Millions invested to boost UK’s position as global leader in lawtech

The Ministry of Justice-backed initiative supports start-ups developing cutting-edge legal tech: speeding up services, driving down costs and making justice more accessible. Last year, UK-founded lawtech companies secured a total investment of almost £189 million (up 35% from 2024).

Sarah Sackman KC, Minister for Courts and Legal Services, said: “The UK isn’t just keeping pace with the global legal tech revolution. We’re leading it. With 44% of all European lawtech start-ups calling the UK ‘home’, they know Britain is where innovation happens.”

Sackman added: “We have no intention of slowing down, which is why we’re investing £4.5 million to keep the UK at the frontier of legal technology.”

The UK’s legal services sector is a hidden super-power of the economy, generating more than £43 billion per annum and employing upwards of 317,000 individuals across the country.

New technology has the potential to unlock greater growth, create jobs and build a more efficient legal sector, thereby directly supporting the Government’s Industrial Strategy.

CodeBase and Legal Geek

CodeBase and Legal Geek will continue to deliver the LawtechUK programme until 31 October this year.

Beth Fellner, director of Legal Geek, explained: “We are delighted that LawtechUK has been extended by the Ministry of Justice, enabling us to continue our work alongside CodeBase to drive digital transformation in the legal sector. We’re hugely proud of the positive impact that the initiative has made on boosting the lawtech sector and progressing diversity and regional growth across the UK.”

Further, Fellner said: “We’ve hosted community events across nine different UK cities so far, and have seen a notable increase in female-founded lawtechs, many of whom successfully raised funds in the second half of 2025.”

In conclusion, Fellner noted: “We’re excited about the next phase of the campaign as we look to further develop a culture of innovation within the legal services sector and grow its vital contribution to the UK’s economy.”

Jon Hope, CEO at CodeBase, said: “We’re delighted to receive this seven-month extension, which allows us to continue working with Legal Geek to maintain the incredible momentum LawtechUK has built over the last three years.”  

Hope continued: “At CodeBase, we operate with a ‘founder first’ mentality and this bridging period ensures we can continue our vital work supporting the pioneers and entrepreneurs in the UK’s legal sector without interruption. By focusing on delivery that reinforces the UK’s reputation as a global leader in digital legal innovation, we are ensuring that the next generation of lawtech founders has the platform needed to scale and succeed.”

Comment from The Law Society

Ian Jeffery, CEO of The Law Society, informed Security Matters: “Generating £60 billion annually, the UK’s legal sector is a world-leading economic powerhouse that provides the necessary stability for other sectors to innovate, invest and grow. With 40% of global business and financial transactions governed by English and Welsh law, we must embrace the new technology landscape in order to remain competitive.”

Jeffery observed: “The Government’s decision to extend the funding for legal technology is vital, but more is needed. While the profession is eager to integrate Artificial Intelligence, significant barriers remain. We urge the Government to provide more support to smaller firms and non-profits through grants, tax incentives and loan schemes.”

In addition, Jeffery said: “Upskilling lawyers across the board is critical to ensure responsible and productive technology adoption. Government-funded courses for the legal sector would be a major step forward in closing the knowledge gap.”

Jeffery concluded by stating: “We look forward to working with the Government to ensure a level playing field. An innovative legal sector is key not only for the profession, but also for the entire UK economy. With the right regulation and support, England and Wales can continue to lead the world as a renowned legal centre.”