Innovation mindset: Astute thinking

As the oldest law firm in operation in the world, we pride ourselves on our long history of evolution and innovation. In fact, our longevity is in part thanks to our ability to adapt and grow through innovative thinking.

An awful lot has changed since we were founded in 1570, but one thing that hasn’t is our determination to find new, pragmatic ways to solve problems for our clients to help them grow and thrive. As we continue to evolve, an innovation mindset remains central to our future.

Here are just are some of the ways we have innovated over the years

• We were one of the first law firms to embrace the use of word processors in 1973
• We developed the one of the first set of legal precedents in 1975, which we later sold to Sweet & Maxwell
• We were one of the first family departments in the South East to offer the ‘one couple, one lawyer’ service
• A partner in our Family team is one of the only mediators in the region qualified to speak to children as part of the mediation process
• Our Head of Probate founded the National Association of Independent Administrators (NAIA) to bring together and encourage best practice in this complex area of law
• We recognise that families today come in all shapes and sizes. We are the only firm locally to have a dedicated hub on our website to support all types of family and recognise that those who fall outside the ‘nuclear’ family set-up may have specific estate planning needs
• Our specially developed digital assets log allows people to accurately record their digital assets as part of their estate planning
• We have long been a pioneer in legal technology and have a 15-year track record as a cloud-first firm
• We handle over 250,000 emails each month and use digital print hubs to ensure rapid document delivery across the UK. Every element of our workflow is optimised for speed, quality, and responsiveness
• Our advanced document management system holds over 25 million securely stored files, instantly searchable and available via a client portal

Embracing AI

• For over eight years, we’ve embraced artificial intelligence and digital tools to streamline processes and enhance client service. Our digital-first approach means less paper, fewer delays, and faster outcome
• All new trainees since 2021 have also undergone an AI session as part of their 10 month Technology Academy, preparing the future leaders of the firm to embrace possibilities
• An external Lexcel review stated that the firm was ‘advanced’ in its AI capability in 2024
• An AI Committee made up of staff from legal and support roles helps contribute to discussions driving enhancements and implementation of the AI Strategy
• The firm employs AI to help clients that have to react to data subject access requests placed upon them (by employees/ customers). These time constrained demands often land on clients with no notice and without AI enabled software can take a huge amount of time and resource to process
• Lease Analysis – AI is used to analyse property leases so that our lawyers can quickly respond to clients. The firm was one of the first in the sector to adopt this new type of technology and has now matured to a second generation of lease analysis tools
• Client onboarding – as part of being a member of a regulated sector every new client has to undergo proof of identity checks. AI was employed to verify a client against their passport details to confirm their identity
• Risk reduction – we have been actively using AI in our daily business since 2017 to analyse some of the 3 million emails we send and receive annually, many containing commercially sensitive or personal information.