White paper shows legal directories remain relevant to clients and to firm's business development efforts

"Six out of 10 GCs say they consult legal directories before appointing a law firm."
Melissa, Davis, MD Communications.

While legal professionals say directories such as Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners are genuinely useful, a report published by MD Communications, shows that over half of law firms believe they do not achieve the rankings they deserve. Furthermore, 84 per cent of law firms are frustrated with the time it takes to make a submission.

However, the report, which was unveiled at a panel chaired by Paul Marmor at this year's IBA Annual Conference in Sydney, concludes that directories are still generally well used and are here to stay.

Interestingly for Alliott Group law members, directories appear to have real impact in the international legal market, with four in 10 law firms commenting that their rankings have led to them winning work of an international nature. This would indicate that directory rankings should be used in conjunction with Alliott Group membership as part of a coordinated international business development strategy. 

Other findings of the report include: 

• Less than a third of firms are satisfied with the contact they have with directory researchers
• 81 per cent of law firms say they use their rankings in Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500 when making pitches for work
• Six out of 10 in-house general counsel say they consult legal directories before appointing a law firm
• Among general counsel, 93 per cent say they consult The Legal 500, 86 per cent Chambers & Partners, 36 per cent Who's Who Legal, and 14 per cent the International Financial Law Review.

MD Communications managing director Melissa Davis comments: "The directories are here to stay, and they are used [...] They are a rich source of information and allow firms to stand out in a market that remains complex, diverse and fiercely competitive."

The results reflect the views of global law firms, corporate counsel and business development professionals published in a white paper called ‘Legal Directories: Are they still relevant?’, by legal communications specialists MD Communications.

Get a copy of the white paper

To get your copy of the report, please email Melissa Davis.