Easing the burden
We offer a dedicated Legal 500 Submission Support Service designed to help law firms improve their rankings, strengthen their directory strategy, and ease the burden on busy marketing and legal teams.

New submissions, or climbing the rankings
Whether you’re new to directory submissions or looking to improve your performance year-on-year, we provide the clarity, content, and coordination needed to put your best foot forward.

What we offer
Our service combines directory strategy, expert copywriting, project management, and a deep understanding of the Legal 500 research process to give your firm the best possible chance of ranking success.
We support you through every step of the journey:

1. Kickoff & Planning
We recommend instructing us at least two months before the submission deadline. Once confirmed, we’ll:
- Gather all necessary materials (last year’s submissions, deadlines, contact info).
- Schedule a strategy call with your marketing team and department lead.
- Review your past submissions and agree a tailored action plan.

2. Strategic Content Development
We’ll work with your team to develop:
- A draft firm bio to anchor the submission.
- Guidance on selecting key matters and lawyer bios.
- Expert-written, directory-ready copy that aligns with Legal 500 submission best practices.
- Refined final drafts that reference specific matters to strengthen your claims.

3. Referees Strategy & Submission Prep
Directory rankings often hinge on referee feedback. We’ll help you:
- Identify and advise on the best referees to support your submission.
- Prepare and populate the referee spreadsheet.
- Coach your team on increasing referee response rates.

4. Final Submission and Signoff
Once everything is finalised, we’ll:
- Help you review and sign off the final documents at least one week before the deadline.
- Ensure your marketing team is ready to upload both the Word document and referee spreadsheet to the directory portal.
- Provide guidance if deadline extensions are required (referee spreadsheets must still meet the original deadline).


Why Law Firms Choose Footprint Digital
Specialist Legal 500 Consultants: We understand exactly how Legal 500 researchers assess submissions.
Copywriting for Legal Directories: Clear, compelling and evidence-led writing that gets your achievements noticed
End-to-End Project Management: We keep your teams aligned and on-track throughout the process.
Referee Strategy Guidance: Advice on selection, communication, and maximising feedback impact.
Outsourced Legal Directory Support: Free up internal time while still producing high-quality submissions.
Footprint Digital is a proud member of B Corp, 1% for the Planet, and the Mental Health at Work Commitment.
We operate at the highest standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
We provide clients with proactive recommendations to reduce your digital carbon footprint.
Take only memories. Leave only footprints.

Start Your Legal 500 Journey the Right Way
Directory rankings are competitive, and success depends on more than just strong casework.
With Footprint Digital’s Legal 500 Submission Consultants on your side, you’ll gain a trusted partner who understands the legal sector, speaks the language of rankings, and helps turn great work into recognised achievements.
Want to improve your Legal 500 ranking?
Let’s talk about your next submission. Get in touch at least two months before your deadline to secure support.