And there’s more legaltech news from Australia today (20 May) as four legal technology vendors join the brand new LawTech hub launched by Lander & Roger and YBF Ventures in Melbourne, which is intended to provide growth opportunities for startups and scaleup companies.
After what is described as a “robust application process”, the first startups to join the hub are Anika Legal, TA Law, and Mitimes, and scaleup Josef, which works with firms such as Herbert Smith Freehills and recently received $1m in investment.
Speaking at the formal opening of the LawTech Hub, Parliamentary Secretary for Jobs, the Hon. Jane Garrett said, “It is incredibly impressive to see Lander & Rogers and YBF Ventures put their passion and drive towards creating a centre of excellence for transforming the way that lawyers can do their work.
“With educated and compassionate people from the law collaborating with smart, energised technology experts, they can create a better experience and outcome for the people who critically rely on the law.”
Genevieve Collins, chief executive partner at Lander & Rogers, said, “Clients are expecting more from their legal advisers and the industry has to respond. Lander & Rogers has chosen to look outwards and embrace technology, and our LawTech Hub is an important part of our response.”
The next intake of startups will join the LawTech Hub in September 2019. Potential applicants can find more information at lawtechhub.landers.com.au.
Here’s a bit more about those companies:
TA Law aims to make the legal system more efficient by giving barristers the ability to receive electronic briefings. [Founded in 1984, we’re a tiny bit confused as to why it’s in here, Ed]
Mitimes is creating technology that captures lawyer activity, automating their timesheet for accurate hands-off timekeeping. Founded in 2011.
Josef is a platform where lawyers can build their own legal bots — using the bots, they can automate parts of their day-to-day work including drafting documents, lawyer-client conversations, and provide legal guidance and advice. Founded in 2017.
Conceived at the Global Legal Hackathon, Anika Legal is building a platform that will provide free legal advice as well as give law students the opportunity to gain practical experience. Last year it secured government funding of $199,795. One of the co-founders is Tessa Ramanlal, a solicitor at Herbert Smith Freehills.