This week featured a “Proud Parent” moment for myself as I watched my son, Dean, go to his first legal technology conference in Chicago. Dean was a Relativity Scholar this year and has been working on learning the ropes in e-discovery for the past few months. It is exciting to watch as a new generation starts their journey into the legal tech community.
Yesterday, Marlene Gebauer and I presented our wrap-up of the Harbor LINKS 2024 program in front of over 130 of our law librarian colleagues. It is always a pleasure (and somewhat a comfort) to talk with our peers at other firms to find out what they have been working on the past year (hint: it was AI), and how we all find ourselves having similar struggles, and successes. If you haven’t attended a LINKS online conference before, I highly recommend it.
As for the legal tech news this week, just when you thought everyone in the legal information field had already entered the GenAI arena, Wolters Kluwer jumps in with their new VitalLaw AI research platform, and PwC reminds us that outside the US, the Big-Four have a pretty strong legal and legal AI presence. PwC is bringing GenAI tools to legal in the Middle East, showing that these tools aren’t just something playing a pivotal role in the English-speaking countries, and Western Europe market.
I was also a little surprised to see two companies I really like, joining together. Elevate’s acquisition of Redgrave Data is going to be an interesting dynamic to watch as Elevate looks to expand client offerings in AI and legal data analytics.
So, enjoy this week’s overview of news that I found interesting. Remember, you can track these stories with the AI Lawyer Talking Tech podcast (Spotify or Apple) which covers legal tech news and summarizes stories on a daily basis.
Wolters Kluwer Introduces New GenAI Functionality to VitalLaw Legal Research Platform
Wolters Kluwer has integrated Generative AI capabilities into its VitalLaw legal research platform, enhancing its offerings with features such as 360 Feedback and Interactive Document Summarization. These new functionalities allow users to generate summaries, checklists, and key points directly through chat with VitalLaw content. This integration is designed to improve productivity and streamline workflows for legal professionals, reinforcing Wolters Kluwer’s position in the competitive legal tech market.
Law Company Elevate Acquires Redgrave Data
Elevate, a prominent law company, has acquired Redgrave Data, an AI-focused data consulting firm. This acquisition enables Elevate to expand its legal tech offerings, particularly in AI, technology-assisted review (TAR), and legal data. The move aligns with Elevate’s strategic goals of tackling complex legal issues and enhancing client services.
PwC Middle East Launches Region’s First Legal GenAI Offering
PwC Legal Middle East has introduced the region’s first Legal Generative AI (GenAI) offering as part of its ongoing investment in technology. The new offering is designed to transform legal workflows and processes by leveraging alliances with OpenAI, Harvey, and ContractPodAi. PwC Legal Middle East will provide comprehensive services from concept to implementation, helping organizations harness GenAI to enhance legal and governance advisory services. This move marks a significant advancement in the adoption of AI technology within the legal industry in the Middle East.
Luminance Expands to Dallas Amid Rising Demand for AI Solutions
Legal AI pioneer Luminance has opened a new office in Dallas, Texas, marking its second U.S. base. This expansion, fueled by recent funding, is a response to the growing demand for its AI-driven legal solutions among major corporate clients like AB InBev and LG Chem
CB Insights Predicts Surge in Legal AI M&A Activity
Recent reports from CB Insights indicate that the legal AI market may experience a surge in mergers and acquisitions. Key developments include Elevate’s acquisition of Redgrave Data and potential M&A activities involving companies like EvenUp and Luminance, which have both secured substantial funding. This trend suggests an increasing consolidation in the legal AI space as companies seek to expand their technological capabilities and market reach.
Jus Mundi Secures $22 Million in Series B Funding for Legal Research Advancements
Jus Mundi, a global legal AI company, has raised €20 million ($22 million) in a Series B funding round led by Acton Capital and True Global Ventures. The funding will support the development of Jus AI, a research and productivity assistant designed for global legal professionals. Jus AI aims to transform legal workflows by improving access to Jus Mundi’s extensive law and arbitration database, significantly enhancing productivity in legal research, analysis, and drafting.
New California AI Transparency Law to Impact Legal Tech Providers
California has enacted the California AI Transparency Act, requiring providers of generative AI systems to implement both latent and manifest disclosures in AI-generated content. This groundbreaking law mandates that AI providers include specific details, such as the provider’s name and system version, within the AI-generated material, effective January 1, 2026. This move aims to promote transparency and accountability in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, impacting all legal tech companies operating within or providing services to California.
FTC Sanctions Against DoNotPay Highlight Broader Issues in Legal AI Adoption
The FTC recently imposed sanctions on DoNotPay for offering legal AI services without delivering on promises. While the FTC focused on DoNotPay’s actions, there is a broader issue: limited access to justice and the lack of AI adoption in the legal field. The article suggests that allowing those who are not licensed attorneys to invest in and own legal businesses, and encouraging the use of AI, could improve access to affordable legal services. By embracing AI and liberalizing the legal market, law firms could leverage technology to scale their services and offer them at more accessible prices, potentially expanding access to justice.
Google Files EU Antitrust Complaint Over Microsoft’s Cloud Practices
Google has filed an antitrust complaint against Microsoft in the EU, alleging unfair practices in the cloud computing market. The complaint centers around Microsoft’s restrictions on its Azure cloud services and the penalties imposed on customers attempting to switch providers. This dispute highlights the competitive tensions in the cloud services market and could have significant implications for legal tech providers operating in this space.
Clio Announces the 2024 Integration Award Winners
Clio has recognized outstanding innovation in its App Directory with the announcement of the 2024 Integration Award winners. This year saw a significant rise in AI-driven applications, reflecting the increasing demand for solutions that enhance legal workflows. Tempello won the Best New App award, Proof took home the Best Practice of Law App award, and Case Status was honored in the Best Business of Law App category. These awards highlight the transformative impact these tools have on the legal profession, showcasing the industry’s most innovative applications that are driving meaningful change.