Rankings Specialist

Dentons Canada; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

401k and profit sharing

Paid time off and holidays

Discretionary bonuses

Job summary

Dentons Canada in Chicago, IL is seeking a Legal Rankings Specialist to manage the firm's legal directory submissions like Chambers and Legal 500. This hybrid role requires strong writing skills and the ability to collaborate with various teams to produce high-quality submissions that reflect the firm's capabilities.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in professional services, especially in law firms, and strong project management skills. The role offers a salary range of $85,000 to $110,000 depending on experience and location, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of business development, marketing, or communications experience in a professional services environment.
• Experience managing legal directory submissions, with understanding of criteria and processes.
• Ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear messaging.

Responsibilities

• Manage the lifecycle of legal directory submissions.
• Work closely with Business Development to ensure submissions align with firm messaging.
• Conduct research into rankings and monitor competitor activities.

Skills

Writing and editing skills

Project management skills

Attention to detail

Ability to manage multiple deadlines

Professional presence

Education

BA/BS Required

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

CRM tools

Job description

Chicago, IL, US Phoenix, AZ, US Dallas, TX, US St. Louis, MO, US Kansas City, MO, US

Dentons is seeking a Legal Rankings Specialist to oversee and manage the firm's legal directory and rankings submissions, including Chambers and Legal 500. This role is responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of all rankings and directory opportunities, working closely with the Business Development team, practice leaders, lawyers and the broader Clients and Markets team to develop high-quality submissions that accurately reflect the firm's capabilities and enhance its market profile.

This is a highly visible role requiring strong writing skills, exceptional attention to detail, intellectual curiosity and confidence communicating with senior-level stakeholders. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who proactively identifies opportunities, drives initiatives forward and ensures the firm is well-positioned across all major legal directories. This is a hybrid position.

Key Responsibilities

Rankings and Directories Management

Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of Chambers, Legal 500 and other legal directory submissions, from opportunity assessment and planning through submission, results tracking and promotion, coordinating closely with Business Development professionals throughout each stage. Identify and track opportunities for the firm and its lawyers to improve legal rankings proactively providing input and sharing best practices for submissions. Partner with Business Development colleagues and lawyers to identify and articulate key matters, credentials and representative experience for inclusion in directory submissions.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

Work in close partnership with the Business Development team and practice groups to ensure submissions align with firm messaging, priorities and market positioning, serving as a go-to resource on rankings strategy, submission positioning, timelines and best practices. Develop and maintain positive relationships with lawyers, staff, directory researchers, editors and award organizers to enhance the firm's visibility and understanding of submission criteria and trends. Interact regularly with lawyers with significant exposure to firm leadership and partners, providing guidance on how to engage effectively with directory researchers and interviewers. Work closely with the Director, Clients and Business Development and the broader BD team to report out results of legal directories and other submissions, contributing to reporting and analysis that demonstrate impact.

Research, Analysis and Process Improvement

Conduct ongoing research into rankings, monitor competitor rankings activity and prepare insight-driven briefing materials for leadership. Maintain centralized tracking systems and databases for rankings and directories, ensuring accurate historical records to support future submissions and reporting. Identify and implement process improvements, including enhancements to tracking systems, templates and workflows to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

Profile-Raising and Communications

Work closely with Communications colleagues to ensure recognitions are shared internally and externally, and the firm's website and broader marketing materials are updated. Maintain the firm's presence on Chambers and other directory profiles. Support the development and promotion of thought leadership initiatives that enhance the firm's directory positioning.

Tools, Technology and Reporting

Use marketing technology tools to support client targeting, tracking and information sharing related to rankings submissions. Maintain tracking systems for rankings initiatives, ensuring data integrity and organized recordkeeping while proactively managing timelines and driving process improvements.

Qualifications and Experience

• BA/BS Required plus 5+ years of business development, marketing or communications experience in a professional services environment; law firm experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing legal directory submissions, including Chambers and Legal 500, with a strong understanding of submission criteria, processes and timelines.
• Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, client-focused messaging.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and stakeholders across complex workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, adapt and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment, while working effectively and collaboratively as part of a cohesive team.
• Strong professional presence and confidence interacting with senior-level lawyers and stakeholders.
• A self‑motivated individual who works independently and establishes themselves as a go‑to contact for directory and award submissions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook as well as CRM tools.
• Familiarity with AI‑driven tools, marketing technology, data platforms and analytical tools is a plus; remains open to technological change as generative AI becomes more integrated into the firm's practice.

The salary range for this role is $85,000 to $110,000 DOE and location.

Dentons US LLP offers a competitive salary and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, profit sharing, short‑term/long‑term disability, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, paid holidays and discretionary bonuses.

Dentons US LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Disability/Vet. Pursuant to local ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.