‘I’m kind of a big deal’
It’s that time of year again. The latest Legal 500 listings have hit the shelves and lawyers have once again fallen over themselves to trumpet their inclusion in the prestigious league table directory.
On Monday, with 48 hours to go, staff at the directory warned those considering a subtle (or not so subtle) humblebrag that Legal Cheek would be “watching”.
The @thelegal500 UK 2016 launches on 14th September. Make sure you have your #humblebrag hat on, as I'm sure @legalcheek will be watching!
— The Legal 500 (@thelegal500) September 12, 2016
Despite the forewarning, lawyers clearly couldn’t resist. As The Legal 500 went live, Twitter was quickly awash with what is the social media equivalent of patting yourself on the back.
First up, divorce and family law barrister Byron James. A tenant at London’s Fourteen Chambers, Byron — having made the cut — tweeted a photo of The Legal 500 listing.
Thanks to @HE_Legal500 for including me again this year in the rankings for #divorce and family finance pic.twitter.com/7i8fh4EpIc
— Byron James (@byron_barrister) September 14, 2016
Next up, prominent silk and Legal Personality of the Year 2016, Felicity Gerry QC. A barrister at Leeds’ 37 Park Square, Gerry couldn’t help but tweet a cheeky humblebrag.
Thx to @thelegal500 refs for my entry this year- 'Well respected for national and international appellate issues.’ – https://t.co/xSzaK7uxuI
— Felicity Gerry QC (@felicitygerry) September 14, 2016
CMS Cameron McKenna lawyer Craig Watt was “over the moon” to have led his team back into The Legal 500 top flight.
Over the moon to have led the @CMS_Scotland Personal Injury team back into the @thelegal500 rankings. #humblebrag https://t.co/d7H32oHVeN
— Craig Watt (@CWattLitigator) September 14, 2016
Acknowledging his “impressive” oral advocacy skills, No5 Chambers’ immigration specialist S Chelvan was clearly pleased to feature in this year’s directory.
Over the moon with "oraladvocacy is impressive" https://t.co/XYJJT1bb4h #No5Immigration @No5Chambers #Humblebrag @BillableHour16 #L500UK2016
— S Chelvan (@S_Chelvan) September 14, 2016
Scottish advocate and Cambridge grad Usman Tariq (who is very easy to work with) was “delighted” to have made the cut.
Delighted with @UK_Legal500 ranking for IP/IT: "very easy to work with and provides a high level of client service" https://t.co/pZOUneIGJU
— Usman Tariq (@UsmanTariq) September 14, 2016
Next up, Henderson Chambers’ Lucy McCormick. A commercial dispute resolution specialist, the experienced barrister — who is apparently “very astute” — thanked The Legal 500 for her entry.
‘Client-friendly, very astute and quick at turning around difficult material.’ – Thank you, #legal500 #PropertyLitigation
— Lucy McCormick (@BarristerLM) September 14, 2016
Despite what he might think, Exchange Chambers’ Chris Gutteridge dropped a humblebrag earlier today.
Not a humblebrag if I actually say I'm v.proud to be listed in the 2016 Legal 500 &proud of @ExchangePI write up too https://t.co/XQ4YDuS8FA
— Chris Gutteridge (@GutteridgeChris) September 14, 2016
Meanwhile Cardiff-based solicitor Kathryn McTaggart was “really chuffed” with how The Legal 500 had described her.
Really chuffed with a rather lovely write up in the Legal 500 https://t.co/WwvfBUH6c1
— Kathryn McTaggart (@Kat_McTaggart) September 14, 2016
Humblebrag alert! Keating Chambers‘ Liz Repper was “delighted” to feature in The Legal 500 “again”.
Delighted to be ranked as a #mediator again in the @UK_Legal500 #L500UK2016
— Liz Repper (@reppermediator) September 14, 2016
Congratulations to all those who made this year’s directory. And remember, all humblebrags are forgiven if you dig deep and kindly donate to Sean Jones QC’s Billable Hour Appeal. Raising funds for charitable organisation Save the Children, the total currently stands at whopping £33,800.
#Legal500 #Humble brag donors have given over £400 this morning to https://t.co/0W6yFsl04j. Huge thanks to @thelegal500 for their support.
— Sean Jones (@seanjonesqc) September 14, 2016
Here’s to another year of humblebrags!