The role of artificial intelligence in everyday legal practice advanced this week with two significant developments:
1. Lawhive’s Acquisition of Woodstock Legal Services
AI platform Lawhive acquired Woodstock Legal Services, a consultancy-model firm with more than 50 consultant lawyers, after raising £43m in funding.
Marking the first acquisition of a traditional law firm by an AI platform, integrating human expertise with AI to modernise service delivery.
The combined entity will focus on conveyancing, aiming to reduce manual paperwork and document chasing.
Lawhive’s AI system, “Lawrence,” can draft documents, conduct research, and manage routine tasks typically handled by junior lawyers or paralegals. Lawrence reportedly achieved an 81% score on the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (well above the 55% pass rate).
CEO Pierre Proner emphasised that lawyers Will work with AI rather than having technology imposed on them, describing the model as a vertically integrated firm where AI and lawyers collaborate for better client outcomes.
Woodstock will retain its brand, and Lawrence will support its lawyers in transactional work such as conveyancing and litigation.
2. Launch of Grapple Law – an AI-only Law Firm
Developers unveiled Grapple Law, which they claim is the UK’s first AI-only consumer law firm.
Operating outside of regulation, Grapple Law will handle claims against employers, insurers, and airlines, offering services for as little as £20 per month.
Unlike basic chatbots, Grapple Law sends correspondence under law firm branding and automates the litigation process—from emailing corporations to drafting court claims—without human lawyer involvement.
The model promises cheaper and faster outcomes than traditional firms.
Source: Law Society Gazette
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