The Science Behind Best Lawyers: Insights to Maximize Your Law Firm’s Recognition

2025-10-27

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Understanding the methodology behind legal rankings can transform how law firms approach the nomination process. In this "Spill the Ink" episode, Elizabeth Petit, Vice President of Research and Development at Best Lawyers, pulls back the curtain on the peer-review process that has been the rankings program's foundation since 1983. Michelle and Elizabeth also discuss the transition path from the "Ones to Watch" list to "Best Lawyers" recognition, the role of AI in improving rankings visibility without impacting the methodology itself and critical action steps firms should take before the December 12...

Michelle and Elizabeth also discuss the transition path from the "Ones to Watch" list to "Best Lawyers" recognition, the role of AI in improving rankings visibility without impacting the methodology itself and critical action steps firms should take before the December 12 nomination deadline to ensure their lawyers are positioned in the correct practice areas.

Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn

Strategic considerations for nomination decisions, including experience thresholds and practice area selection approaches.
The distinct pathways and requirements for lawyers at different career stages, from emerging talent to established practitioners.
What law firms should understand about the relationship between the "Ones to Watch" list and "Best Lawyers" recognition.
Critical timing and accuracy considerations for the nomination process to avoid common classification pitfalls.
The methodology that distinguishes Best Lawyers' peer-review process from popularity voting and client satisfaction measures.
The ways Best Lawyers incorporates AI technology while maintaining the integrity of its quantitative ranking methodology.

About Our Featured Guest

Elizabeth Petit gave serious consideration to pursuing a legal career, but a twist of fate brought her to the research department of Best Lawyers' parent company in 2010. She remained with the organization and has led the Research and Development department since 2012.

Guided by the long-respected transparent methodology of Best Lawyers, Elizabeth has established the consistency of the quality of research throughout the organization's platforms and services, most notably its three institutional programs: Best Lawyers, Best Law Firms and Lawyer Directory.

Elizabeth initiates many Best Lawyers products and plays a pivotal role in guiding their execution. She has found it particularly rewarding to have maintained the original mission of the company while enhancing it in new and creative ways.

Elizabeth earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Tulane University before receiving her Master of Arts from the University of South Carolina. Additionally, she holds certificates in Project Management (2019) and Non-Profit Management (2009) from the University of South Carolina, where she also served as adjunct faculty member from 2009-2020.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode