An Edinburgh-based technology incubator and a global network of self-styled 'geeks' were today named as winners of the £3m Ministry of Justice  contract to run the next phase of the LawtechUK programme. CodeBase and Legal Geek will replace the original host, Tech Nation, which is to close this month following the withdrawal of government funding. 

Announcing the contracts, which follow a competitive procurement launched last November, justice minister Mike Freer MP said: 'The UK is a world leader in delivering legal services and expertise, and our ongoing investment in new technologies will make sure we are continuing to lead the way in advances and new ways of working. CodeBase and Legal Geek bring a wealth of experience and knowledge of LawtechUK that will nurture new, cutting-edge innovation.’ 

Freer and Shuja

Freer: 'New, cutting-edge innovation'

Source: Michael Cross

LawtechUK was set up in 2019 to help transform the UK legal sector through technology. Its initiatives include a digital 'sandbox' to test innovations in a safe environment and work on online dispute resolution and so-called smart legal contracts. It works alongside the UK Jurisdiction Taskforce to  promote the use of English law to govern innovations such as crypto assets. 

According to the procurement announcement, the new contractors will be expected to: 'Help develop a culture of innovation within the legal services sector; increase understanding of the benefits of lawtech in legal service providers of all sizes; support the development of technology which will increase access to legal services; and help grow the  sector’s economic contribution.'

CodeBase, which opened in Edinburgh in 2014, claims to be the UK's largest tech incubator, with a record of helping hundreds of start-ups grow and scale up. Stephen Coleman, chief executive, said: 'We truly believe that LawtechUK will have a significant impact on the future of the legal sector, and we feel privileged to be leading the charge in this endeavour.'

Legal Geek, founded in 2015, describes itself as a global community of legal professionals and lawtech enthusiasts dedicated to promoting innovation and technology in the legal industry. Rules for its flagship conference include 'Dress comfortably (please, please, no ties)’ and 'Look after your fellow law-gends, you may need their help someday’.

Beth Fellner, director, said: 'We will be working in partnership with CodeBase to deliver a transformational programme of activity that will engage, inspire and educate. Legal Geek will ensure LawtechUK develops the legal sector nationwide, equipping organisations of all sizes with the culture, expertise and confidence to innovate.'

 

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