Britain looks to Singapore's legal tech

British lawtech is poised for significant international growth following Courts Minister Sarah Sackman's recent visit to Singapore, where she attended the renowned TechLaw.Fest. This premier lawtech conference allowed the Minister to engage with over 2,000 leaders in law, business, and technology from more than 30 countries. During her discussions, Sackman emphasised the UK's legal services sector contributing a remarkable £43.2 billion to the economy each year.

The Minister's mission was to position Britain as the preferred destination for legal services and innovation while urging global firms to invest in the UK's burgeoning lawtech industry. Highlighting the collaboration between trusted legal frameworks and cutting-edge technology, she noted that such synergy could drive economic growth and nurture high-skilled jobs across the nation.

While in Singapore, Sackman interacted with LawNet Technology Services, who shared insight on their AI-powered legal assistant. Currently, around 75 per cent of Singaporean lawyers utilise this technology, demonstrating its significant role in enhancing productivity and competitiveness in the legal field. This showcases how innovation can support sectors in adapting to the demands of an increasingly global market.

In alignment with these initiatives, the UK Government has launched the AI Legal Growth Labs, a progressive testing space aimed at enabling law and technology innovators. These Labs facilitate the safe trial of new technologies, streamline regulation navigation, and accelerate the market launch of innovative products. The combination of AI-driven tech and essential human oversight aims to alleviate bureaucratic burdens, optimise court operations, and expedite the justice process—without compromising the vital human judgment that underpins the legal system.

Sackman stated that "technology is transforming justice, helping courts work faster, reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and making services more accessible. I want Britain to be at the forefront of that change, harnessing innovation to deliver a booming legal sector." In her vision, "by backing British lawtech, we can unlock billions in growth, attract international investment and secure our country’s competitive edge for years to come."

Amid these advancements, the Government plans to maintain the supremacy of English law on the global stage, culminating in the Global Business and Law Summit planned for December 2026 in London. This event aims to bring together international business and legal leaders to advocate for English law as a fundamental driver of global commerce and a catalyst for economic growth in the UK.