£1.5m to Be Invested in LawtechUK to Accelerate Legal Services Innovation
LawtechUK has been awarded an additional £1.5 million to support digital transformation in the legal services sector. The announcement was made by Justice Minister Sarah Sackman during the UK Lawtech Conference, as part of the Government’s wider strategy to improve the legal technology landscape. Since its launch, the Ministry of Justice backed LawtechUK has worked to connect startups with investors and strengthen the role of technology in legal practice.
How Does the Program Work?
The LawtechUK programme, delivered by Legal Geek and CodeBase, focuses on supporting startups and small businesses in the legal technology field. Since 2023, over 176 early-stage companies have engaged with the initiative, gaining opportunities to collaborate with law firms, access investment networks, and showcase their work at domestic and international events.
The legal sector contributes approximately £37 billion annually to the UK economy and is estimated to employ over 300,000 people. Officials state that the latest funding is intended to help startups attract additional private investment, which could further strengthen the sector’s position in the international market.
Examples of Legal Technology Innovation
Several startups supported by LawtechUK have introduced new technologies for improving efficiency within legal services. Lexverify, for example, has developed an artificial intelligence tool designed to assist with real-time risk prevention in legal, compliance, and cybersecurity matters. Another company, Office and Dragons, created a platform to help reduce time spent on repetitive legal tasks, reporting potential administrative time savings of over 85%.
Expansion of Regional Participation and Global Outreach
LawtechUK’s activities have been accessed by participants across various parts of the United Kingdom, with more than half of those enrolling in educational programmes coming from outside London and the South-East. This approach aims to ensure that the benefits of legal technology are not limited to major metropolitan areas.
The Government’s broader efforts, including the GREAT Legal Services campaign, promote UK legal services internationally. Delegations from British lawtech firms have attended events in countries such as the United States, Australia, and Singapore, with further engagements planned.
Funding History and Sector Impact
Since 2019, Government support for LawtechUK has totalled £6 million. During this period, the lawtech sector has reportedly attracted over £139 million in private investment. In 2024 alone, startups associated with the programme raised approximately £41.66 million, reflecting growing interest in the field.
The educational arm of LawtechUK has also expanded, with nearly 700 individuals enrolling in courses aimed at providing foundational knowledge in the legal technology sector.
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