Originally operated by Tech Nation, the LawtechUK programme supports the UK’s growth of lawtech and innovation in the delivery of legal services.

From April, CodeBase and Legal Geek will be responsible for driving forward and building on the work of the Lawtech Delivery Panel — an industry-led body designed to promote and champion the use of technology in the UK’s legal sector, which the MoJ sees as vital.

Through this grant, CodeBase and Legal Geek will deliver a programme of activities showcasing the UK as a leading location for lawtech innovation.

The consortium will seek to grow the lawtech community across the UK, raise the quality of startups, increase private investment, facilitate the exchange of information between service providers and lawtech businesses, and generate industry-level views that shape the UK’s lawtech agenda.

On the announcement, Justice Minister Mike Freer said: “The UK is a world leader in delivering legal services and expertise, and our ongoing investment in new technologies will make sure we are continuing to lead the way in advances and new ways of working.

“CodeBase and Legal Geek bring a wealth of experience and knowledge of LawtechUK that will nurture new, cutting-edge innovation in the UK.”

CodeBase, which opened its doors in 2014 and is headquartered in Edinburgh, is a tech ecosystem support organisation helping to accelerate promising tech innovation across the UK. Thus far, it’s supported over 500 startups and scaleups.

CodeBase’s CEO, Stephen Coleman, OBE, commented: “Together with our delivery partners Legal Geek, who are renowned for delivering top-tier legal events, we are eager to push the boundaries of innovation and transformation in the legal industry.

“We truly believe that LawtechUK will have a significant impact on the future of the legal sector, and we feel privileged to be leading the charge in this endeavour.”

Legal Geek is a global community of legal professionals and lawtech enthusiasts dedicated to promoting innovation and technology in the legal industry, hosting events, conferences, and initiatives internationally.

Beth Fellner, Legal Geek Director, said: “We will be working in partnership with CodeBase to deliver a transformational programme of activity that will engage, inspire and educate.

“Legal Geek will ensure LawtechUK develops the legal sector nationwide, equipping organisations of all sizes with the culture, expertise and confidence to innovate.”

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Today’s news comes off the back of a series of recent wins for CodeBase, including supporting Barclays Eagle Labs as delivery partner for the £12 million Digital Growth Grant from April 2023. Further, in July 2022, CodeBase was awarded a contract worth up to £42 million to establish seven new tech scaler hubs across Scotland, as part of the Scottish Government’s Techscaler programme.

Previously, CodeBase launched the Lawtech Bridge programme in partnership with Barclays Ventures in 2019. The programme was designed to break down the barriers between law firms and startups, and provide a forum to discuss the technological advances and innovation needed to futureproof law in Scotland’s economy.