In a significant development for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a prominent national law firm has unveiled a pioneering legal platform that offers comprehensive support solutions.
The newly introduced platform, available from this week, marks a unique offering in the legal landscape by combining document generation, training, a knowledge bank, and legal advice specifically geared towards SMEs, tech companies, and start-ups. “My Digital Lawyer” (MDL), as it is known, was initially released to clients in July and is now accessible to any business for an annual subscription fee of £1,500 per user.
Claire Knowles, the managing partner at Acuity Law, highlighted that while other firms provide templates for document creation, MDL offers unmatched 360-degree digital support, integrating lawyer-led wraparound in-person services. The idea for this platform arose from a burgeoning client demand for immediate access to legal documents and comprehensive legal support.
Over the past few years, the increasing role of technology in legal services has prompted Acuity Law to enhance client access to instant legal support. This strategic move also aims to unify various departmental functions under a single platform to streamline services for clients.
MDL’s features include an ‘Academy’ for legal training, ‘Document Assist’ for creating self-generated legal documents, an ‘Insights’ section for updates on law changes, and a ‘Knowledge Bank’ offering guidance on existing legislation. Subscribers additionally receive four ‘legal credits’, with each credit representing an hour of advice from Acuity’s legal experts.
This platform was developed internally by a dedicated team including three software developers, an operations director, marketing specialists, and the firm’s lawyers, underscoring Acuity’s commitment to technological investment and efficiency. Ms Knowles emphasised that their aim extends beyond mere legal advice to include business-to-business solutions that truly benefit clients.
Acuity Law, headquartered in Cardiff, maintains approximately 120 staff members and 45 consulting lawyers, with offices located across Swansea, London, Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham, and Bristol. These office hubs are designed to provide workplace flexibility, allowing lawyers to operate without the need for a fixed office presence throughout the week.
The firm’s growth strategy involves potential acquisitions, as illustrated by its purchase of the specialist dental law firm Goodman Grant in December 2022. Ms Knowles expressed a forward-thinking approach by embracing technology, recognising its potential to enhance service effectiveness for clients.
Acuity’s Chairman, Steve Berry, affirmed the firm’s dedication to innovation within legal services, promising further developments in tools and services for the platform’s subscribers in the future.
The launch of My Digital Lawyer signals a transformative approach in providing legal services to SMEs, highlighting Acuity Law’s commitment to leveraging technology for client benefit and service advancement.
