Best Law Firms® is proud to launch the research process for the inaugural edition of Best Law Firms™ – France, expanding our commitment to honoring excellence in the legal profession. This first step in the process invites law firms across the Hexagon to submit materials for consideration among the top firms in the country.
For 15 editions, The Best Lawyers in France™ has highlighted excellence in the French legal profession. In the most recent edition, 3,458 lawyers across 77 practice areas were recognized, with awards spanning 15 metropolitan areas.
Expanding Excellence: Our Global Presence
Best Law Firms has built a strong global presence with 15 editions in the United States and recent expansions to Australia, Germany and Canada.
This spring, the first edition of Best Law Firms™ – Spain will also launch, further reinforcing our commitment to highlighting leading law firms worldwide.
Now, we are extending this tradition of recognition to French law firms, honoring those who demonstrate outstanding achievement across key practice areas.
Our Methodology: Unchanged and Trusted Globally
Since 2010, Best Law Firms has set the standard for evaluating law firms through a trusted and rigorous methodology. Rankings are determined through a comprehensive review of client and professional references, peer evaluations from Best Lawyers® honorees, insights from industry leaders and key firmographic data.
In comparable European countries such as Germany, only the top 2% of law firms earn the Best Law Firm distinction, underscoring its selectivity. Participating in this process provides firms with the opportunity to join this elite group, earning well-deserved prestige and greater visibility on a national and global scale.
Learn more about the Best Law Firms methodology here.
Best Law Firms’ 5-Step Process to Recognition
The following five steps guide the research process, ultimately leading to the inclusion of law firms in the Best Law Firms – France rankings:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
To be considered for Best Law Firms – France, a firm must have at least one lawyer currently recognized in the latest edition of The Best Lawyers in France. This ensures that all ranked firms meet a high standard of professional excellence, as determined by peer review. Law firms are considered for ranking in the practice areas and metropolitan regions where their awarded lawyers practice.
Step 2: Receive & Complete Submission Packet
Once eligibility is confirmed, firms receive a submission packet containing details on their eligibility, access to the Law Firm Survey and the opportunity to provide client and professional references.
Firms are asked to submit firmographic data, detailing relevant background information about their practice areas and legal expertise.
Submission packets for the inaugural edition of Best Law Firms – France will be sent to eligible firms beginning March 17, 2025.
Step 3: Research & Evaluation
The evaluation process incorporates multiple research components to ensure a comprehensive assessment. Client and professional reference surveys gather feedback on key factors such as expertise, responsiveness, professionalism and cost-effectiveness.
Additionally, peer evaluations from the Best Lawyers research process and insights from industry leaders collected through the Law Firm Leader Survey contribute to the overall assessment.
Step 4: Ranking & Tier Assignment
Rather than assigning sequential rankings, Best Law Firms uses a tiered system, with firms placed in different tiers based on comparative analysis. The number of tiers awarded varies by practice area and geographic region, ensuring rankings reflect a competitive and data-based evaluation.
Step 5: Award Notification & Public Release
Firms are notified of their rankings privately via email before the public announcement. During the period between notification and public release, we finalize rankings and inform selected firms. We also verify key details such as firm changes, retirements and continued eligibility. Additionally, this time allows firms to prepare for publicly sharing their recognition.
For the first edition of Best Law Firms – France, firms can expect to receive this information in early August 2025, with the rankings announced in late September 2025.
Accolades are categorized into three different tiers based on the evaluation process:
Regional Tiers 1-3
Firms are ranked within their respective geographic areas.
National Tiers 1-3
Firms with a significant presence and high scores at the national level receive rankings in specific practice areas.
"Law Firm of the Year"
Only one firm per practice area receives this distinction, recognizing its exceptional performance in that specialty.
Why Participate in the Research Process?
The launch of research for Best Law Firms – France marks an important milestone for the French legal community. Completing the submission process allows your firm to be considered for a Best Law Firms ranking. This is your opportunity to showcase your firm's excellence, highlight your collaborative achievements and demonstrate your impact.
Credibility and Trust
Earning a Best Law Firms distinction strengthens your firm’s reputation, fosters trust with clients and peers and highlights your leadership in key practice areas.
Visibility and Prestige
A Best Law Firms ranking provides national and international exposure, helping your firm stand out. This acknowledgment can attract top clients and skilled legal professionals, reinforcing your firm’s position among the best.
A Globally Recognized Network
Best Law Firms rankings are well established in the United States, Germany, Canada and Australia. Now, firms in France will be part of this globally recognized network and gain status among the country’s leading legal professionals.
Shape the Future of Best Law Firms – France
Stand among France’s most respected law firms and gain the recognition your work deserves. Once your firm receives its submission packet, take the next step by submitting your materials promptly to be considered for recognition in the inaugural Best Law Firms – France rankings.
Discover more by visiting our FAQs page or reaching out at bestlawfirms@bestlawyers.com. Our team is ready to provide you with the guidance you need.
