July law firm rankings, lists, awards and PR opportunities

So, this is your inbox? I love it. It’s giving bustling Post Office and whimsical library vibes. But what’s that smell coming from the spam corner?

Anyway. You might recall that I recently accepted the legal PR opportunities emailing baton from my wonderful colleague, Shelby Gambrell. Don’t worry — Shelby still exists and is quite frankly irreplaceable. But as a former managing editor and legal awards judge at ALM with experience leading communications strategies for law firms across the U.S., I’m hoping I can keep you all updated and provide a few useful insights along the way. 

Speaking of insights, last month’s Chambers USA editors panel by Law Firm Media Professionals provided some great takeaways for writing effective submissions. The editors recommended being strategic about which attorneys and practice groups you highlight because Chambers is a cumulative process. Researchers are seeking candidates with a consistent amount of feedback, which is difficult when you’re telling too many stories at once. 

Chambers editors also suggested using the C2 feedback section of your submission to have a conversation about which attorneys you’re seeking rankings for and why — and to explain why you haven’t focused on an esteemed Band 1 attorney this year though they’re still working at the same intensity. They appreciate that space is limited on these submissions! We have plenty more tips in our Chambers 101 guide and Chambers portal explainer.

Now it’s time for the main event. Here are the legal PR opportunities on our radar this month:

• Law360’s 2024 MVPs of the Year Series — Good news for last-minute contenders: there’s one final deadline extension for this series, which spotlights attorneys for significant wins and contributions to their practice groups in the past year. Submissions are due July 19 at 8 p.m. ET.
  
• Law360’s Summer Associates Survey — The second part of this survey asks summer associates about where they worked and what their experience was like. Responses are due July 19.

• LMA Annual Conference Call for Content — The Legal Marketing Association is seeking engaging speakers with forward-thinking topics for its April 2025 conference in Washington, D.C. The window for proposals closes on July 22.

• Bloomberg Law’s Pro Bono Innovators — This special report celebrates law firms and organizations with innovative approaches to pro bono legal services worldwide. Submissions are due by July 24.
  
• American Legal Technology 2024 Awards — This award series highlights tech trailblazers across multiple categories, including law firms or lawyers who use innovation to exceed client expectations. The deadline for submissions is July 31.
  
• Profiles in Diversity Journal’s Q3 Leadership Awards — Four award programs are accepting nominations, including the first-ever Emerging Leaders Award, which recognizes professionals who are early in their leadership journey but already making a positive impact. Nominations have been extended until Aug. 2.
  
• Crain’s New York Business Notable Black Leaders — This special editorial feature spotlights New York’s top Black leaders. The deadline is Aug. 2.
  
• The Washington Business Journal’s 2024 CEO of the Year Awards — Leaders who have demonstrated innovation, perseverance and commitment to their Washington communities will be recognized across several categories, including Regional Leader of the Year and CMO of the Year. Submissions are due Aug. 5. 

• Connect CRE’s 2024 Women in Real Estate Awards — Real estate lawyers are eligible for this award, which honors women whose talent, drive, leadership and fresh ideas have elevated the world of commercial real estate. Get your nominations in by Aug. 23.
  
• GAR 100 and Expert Witness Power Index — The 2025 research period for these Global Arbitration Review rankings starts this summer. To be included, send client contact information to Nicholas Richardson (nicholas.richardson@lbresearch.com).
  
• ALM Legalweek — Registration is open for Legalweek in March 2025, which gathers legal professionals in New York to discuss business and regulatory trends, talent and technology. Pricing will increase on Aug. 16.
  
• ABA Annual Meeting — The American Bar Association is seeking sponsors for its sidebar networking event from Aug. 1-2 at its annual meeting in Chicago. 

• The ABA Infrastructure and Regulated Industries Section (IRIS) — The ABA is also seeking speakers and sponsors for IRIS’s fall leadership meeting in Houston this October.