[Digory]

The problem is the second assumption of Elo's system, per wikipedia: "if a player wins a game, he is assumed to have performed at a higher level than his opponent for that game. Conversely, if he loses, he is assumed to have performed at a lower level."

But you can't assume that about lawsuits. If the client should have paid ten million in damages, the better lawyer might limit the award to nominal damages. But the same nominal damages loss might be a disaster in another case the lawyer should have won.

Lawsuits aren't zero-sum, bilateral agreements to compete like most sports. Parties aren't just competing for a 'win,' but looking to maximize gain or minimize loss.