(Sep 30) What happened in LegalTech last week?
Elevate acquires Redgrave Data, enhancing eDiscovery. Wolters Kluwer adds AI to VitalLaw. FTC fines DoNotPay. Legal tech trends highlight AI, cloud solutions, and strategic acquisitions.
Welcome to your Law Tech weekly briefing covering what happened in legal tech last week.
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Key Stories
The past week has been bustling with significant developments in the legal tech sector, emphasizing innovation and expanding capabilities. Elevate's acquisition of Redgrave Data stands out as a strategic move to enhance their eDiscovery and information governance services (Breaking news: Elevate acquires Redgrave Data (Legal IT Insider)). Merging Redgrave Data's talent with Elevate's management team signals a strengthened position in the global market.
DLA Piper’s 2024 Tech Index highlights a positive outlook amid global challenges, marking a score of 71 (Key insights from the Tech Index 2024 report (Technology's Legal Edge)). Growth in AI, digital transformation, and data monetization reflect the industry's pivot towards advanced technology. Sustainability and ESG initiatives are underpinned by these advancements, despite cybersecurity and compliance hurdles.
Wolters Kluwer is stepping into the generative AI realm with the launch of VitalLaw AI, offering enhanced productivity tools for legal research (Wolters Kluwer Enters the Gen AI Market with the Launch of VitalLaw AI (Dewey B Strategic)). This move is indicative of the increasing importance of AI in improving legal workflows and efficiency.
Lastly, the FTC's sanctioning of DoNotPay for undeliverable legal AI services has sparked debate about access to justice and the role of non-lawyers in the investment of law firms (FTC Sanctions Vs DoNotPay Miss The Bigger Problem (Artificial Lawyer)). The confluence of AI, external investments, and legal expertise is crucial in making legal aid more affordable and accessible.
All Other Stories
Across the broader legal landscape, law firms and tech providers are making strategic moves to enhance their offerings. Farrer & Co’s selection of Peppermint Technology for client relationship management illustrates the shift towards cloud-based solutions over traditional systems. This change is expected to streamline contact management and integrate seamlessly with existing Microsoft infrastructure.
Europe is also seeing significant investment activity, with Qura raising €2.1 million to develop an AI-driven legal search engine aimed at revolutionizing legal research. DiliTrust’s acquisition of doeLEGAL marks a strategic expansion into the US market, enhancing legal tech capabilities and increasing workforce.
Partnerships are on the rise, as seen in BigHand’s collaboration with Infodash to integrate business intelligence with legal firm intranets. This union aims to enhance data accessibility and firm performance. LexisNexis’ recent report highlights a significant uptick in AI adoption among UK legal professionals, showing increased confidence in AI’s ability to improve the speed and quality of legal work.
Lastly, the Karnov Group’s launch of KAILA, an AI legal assistant, represents the continuous effort to streamline legal research and document generation. This adds to the narrative of AI playing a supportive role in enhancing, rather than replacing, human legal expertise.
With continuous advancements and strategic moves in the legal tech arena, firms leveraging these innovations are well-poised to enhance service delivery, streamline operations, and stay ahead in a competitive market. Staying informed and adaptable to these changes is crucial for maintaining a cutting-edge legal practice.
Links and summaries
Want to explore a story more deeply? Here are the original links to the stories, with summaries to aid review.
Key stories
Breaking news: Elevate acquires Redgrave Data (Legal IT Insider)
Elevate’s acquisition of Redgrave Data marks a significant enhancement in its eDiscovery and information governance capabilities. This strategic move brings 21 specialized technologists and consultants, including Redgrave Data's founders, into Elevate's fold. Redgrave Data, recognized for its expertise in AI, TAR, analytics, and RPA, will now contribute its top-tier consultative solutions to Elevate’s law department and law firm customers. This merger follows Elevate’s recent acquisition of The CJK Group, expanding its multi-language support. Chairman Liam Brown emphasizes the strategic and efficient approach of Redgrave Data in addressing complex legal data challenges. Redgrave Data CEO Mollie Nichols highlights the global platform and accelerated innovation development that this union promises.
Key insights from the Tech Index 2024 report (Technology's Legal Edge)
The latest DLA Piper Tech Index reflects a diverse and optimistic technology sector, with an overall score of 71, marking a continued upward trajectory. However, challenges remain, particularly for Consumer Goods, Food, and Retail (CGFR) organizations facing volatile geopolitical climates and evolving cybersecurity threats. AI emerges as a key growth area, though firms must balance enthusiasm with prudence regarding investments. The push for digital transformation is strong, driven by evolving consumer expectations and the need for competitive edge. Data monetization remains underutilized, posing both opportunities and regulatory challenges. Furthermore, ESG considerations are gaining traction despite political divisiveness, underlining a growing commitment to sustainability within the sector. Effective navigation of these complexities is crucial for future resilience and growth.
