Riverview Law's 'Kim' to unleash virtual assistants on legal sector

Riverview Law has unveiled 'Kim', the company's latest technology comprising virtual assistants that aims to improve the efficiency of in-house legal teams' work.

Launching in 2016, Knowledge, Intelligence, Meaning, or Kim, will combine CliXLEX, which Riverview acquired in August, with the output from its research and development unit, and other technologies the company has invested in.

The latest development builds on Riverview's partnership with the University of Liverpool to maximise its artificial intelligence (AI) expertise.

Karl Chapman, chief executive of the fixed-price commercial law brand, commented: 'Because the Kim technology is applicable to all sectors, we are running this subsidiary as if it is a stand-alone business.

'In this context Riverview Law licenses the Kim technology on an arms-length basis and exploits it in the legal market, which is our domain expertise.'

Kim is already being used outside the legal market. As well as licensing its technology to third parties Kim will eventually launch its own products.

The technology will be able to take on a multitude of tasks for lawyers, combining the company's legal expertise with automation and expert systems.

The virtual assistants are aimed at all businesses that have an in-house function and will be available globally, including to other law firms.

Ahead of next year's launch, Chapman said: 'During 2016 we will review the best way in which we can ensure that Kim fulfils its potential, globally, while ensuring that the Riverview Law board remains focused on delivering solutions for the fast changing legal market.'

'We handle thousands of legal matters every year for global corporations, mid-sized and fast-growing businesses,' he added.

'This expertise allows us to productise our knowledge in ways that help in-house functions of all sizes, in all sectors, globally. As a board we are very focused on scaling our business internationally using technology as the entry point into new geographies.'

Matthew Rogers is an editorial assistant at Solicitors Journal matthew.rogers@solicitorsjournal.co.uk | @sportslawmatt