How we research the world’s leading lawyers, consulting experts and barristers

The Lexology Index research process starts with qualitative analysis; we gather first-hand experience of working with nominees in the industry or practice area, and ground it with continuous quantitative analysis of a range of relevant data points to ensure a rigorous evaluation framework, consistently applied. We canvass recommendations and feedback from corporate counsel or other clients who have worked closely with the nominees, as well as from eminent private practitioners. But we know opinions are subjective: we also build and exploit datasets to corroborate and challenge market feedback and ensure our recommendations are rooted in and supported by detailed data.

Our research team, building on 25 years of market experience, brings those data points together to create a market assessment which companies and referring law firms use daily to select the right external counsel or expert for the matter in hand.

25,000 + interviews

Our global research team carry out more than 25,000 interviews and submissions annually

250,000 + recommendations

More than 250,000 recommendations each year are considered as part of our in-depth research process

25 + years of experience

Lexology Index (formerly Who’s Who Legal) has more than 25 years’ experience researching the global legal market

Define the research parameters

The first step in our process is to proactively identify potential candidates for entry into each report, considering previous experience, diversity of background, and current market developments. Corporate counsel and law firms can recommend candidates for consideration by the research team.

Gather market feedback

Feedback on the potential nominees is then sought from pre-eminent practitioners in the field via intuitive online surveys. Our research analysts in the UK, USA and Asia conduct telephone and face-to-face interviews with a selection of nominated practitioners to gain further insight into the market.

Delve into the buyers’ experience and intention

Harnessing the unrivalled corporate audience of Lexology, we collect feedback from tens of thousands of buyers of legal services each year, including all of the world’s leading companies . We conduct interviews and receive online submissions, providing valuable first-person feedback on practitioner quality and track record. Nominees are invited to submit their own client references for inclusion in this process.

Triangulate with deep, broad datasets

Our collection of public, semi-public and proprietary datasets on track record and experience are cross-referenced to validate and assess market feedback data to assess nominees’ quality, expertise and proficiency in the field.

Where appropriate, we further triangulate data and expert input from our sister platforms Global Arbitration Review, Global Competition Review, Global Investigations Review and Global Restructuring Review.

The bar for inclusion in Lexology Index is high. Fewer than half of those assessed in our research are selected.

Make the cut

All the feedback, recommendations and matter data are analysed and weighed using a proprietary in-house algorithm, ensuring fairness and consistency. Our rigorous evaluation framework ensures the final recommendations meet our very high quality standards.

Individuals must continue to receive strong and regular feedback to maintain their recognition and every listed practitioner's inclusion is reviewed annually.

We pride ourselves on our independent research process and financial considerations play no part in the research; only those who score most highly in our multi-dimensional research process are recommended.

100% of the world’s 100 largest law firms take part in our research every year

Over two-thirds of the world's biggest companies contribute to the research annually

Our team receives tens of thousands of in-house submissions each year

Ranking tiers

Anyone wishing to be considered in one of our reports should meet the appropriate broad definition below:

Tier 1 (Global Elite Thought Leader)

The best of the best across our research, achieved by only around 5% of ranked practitioners

Tier 2 (Thought Leader)

(Selected guides only) Individuals who have performed especially well, around 25-30% of listed practitioners

Tier 3 (Recommended - Global Practice Area Report)

International leaders in their field. Fewer than 50% of individuals considered are selected for inclusion

Tier 4 (Recommended - National Report)

National leaders in their field. Fewer than 50% of individuals considered are selected for inclusion

Tier 5 (Future Leaders)

Likely to be pre-eminent names of the next generation. Selection is limited to practitioners aged 45 and under

Research methodology