Wolters Kluwer Enters the Gen AI Market with the Launch of VitalLaw AI (Dewey B Strategic)
Wolters Kluwer has entered the generative AI race with the launch of new AI functionality for its VitalLaw platform. Targeting legal researchers, the GenAI-enabled VitalLaw covers 25 practice areas, offering significant workflow enhancements. The platform now features interactive chat options that generate executive summaries, create checklists, and simplify complex legal jargon. Current VitalLaw subscribers can upgrade to access these features. Ken Crutchfield, Vice President & General Manager of Legal Markets, highlighted the productivity benefits, stating the tool elevates attorney efficiency and client deliverables. The AI functionality includes editor-vetted responses, ensuring accuracy and reliability, while maintaining data security. This innovation aligns with Wolters Kluwer’s broader commitment to AI, as evidenced by its new AI center unveiled earlier this year.
FTC Sanctions Vs DoNotPay Miss The Bigger Problem (Artificial Lawyer)
The FTC’s sanctions against DoNotPay, including a $193,000 fine, for unfulfilled legal AI service promises highlight a critical issue: access to affordable legal solutions remains elusive. While FTC’s Operation AI Comply targets deceptive AI practices, it overlooks entrenched Bar organizations that restrict innovation in legal services. DoNotPay’s shortcomings exemplify the broader problem of minimal AI integration in law due to stringent regulatory environments. To foster better access to justice, there’s a need for regulatory reform allowing external investment and encouraging AI adoption in legal practice. This dual approach promises affordable, scalable legal solutions, aligning with the FTC’s consumer protection goals.
All the rest
Exclusive: Farrer & Co selects Peppermint for client relationship management (Legal IT Insider)
Farrer & Co, a prestigious London law firm, has selected Peppermint Technology for client and relationship management. They are replacing their LexisNexis InterAction system with a cloud-based Microsoft Dynamics 365 solution. The new system will automate contact management and integrate with their existing Microsoft infrastructure, following a thorough market review and RFP process with help from consultant Neil Cameron.
Zylpha Ltd has introduced Team, an annual subscription plan for document bundling tailored for legal professionals. The plan enhances collaboration, security, and remote work with features like remote access, privacy controls, and the ability to manage large document bundles. CEO Tim Long claims Team will significantly improve document management efficiency and security for legal teams.
LexisNexis legal AI adoption report shows sharp increase in use of Gen AI (Legal IT Insider)
A LexisNexis report shows a sharp rise in AI adoption among UK legal professionals, increasing from 11% in July 2023 to 41%. Key benefits include faster work delivery, better client service, and competitive edge, leading to changes in billing and policies. Despite accuracy concerns, there's high demand for AI tools based on reliable legal sources.
Comment: Why AI Still Can’t Match a Lawyer’s Palate (Legal IT Insider)
Feargus MacDaeid argues that AI, despite its advancements, cannot match the nuanced legal reasoning of human lawyers. He points out that AI's 80% accuracy is inadequate for high-stakes legal work. Thus, AI should support, not replace, human lawyers by enhancing their problem-solving capabilities.
BREAKING NEWS: Law Company Elevate Buys Redgrave Data (Artificial Lawyer)
Elevate has acquired Redgrave Data to boost its legal data and AI capabilities. This follows its earlier acquisition of The CJK Group for multi-language support. The mergers aim to enhance services and drive innovation for global clients.
Qura Raises €2.1m To Build Legal AI Search Engine (Artificial Lawyer)
Legal tech startup Qura raised €2.1m, led by Cherry Ventures, to develop an AI-driven search engine for lawyers. The platform uses LLM-based natural language queries to streamline legal research and uncover unexpected sources. Co-founders aim to revolutionize legal research and plan to integrate with law firms' document management systems.
Filevine launched AI tools Depo CoPilot and DemandsAI at its LEX Summit in Salt Lake City. These tools assist litigators with real-time deposition help and automated settlement letter creation. LawNext host Bob Ambrogi discussed these innovations with Filevine executives, who shared insights into the company's vision.
In Notable E-Discovery News, ALSP Elevate Acquires Consulting Company Redgrave Data (LawSites)
Elevate has acquired Redgrave Data, a firm specializing in e-discovery and data analytics. Redgrave Data's CEO Mollie Nichols and her team will join Elevate's management. This move aims to boost both companies' legal technology offerings.
