Global firm claims industry first with tech firm acquisition

Global firm claims industry first with tech firm acquisition

Simmons & Simmons has acquired the world’s first regulated legal engineering firm.

The newly acquired Wavelength will introduce new ways of delivering smarter solutions for clients that draw on a diverse blend of legal, data, design and engineering skills from in, and outside, the legal profession.

“The potential to deploy data science, technology and design to reimagine the delivery of legal services is huge. We are extremely proud that Wavelength has led the way with our outstanding legal engineering business,” said Peter Lee, co-founder and CEO of Wavelength.

Simmons’ managing partner Jeremy Hoyland says the firm’s clients will gain a clear advantage from the capabilities of Wavelength and says it shows the firm’s commitment to delivering smarter solutions for clients and driving change for the better in the legal market.

Ince gets right to the heart of the insurance industry

The insurance practice of global firm Ince is moving one of its key offices into the iconic Lloyds of London building.

The move puts the practice’s partners, consultants, associates, and trainees right in the heart of the insurance market and the office space selected will enable the practice to grow.

The team will continue to be supported by the firm’s international offices and the broader Ince team in London who will continue to operate from the firm’s Aldgate Tower location. 

‘Put law first’ Law Society urges new British PM

Britain has a new prime minster and while Brexit is his key priority, the Law Society of England & Wales says there are other urgent matters too.

The society says that Boris Johnson must ensure that the criminal justice system is at the heart of his administration’s priorities. It says that matters such as a shortage of duty solicitors and cuts to legal aid are among those that need addressing.

“If you want justice you have to invest – decades of cuts to this fundamental part of our country’s infrastructure mean the whole system is crumbling,” Law Society of England and Wales president Simon Davis said.

And the society is also warning of the dangers of a no-deal Brexit, something the new PM says it firmly on the table.

“Unless alternative arrangements are agreed after Brexit, UK lawyers and law firms will fall back to operating under 31 different national regulatory systems across the EU and EFTA,” said Davis, adding that people and businesses operate across borders, so access to cross-border justice must also be maintained.