Welcome to this week’s edition of The Weekly Briefing!
This week, we’re looking at why the world’s biggest law firm is reportedly spending $500 million building its own AI platform instead of buying one off the shelf, and what HF’s decision to take on part of Rosling King’s team tells us about how law firms grow, compete and respond to financial pressure.
Let’s get into it.
Kirkland is investing $500 million into their own Ai
Most law firms are partnering with AI companies. Freshfields has recently partnered with Anthropic to develop its own Legal AI. Many firms use tools such as Harvey and Legora. Kirkland & Ellis appears to be taking a different approach.
The firm is reportedly planning to spend around $500 million developing its own AI platform in-house rather than relying on third-party providers.
The legal industry is still searching for its “Apple of legal AI.” A platform that becomes the industry standard. Kirkland appears to believe that owning the technology could be more valuable than simply using it.
The long-term opportunity may extend beyond improving lawyer productivity. Reports suggest the firm could eventually license its technology to other law firms and in-house legal teams, creating an entirely new revenue stream.
Future lawyers should care because this could influence how firms train junior lawyers and deliver legal services. For decades, elite firms competed by hiring the best lawyers. In the future, they may also compete by building the best technology.
HF Takes On Part Of Rosling King’s Team
Private equity-backed law firm HF has hired around 40 lawyers from Rosling King following the London firm's administration.
Rosling King said it had come under significant creditor pressure, despite owing substantial unpaid fees. Following the appointment of administrators, HF agreed to take on the firm’s legal team, allowing clients to continue working with the same lawyers and preserving jobs.
The move comes shortly after HF announced plans to acquire healthcare specialist Hempsons, continuing the firm's period of rapid expansion.
It shows how periods of difficulty for one business can create opportunities for another. While Rosling King was entering administration, HF strengthened its London presence and added expertise in areas such as dispute resolution, insolvency, and real estate.
Future lawyers should care because understanding how firms grow, manage cash flow and respond to market opportunities is becoming an increasingly important part of understanding the legal industry.