Frequently Asked Questions
Who are we?
Chambers & Partners publish the leading guides to the legal profession. We have
a team of 100 highly qualified full-time researchers who identify and rank the world`s
best lawyers and law firms based on in-depth, objective research. We hold award
ceremonies to honour outstanding practitioners around the world.
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What are Chambers guides?
We identify and rank the world`s best lawyers and law firms. Each guide offers in-depth
analysis of the legal market within a specific region (the UK, Europe, Asia, USA,
Latin America), whilst the Global guide offers worldwide coverage, ranking lawyers
and law firms with leading international practices.
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How to search for a firm or lawyer
Lawyers are listed according to country. To find a lawyer or law firm, you must
first select a guide. Placing your cursor over a region on the map reveals the appropriate
guide or guides to choose from.
Having selected a guide, a search bar will appear next to the map, which enables
you to search by any or all of these criteria:
- by country or region (options such as Europe-wide or Global offer international
coverage of certain key practice areas)
- by practice area
- by firm or set name
- by lawyer`s name (first and/or last name)
When you have entered your search criteria, click on the search button. Select an
option from the results menu displayed.
The rankings for each section are displayed on the left of the page. Click on the
`Firms` and `Lawyers` buttons to switch between firm rankings and individual rankings.
Clicking on a firm or lawyer`s name in the ranking table will take you straight
to the relevant editorial.
To choose a different section or search another guide, go back to the main menu.
Or click HOME in the navigation bar return to the homepage.
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Which guide should I choose?
Select Chambers Global guide to find lawyers/firms with truly international
practices. For more in-depth national & regional coverage, please select one of
the following: Chambers Asia, Chambers Europe, Chambers Latin America, Chambers UK
and Chambers USA.
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How is research conducted?
Our team of 100 highly qualified full-time researchers conduct thousands of interviews
with lawyers and their clients worldwide. We select our sources on the basis of:
- - submissions put forward by legal practices
- - interviews during the course of research
- - our own database resources.
All interviews are entirely confidential and un-attributed, and help us to assess
individual as well as firm-wide strengths, areas of expertise, and reputation in
the market. Greater weighting is given to the opinions of clients, and any biased
viewpoints tend to cancel each other out.
Working with our editors, researchers identify and rank the top lawyers and law
firms. Inclusion in the rankings is based solely on the research team`s findings.
No one can buy their way in. Our research methodology has been approved by the British
Market Research Bureau.
The editorial comment summarizes the findings of our research, with quotations used
when they reflect the prevailing opinion in the market.
Unlike our competitors, Chambers researches, compiles and launches completely new
editions of our directories each year.
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How are firms/lawyers evaluated?
The qualities on which rankings are assessed include technical legal ability, client
service, commercial astuteness, diligence, value for money, prompt delivery and
other qualities most valued by the client. The rankings are independent and objective.
Inclusion in the guide is based solely on the research team`s findings. No one can
`buy their way in`.
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What are rankings?
Our research teams identify the world`s leading lawyers and law firms and rank them
in bands from from 1-6, with 1 being the best. Within each band, firms and lawyers
are listed alphabetically.
Other categories in which lawyers can be ranked include:
- A `Senior Statesman` (S) is a lawyer who no longer works hands-on with the same
intensity as previously, but who, by virtue of close links with major clients, remains
pivotal to the firm`s success.
- A `Star` (*) ranking is given to lawyers with exceptional recommendations in their
field.
- The `Up and Coming` (U) band lists those who do not yet have an established reputation
but who are driving their firm`s growth or are deemed rising stars.
- `Associates to Watch` (W) are key associates recognised for their work in the background
of major deals.
In the UK, Barristers are divided into `Leading Silks` and `Leading Juniors`. Leading
juniors who have since taken silk appear banded under `New Silks`.
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What do the bands mean?
Our research teams identify the world`s leading lawyers and law firms and rank them
in bands from 1 to 6, with band 1 being the best (according to criteria such as
technical expertise, business acumen, prompt delivery, value for money and other
qualities valued by the client).
Other categories in which lawyers can be ranked include:
- A `Senior Statesman` (S) is a lawyer who no longer works hands-on with the same
intensity as previously, but who, by virtue of close links with major clients, remains
pivotal to the firm`s success.
- A `Star` (*) ranking is given to lawyers with exceptional recommendations in their
field.
- The `Up and Coming` (U) band lists those who do not yet have an established reputation
but who are driving their firm`s growth or are deemed rising stars.
- `Associates to Watch` (W) are key associates recognised for their work in the background
of major deals.
In the UK, Barristers are divided into `Leading Silks` and `Leading Juniors`. Leading
juniors who have since taken silk appear banded under `New Silks`.
The qualities on which rankings are assessed include technical legal ability, professional
conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other
qualities most valued by the client.
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What are the publication/launch dates for each guide?
Chambers Global: February 2009
Chambers Europe: April 2009
Chambers Associate: May 2009
Chambers USA: June 2009
Chambers Latin America: July 2009
Chambers UK: October 2009
Chambers Student: October 2009
Chambers Asia: February 2010
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How do I leave feedback?
To leave feedback, or ask questions, please fill out the `contact us` form under
`About us.`
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I`ve been contacted by Chambers to act as a client referee-
what does this mean?
Chambers is committed to thorough and independent research into the global legal
market. It is our aim to provide clients with truly objective guide. Interviewing
clients about their experiences is an important part of our research.
All interviews are confidential and non-attributable, used only to aid our analysis.
Interviews last between 5 and 10 minutes at a convenient time for you. If a written
response is preferable, we can send you an email questionnaire.
To thank you for your help, we offer you a complimentary copy of the forthcoming
guide.
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What are Chambers awards?
Chambers awards honour outstanding law firms and legal professionals around the
world. Our awards reflect both pre-eminence in key practice areas, and achievements
over the last 12 months, including notable work, strategic growth, excellence in
client service, and contribution to the legal profession. Please refer to the calendar
for details of forthcoming award ceremonies.
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How do I buy a printed guide?
Please visit the online shop by clicking on the link in the top navigation bar.
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What are firm/lawyer profiles?
Once the rankings are completed, those included are given a listing in the guide,
setting out contact details, which is free of charge. They can, if they wish, enhance
this `Profile` at a cost based on the size of the profile they choose.
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