LQ has established a legal market rating system centered on LQ Score and LQ Level, combining quantitative scoring with tiered ratings to systematically assess the market performance of law firms and legal professionals.

 

LQ Score — The Core Quantitative Measure of the LQ Rating System

Based on independent research, market research and multidimensional data analysis, LQ conducts a comprehensive assessment of the evaluated firm or professional, taking into account factors including professional capability, track record, client recognition, market impact and consistency, and assigns an LQ Score accordingly.

 

An LQ Score of 90 serves as the benchmark for entry into the LQ Level system. Evaluated firms and professionals achieving a score of 90 or above are assigned the corresponding LQ Level based on their final score.

 

For exceptional performers, the LQ Score may exceed 100, reflecting outstanding performance and leading market standing in global or specific legal markets.

 

LQ Level — A Tiered Rating System Based on LQ Score

The LQ Level system comprises five levels:

LQ Score	LQ Level
100+	S+
97.0-99.9	S
94.0-96.9	A+
91.0-93.9	A
90.0–90.9	Potential

* S+ is the highest LQ Level and is awarded only to firms and professionals achieving a score of 100 or above and demonstrating exceptional market leadership and professional performance.

LQ Level is not universally awarded to all firms or individuals included in the research. Only firms and professionals that meet the LQ rating criteria and achieve an LQ Score of 90 or above are eligible to receive an LQ Level.

 

LQ Score × LQ Level

LQ Score and LQ Level together form LQ's core rating language:

• LQ Score provides a more granular quantitative assessment, capturing differences in performance among evaluated firms and professionals.
• LQ Level provides clear and intuitive tier recognition, indicating the professional and market standing of the evaluated firm or professional.

Through this framework, LQ seeks to present leading organizations and professionals in the global legal services market through clear, comparable and consistent evaluation standards, providing an independent reference for market analysis and decision-making.