NewLaw firms named among LinkedIn top start-ups

LegalVision and lexvoco have secured spots in the yearly list of top start-ups picked by global professional social network LinkedIn.

The LinkedIn Top Startups 2018 Australia list tracks young companies that are reaching “escape velocity,” LinkedIn’s Nicolette Logue said. The Microsoft division said it based the list its data on employee growth, job-seeker interest, company-employee professional engagement, and how well the start-up recruited talent from organisations on the LinkedIn Top Companies list.

“Entrepreneurs start with an idea and a belief that their vision can have a massive impact. It doesn’t always work out that way. But when it does, the effect can be world-changing: A breakthrough startup can scramble industries, alter how we work or live, and shift talent flows around the world,” Logue wrote. “It’s no wonder that we tend to follow the fortunes of these founders and those who choose to follow them so carefully.”

LegalVision clinched the 19th spot in the 25-member list. LinkedIn said that the NewLaw firm has attracted $9m in venture capital funding from top-tier firms, including Gilbert + Tobin. It also highlighted how the virtual law firm requires staff to spend a day a month to produce advice, tips, and insight on its site to make legal information accessible to all.

LegalVision said that it recently hired its 100th employee, expanded to Melbourne and Brisbane, and launched tax and immigration practices.

“Featuring on the 2018 LinkedIn Top Startups List is a testament to the team's drive to transform legal services in Australia and beyond,” said Lachlan McKnight, LegalVision CEO. “We're proud to champion flexible work arrangements that encourage team members to pursue their passions alongside their career. We currently have team members training to participate in the Tokyo Olympics, volunteering as radio broadcasters and living abroad to learn a language.”

“We're fortunate that our culture attracts and engages talent from different backgrounds — from lawyers to developers and marketers — who work together to create the best experience for our clients,” he said.

At 23rd on the list is lexvoco. LinkedIn noted the firm’s lack of a dress code, set office hours, or billable-hour targets. It was also recognised for women being six of its 11 principals and being 55% of the overall staff. LinkedIn also took note of the firm’s organisational value of “no jerks” and being a go-to place for “lawyers who previously loved law, but didn’t like being a lawyer.”

The NewLaw firm, which had 105% year-on-year top-line growth last fiscal year, hired 40 lawyers last year and plans another 50 in the coming year, LinkedIn said. The firm launched in Western Australia this week.