Key facts
- 25% of top UK and US law firms have based their global senior AI hires in London.
- New York has 10% of global senior AI hires from top law firms.
- 36% of senior AI hires in the UK are qualified lawyers, compared to 33% in the US.
- 96% of top US law firms have a senior AI hire, versus 76% in the UK.
- The UK has 315 legaltech and AI businesses, making up 44% of European legal tech startups.
- Over 790 legal technology companies operate in the UK, with 61% based in London.
London is positioning itself as the 'global capital of legal AI,' aiming to secure a leading role in the sector despite intense competition from the US. Data from Search Acumen reveals that 25% of top UK and US law firms have based their senior AI hires in London, significantly outperforming New York's 10%. The UK also leads in the proportion of qualified lawyers holding these senior AI positions, with 36% compared to 33% in the US.
While US law firms are more likely to have senior AI hires overall (96% compared to 76% in the UK), London's strategic advantage is bolstered by its strong legal sector and the power of English law. The UK is home to 315 legaltech and AI businesses, representing 44% of European startups in the field, with 61% of the over 790 active legal technology companies headquartered in London. The UK's AI sector has attracted £8.3 billion in investment, establishing London as a premier European tech hub.
Andrew Lloyd, managing director at Search Acumen, stated that London's position as a global legal center is secure, despite concerns about AI's disruptive potential. He added that the UK's easily accessible market and high-level expertise should foster continued growth in law and tech, benefiting London. Supporting this growth is a priority for city leaders and policymakers.