Four legal technology creators have joined Australia’s first lawtech hub of its kind, starting a growing community that will boost this emerging sector and improve the experience of those requiring legal expertise.
Speaking at the formal opening of the LawTech Hub, The Hon. Jane Garrett, Parliamentary Secretary for Jobs, said, "It is incredibly impressive to see Lander & Rogers and YBF Ventures put their passion and drive towards creating a centre of excellence for transforming the way that lawyers can do their work.
"With educated and compassionate people from the law collaborating with smart, energised technology experts, they can create a better experience and outcome for the people who critically rely on the law”, she added.
The LawTech Hub by Lander & Rogers, powered by YBF Ventures in Melbourne, is an immersion opportunity for mature startups and scaleups looking to collaborate, grow their companies rapidly, and be part of the up-and-coming legal technology community in Australia. After a robust application process, the first startups to join the LawTech Hub are Anika Legal, TA Law, and Mitimes, and scaleup Josef.
TA Law aims to make the legal system more efficient by giving barristers the ability to receive electronic briefings. Mitimes is creating technology that captures lawyer activity, automating their timesheet for accurate hands-off timekeeping. Josef is a platform where lawyers can build their own legal bots — using the bots, they can automate parts of their day-to-day work including drafting documents, lawyer-client conversations, and provide legal guidance and advice. Anika Legal is a registered charity and is building a platform that will provide free legal advice as well as give law students the opportunity to gain practical experience.
Genevieve Collins, Chief Executive Partner at Lander & Rogers, said, "Clients are expecting more from their legal advisers and the industry has to respond. Lander & Rogers has chosen to look outwards and embrace technology, and our LawTech Hub is an important part of our response.
"Through the LawTech Hub, Lander & Rogers can learn from the vibrant and engaged startup community, and we can bring extensive legal experience and expertise to the table — I believe this is a powerful combination for both our firm's people, our clients, and our lawtech partners".
YBF Ventures' Chief Executive Officer, Farley Blackman, said, "Being part of Melbourne’s top startup hub for technology and innovation, the LawTech Hub joins a mix of federal and state government-backed hubs within YBF, as well as an impressive group of corporate partners. The entire YBF Ventures team is thrilled to welcome Anika Legal, TA Law, Mitimes, and Josef into our already thriving community. Alongside Lander & Rogers, we’ll be on hand to ensure that they have the support to grow their businesses”.
The next intake of startups will join the LawTech Hub in September 2019. Potential applicants can find more information here.
