Our Ranking Methodology
Updated 22 September 2026
Last reviewed: September 2026. This methodology is reviewed and updated at least annually.
Our approach
Best Law Firms Australia does not sell rankings. Firms cannot pay to be listed, to be placed higher or to be taken out of consideration, and we do not accept payment, advertising or subscriptions in exchange for a position. Where a firm is highlighted as an editor's pick, that selection is made by our editors and is labelled wherever it appears.
How rankings are compiled
- Client feedback. We collect the public review record of each firm's business listing for the practice area and city being ranked, including the rating and the number of reviews behind it.
- Independent desk research. We check each firm against its own published information: practice focus, office locations, and practising certificate or other registration status.
- Professional recognition. We take account of recognition that can be checked in public sources, including specialist accreditation and listings in independent legal guides.
- Relevance. A listing must match the practice area and location being compared.
Ranking criteria
Client feedback and service quality
The firm's public client rating, and the number of clients behind it. A strong rating confirmed by many clients counts for more than a perfect rating from a handful.
Professional standing and credentials
Current practising or registration status, specialist accreditation, and the firm's standing in its practice area.
Depth of experience and specialisation
How far the firm concentrates on the area of law being ranked, rather than covering it as a sideline.
Relevance to the list
The firm must work in the practice area being ranked and have an office in the city or state of that list.
Verifiable information
Facts we publish are drawn from public sources. Self-reported claims, such as success rates, are not published as fact.
Recognition
- Editor's pick. Firms our editors highlight on verified facts. They appear first in a list and are labelled.
- Ranked. Firms that meet the criteria above, listed in order. A firm needs a rating of at least 4.0 stars from at least 5 reviews to be ranked.
Data sources and verification
Ratings and review counts come from public business listings. Firm details come from each firm's own website. Registration and accreditation numbers are checked against the relevant public register where we cite them, and we record the date each list was reviewed.
Limitations of this methodology
A ranking is general information, not legal advice, and not a guarantee of any outcome. It reflects the information available to us at the time of review, and the legal market changes between reviews. Listed businesses that are not law firms are labelled as such wherever they appear.
Corrections and disputes
Firms that believe a listing contains an error can send the details through our Contact Us page. Our editors assess each request and, where a correction is warranted, make it within 10 business days.
Frequently asked questions
Can a firm pay to be listed or ranked higher?
No. Ranked lists follow the published criteria. Firms cannot buy a listing, a higher position or removal from consideration.
How often is this methodology reviewed?
At least once a year. Individual rankings are refreshed at least every six months.
Does a ranking guarantee a result in my matter?
No. A ranking reflects the information available to us when the list was reviewed, and it is not a prediction of the outcome of any individual case.
How do I correct a listing?
Send the details through our contact form. Our editors assess each request and, where a correction is warranted, update the listing within 10 business days.