Qura, an AI-driven legal research platform, raised €2.1 million in funding led by Cherry Ventures. The platform aims to streamline legal research by reducing time and expanding access to materials. With Sophia Bendz joining the board, Qura plans to enhance its technology and data collection.
Danish law firm IUNO has chosen NetDocuments’ ndMAX platform to boost its AI and document automation efforts. This initiative aims to streamline workflows, enhance lawyer experiences, and improve client service. Element Technologies LLC, a certified NetDocuments Diamond partner, will oversee the implementation.
France’s DiliTrust Buys doeLEGAL For US Expansion (Artificial Lawyer)
Paris-based DiliTrust has acquired Delaware-based doeLEGAL, expanding its US presence. This acquisition enhances DiliTrust's capabilities in entity management, matter management, e-billing, and e-discovery, using AI for efficiency. The move reflects ongoing consolidation in the legal tech sector, helping in-house legal teams do more with less.
Elevate’s Liam Brown on the Redgrave Deal: ‘A World-Class Team’ (Artificial Lawyer)
Elevate has acquired Redgrave Data to strengthen its eDiscovery and AI capabilities. This acquisition supports Elevate's strategy to expand its consulting and software services. Redgrave Data's expertise will enhance Elevate's legal data analysis and AI offerings.
Karnov Group Launches KAILA GenAI Legal Research Assistant (Artificial Lawyer)
The Karnov Group has introduced KAILA, an AI legal assistant, to streamline legal research and document generation. KAILA helps with comparing legal provisions, preparing arguments, generating texts, and summarizing documents. This innovation enhances legal workflows and saves time on various tasks.
DiliTrust, a Paris-based corporate governance software provider, has acquired U.S.-based doeLEGAL to enhance its product offerings and enter the U.S. market. The acquisition adds an office in Wilmington, Del., and increases DiliTrust's workforce to over 300 employees. Both companies aim to streamline legal operations and improve efficiency through innovative technology and AI.
LexLab at UC Law San Francisco has launched its second justice tech startup accelerator to improve access to justice. The 10-week program features eight startups and culminates in a Demo Day on Nov. 19. Additionally, law students will develop their own justice tech ideas, with three teams participating in the Demo Day.
Wolters Kluwer has introduced generative AI to its legal research platform, VitalLaw. The new VitalLaw AI features include first draft creation, compliance checklists, and editor-reviewed answers. It offers AI-driven insights and document summarization across 25 practice areas to enhance productivity.
BigHand partners with Infodash as part of wider strategic partnership push (Legal IT Insider)
BigHand has teamed up with Infodash to integrate business intelligence data into law firms' intranets. This partnership aims to improve data accessibility and customer satisfaction. The initiative supports BigHand's strategy to build a strong, customer-focused legal ecosystem.
Infodash Partners with BigHand for Better Business Intelligence (Artificial Lawyer)
Infodash and BigHand are integrating their legal tech solutions to provide real-time financial metrics and data insights on one platform. This partnership aims to help law firms optimize performance and improve decision-making. Executives from both companies highlight the value and seamless experience for clients.
Wolters Kluwer’s New ‘VitalLaw AI’ Offers GenAI Skills (Artificial Lawyer)
Wolters Kluwer has introduced generative AI features to its legal research platform, VitalLaw. The platform now provides AI-generated answers, summaries, and compliance checklists, with human editors ensuring accuracy. This update positions Wolters Kluwer alongside competitors like Thomson Reuters and LexisNexis in the AI-driven legal research market.
Wolters Kluwer has introduced generative AI features to its VitalLaw legal research platform. These enhancements improve document summarization, chat interactions, and drafting capabilities, while ensuring data security. Future updates will include document-upload features and predictive horizon scanning to further assist legal professionals.
ClearPeople has teamed up with L-IME to introduce its Atlas knowledge platform in the Benelux region. L-IME will deploy Atlas to boost collaboration and productivity in legal and professional services. This partnership seeks to provide comprehensive solutions by combining advanced technology with streamlined workflows.
Clio announced the winners of the 2024 Integration Awards, highlighting innovative legal technology apps. Tempello, Proof, and Case Status won in the categories of Best New App, Best Practice of Law App, and Best Business of Law App, respectively. Winners will be celebrated at the Clio Cloud Conference in Austin, gaining growth and visibility opportunities.
ProSearch uses Relativity aiR for Review to improve document review efficiency for legal clients. The AI tool helps identify key documents, streamline reviews, and cut costs. ProSearch has reported significant success and positive results with this technology.
Infodash and BigHand have teamed up to merge financial metrics with legal intranet solutions for law firms. This partnership enhances financial awareness and client transparency by integrating structured and unstructured data. The collaboration aims to deliver real-time insights, improving productivity and operational efficiency for law firm employees.
