarks required?
  • What are the deadlines?

Identifying the criteria will enable you to better meet the requirements.

Get to Know the Researchers and Editors

Reputable lawyer lists will be compiled by a team of researchers and editors. Make sure you’re aware of:

  • Their deadlines
  • Their schedules
  • How they prefer to receive information
  • The required format for submissions

Lawyer and law firm rankings are here to stay. Readers seem to love them, lawyers use them to market their practices, and publications make money from them. Regardless of the frustrations, rankings can make a client feel reassured about their choice of lawyer. Attorneys view the “best of” lists as a point of differentiation, and some firms use honors and recognitions to demonstrate their strengths in key practice areas. The lists might seem overwhelming, but when used judiciously and sought out strategically, they can provide an important boost to a lawyer’s or a firm’s overall marketing efforts.

--------------------

With 28 years of legal marketing experience, Pat Rafferty assists lawyers and law firms in heightening awareness and building a positive professional image. As the Director of Marketing & Advertising at Androvett, Pat is responsible for planning and implementing targeted marketing strategies for clients through a variety of channels. Pat has been named among the Top 100 Legal Consultants nationally by Lawdragon and is a member of the Advertising Review Committee for the State Bar of Texas, and regularly advises clients on the do’s and don’ts related to solicitation communications. You can contact Pat at pat@androvett.com.

Related Articles

Hanging Your Own Shingle? Put Your Best Foot Forward on Day One


by Scott Parks

How to market yourself to get new clients and keep your old ones after starting a new firm.

Tips for Starting Your Own Firm

How Does Your Firm Measure Up?


by Best Lawyers

BL Intelligence provides your firm with valuable industry data.

Best Lawyers 27th Edition Stats

David Ackert's Top Advice on Social Media and Client Prospecting


by Best Lawyers

The president of Ackert Inc. offers his insights on business development to Best Lawyers following the 2019 Legal Marketing Association Annual Conference.

Social Media Tips for Law Firms

Highlights From the 2019 LMA Annual Conference


by Best Lawyers

Did you make it to LMA 2019? Read the Best Lawyers recap of this year's biggest takeaways.

2019 LMA Conference Recap

How to Create a Bio that Attracts New Clients


by Mark Annick

Put your most relevant information first. Make it sound like you.

What Should A Lawyer's Bio Do?

How to Handle a PR Crisis


by Mike Androvett & Mark Annick

Planning your strategy in advance, and having a team ready to handle a disaster, can help you tackle a problem before it starts.

How Law Firms Should Handle a PR Crisis

Where to Begin Marketing Your Law Firm


by Scott Parks

Start by identifying your target audience. Then, tailor your message to fit.

First Things to Do When Marketing Your Law FI

The Publisher Is You: How to Tell Your Story Effectively


by Kit Frieden

Control the narrative and bring attention to your work and expertise with these publishing tips.

Self-Publishing in the Legal Industry

Trending Articles

Announcing the 2023 The Best Lawyers in America Honorees


by Best Lawyers

Only the top 5.3% of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

Gold strings and dots connecting to form US map

Announcing the 2022 Best Lawyers® in the United States


by Best Lawyers

The results include an elite field of top lawyers listed in the 28th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and in the 2nd Edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2022.

2022 Best Lawyers Listings for United States

2021 Best Lawyers: The Global Issue


by Best Lawyers

The 2021 Global Issue features top legal talent from the most recent editions of Best Lawyers and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch worldwide.

2021 Best Lawyers: The Global Issue

The U.S. Best Lawyers Voting Season Is Open


by Best Lawyers

The voting season for the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and the 5th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America is officially underway, and we are offering some helpful advice to this year’s voters.

Golden figures of people standing on blue surface connected by white lines

How To Find A Pro Bono Lawyer


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers dives into the vital role pro bono lawyers play in ensuring access to justice for all and the transformative impact they have on communities.

Hands joined around a table with phone, paper, pen and glasses

What the Courts Say About Recording in the Classroom


by Christina Henagen Peer and Peter Zawadski

Students and parents are increasingly asking to use audio devices to record what's being said in the classroom. But is it legal? A recent ruling offer gives the answer to a question confusing parents and administrators alike.

Is It Legal for Students to Record Teachers?

How Palworld Is Testing the Limits of Nintendo’s Legal Power


by Gregory Sirico

Many are calling the new game Palworld “Pokémon GO with guns,” noting the games striking similarities. Experts speculate how Nintendo could take legal action.

Animated figures with guns stand on top of creatures

The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2024 Launch


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is excited to announce The Best Lawyers in Australia™ for 2023, including the top lawyers and law firms from Australia.

Australian Parliament beside water at sunset

Inflation Escalation


by Ashley S. Wagner

Inflation and rising costs are at the forefront of everyone’s mind as we enter 2023. The current volatile market makes it more important than ever to understand the rent escalation clauses in current and future commercial lease agreements.

Suited figure in front of rising market and inflated balloon

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2023


by Best Lawyers

The third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ highlights the legal talent of lawyers who have been in practice less than 10 years.

Three arrows made of lines and dots on blue background

A Celebration of Excellence: The Best Lawyers in Canada 2024 Awards


by Best Lawyers

As we embark on the 18th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™, we are excited to highlight excellence and top legal talent across the country.

Abstract image of red and white Canada flag in triangles

8 Different Types of Criminal Defenses in Law


by Best Lawyers

Learn about the different types of criminal defenses available in law, including innocence, self-defense, insanity and more. Protect your rights today.

Silver handcuffs laying on finger printed papers

Wage and Overtime Laws for Truck Drivers


by Greg Mansell

For truck drivers nationwide, underpayment and overtime violations are just the beginning of a long list of problems. Below we explore the wages you are entitled to but may not be receiving.

Truck Driver Wage and Overtime Laws in the US

The Upcycle Conundrum


by Karen Kreider Gaunt

Laudable or litigious? What you need to know about potential copyright and trademark infringement when repurposing products.

Repurposed Products and Copyright Infringemen

Choosing a Title Company: What a Seller Should Expect


by Roy D. Oppenheim

When it comes to choosing a title company, how much power exactly does a seller have?

Choosing the Title Company As Seller

The 2024 Best Lawyers in Spain™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is honored to announce the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Spain™ and the third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Spain™ for 2024.

Tall buildings and rushing traffic against clouds and sun in sky