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Small firms, big tech

05 September 2025 / Robert Taylor
Issue: 8129 / Categories: Features , Profession , Artificial intelligence , Legal services , Technology
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Access to AI risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms. Robert Taylor sets out the tools they need—& how to find them
  • SME law firms need AI tools that are simple, affordable, cloud-based, and focused on practical contract review.
  • AI should support, not replace, solicitor judgment, with built-in regulatory safeguards.

  • Legal technology has evolved rapidly over the past five years. From contract analytics and document automation to artificial intelligence (AI)-driven decision support tools, these developments have been enthusiastically adopted by large regional, national and international law firms, as well as by alternative legal service providers.

    However, as innovation has accelerated, so too has a growing disparity in access. Many small and high-street firms remain unable to engage with these tools, held back by barriers including cost, system complexity and limited internal technical resource. This technological divide is not merely inconvenient; it risks entrenching long-term disadvantage for firms already operating under economic pressure.

    Without access to affordable and efficient AI tools, smaller firms may find themselves offering slower

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    MOVERS & SHAKERS

    HFW—Guy Marrison

    HFW—Guy Marrison

    Global aviation disputes practice boosted by London partner hire

    Morrison Foerster—Jenny Galloway & Luke Rowland

    Morrison Foerster—Jenny Galloway & Luke Rowland

    Firm grows London practice with two partner promotions

    Hogan Lovells—David Hansom

    Hogan Lovells—David Hansom

    Government contracts and procurement practice expands with London partner hire

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    Solicitors received a new year’s boost this month with the announcement of an uplift to the guideline hourly rates
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