The first US company has been approved to offer legal services in the UK as an alternative business structure.

LegalZoom confirmed today that it is now licensed with the Solicitors Regulation Authority to provide reserved legal activities.

The company is already one of the best-known legal brands in the US. It says it has prepared more than 2 million legal documents such as wills and living trusts online.

It has already announced a partnership with law firm network QualitySolicitors and last month recruited QS founder Craig Holt (pictured) to lead its UK operation.

‘An ABS provides broader freedom in how we work with lawyers, and we expect increasing levels of partnership in the US and the UK.’ said Holt. 

‘By offering innovative legal solutions and a customer-focused experience, LegalZoom hopes to have a meaningful impact on the existing gap in access to legal services and the way legal help is delivered in the UK.’

The UK company’s website is yet to be fully operational and currently has a holding message saying it is ‘adding the finishing touches’ ahead of a full launch.

The company was created 12 years ago by lawyers at leading US firms and is based in Austin, Texas.

European private equity firm Permira announced last year a £122m investment to become its largest shareholder and fund expansion.