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In the UK, legal directories are an important tool for attorneys looking to expand their profile and reach potential clients. These publications provide detailed information about law firms in a variety of categories such as practice areas, office locations, services offered, contact details and more.
Being listed in one of the major legal directories shows potential clients that you’re professional and reliable. It is seen as an endorsement from the industry itself, demonstrating that your firm meets certain standards and has been judged by experts in the field. This can help boost consumer confidence in your services, which can be invaluable when trying to win new business.
Being included in a legal directory is also an excellent way to increase visibility and raise awareness of your firm. When someone searches for a lawyer in their area, they will often turn to the main directories as one of the first places they look. Being listed on these sites is therefore highly beneficial in terms of attracting new clients.
How Do I Do This?
Legal directories have varying submission requirements, so you should first check the criteria for each directory. Typically, you will need to provide details about your firm, such as its history, practice areas, clients, and awards. You may also be asked to provide information about the lawyers in your firm and their qualifications.
Here are some general guidelines to follow when submitting to directories:
Find the Best Legal Directories
The first step to getting your firm published in legal directories is to identify which ones are the most relevant for you. As a law firm, you’re likely to be familiar with the big names like Chambers and Partners as well as the Legal 500, but there are lots of other options out there too. Researching specific niche or local directories can help ensure that your presence is felt in all the right places.
Focus on your field of specialisation and look for directories that cover it. This will help to ensure you get the right amount of exposure. Then, determine how you’ll put yourself forward for inclusion in the directory, whether that’s submitting an application or being recommended.
Determine the Publishing Standards
Once you have a target directory, you should check their publishing guidelines. This will explain the criteria and process for submission. Each directory has its own unique requirements, so make sure that you read carefully and understand what is expected of your firm.
The deadline for submission is important, as it will determine when your firm can be published. Make sure you are aware of the deadline and plan accordingly. Find a template or check other published firms to get an idea about the format that the directory expects. This way, you can avoid making mistakes and ensure that all the necessary information is included.
Follow Up on Your Submission
Some directories have their own platforms where you can submit your firm for consideration, while others allow you to send your submission via email. If it’s your first time working with a directory, it’s best to contact them once you’ve submitted your details to confirm receipt and to provide any additional information they may require.
Do I need to pay?
Some legal directories are free to use, but many require a fee for submitting your firm. The average cost falls around the £200-£400 mark, but it can be higher depending on the size and prestige of the directory.
Although this might seem like an unnecessary expense, putting your firm forward for legal directories is hugely beneficial since they are widely used and highly regarded sources of legal information.
The fees are worth the cost for most firms, as legal directories can provide a great return on investment. Moreover, your information and content will remain accessible online, meaning your firm will be exposed to a wider audience over time.
What Should My Emphasis Be When I Submit?
It depends largely on your firm’s strategic direction and what you want to achieve. If you are looking for a higher profile, you want to focus on your firm’s achievements, such as awards and industry recognition. If you are more focused on business development, then highlighting your team’s expertise and the services you offer is key.
Knowing your target market, particularly your potential clients’ legal pain points, is crucial in this process. By highlighting the key areas of expertise your firm offers, you will help potential clients make an informed decision about who to work with.
Make sure to keep the emphasis on these key areas, rather than trying to be overly comprehensive. A targeted approach will help you stand out from the competition.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that the information you provide is accurate and up to date. The legal directories are heavily relied upon by potential clients, so it’s essential your profile accurately reflects your current offerings and any changes in team members or services.
Takeaway
It depends largely on your firm’s strategic direction and what you want to achieve. If you are looking for a higher profile, you want to focus on your firm’s achievements, such as awards and industry recognition. If you are more focused on business development, then highlighting your team’s expertise and the services you offer is key.
Knowing your target market, particularly your potential clients’ legal pain points, is crucial in this process. By highlighting the key areas of expertise your firm offers, you will help potential clients make an informed decision about who to work with.
Make sure to keep the emphasis on these key areas, rather than trying to be overly comprehensive. A targeted approach will help you stand out from the competition.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that the information you provide is accurate and up to date. The legal directories are heavily relied upon by potential clients, so it’s essential your profile accurately reflects your current offerings and any changes in team members or services.
