Digital transformation experts at Aston University have formed a partnership with Birmingham-based commercial law firm Harper James to develop an intelligent legal services platform aimed at reshaping legal services.
The three-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) will see specialists in data science and AI at two Aston University academic centres create new technologies for Harper James, powered by Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). The innovation will draw on the expertise of research teams in AI technologies including natural language processing, federated learning and predictive analytics.
‘The project will apply and extend the latest research on GenAI to develop novel AI models to analyse and learn from legal services data’, the partners said in a statement. ‘The intelligent platform will be capable of tracking and learning from past cases to assist with forecasting the range of outcomes and potential legal procedures involved in future projects’.
Harper James, which specialises in supporting SMEs, will use the system to enable its commercial lawyers to speed up work by automating processes including project scoping, proposals contracting and client onboarding. The KTP will also support the firm’s transition from a traditional billable hour pricing model to a value-based pricing model.
Toby Harper, founder and CEO of Harper James, commented:
“The innovation developed through this project with Aston University is a fundamental pillar that will set us apart from the rest of the legal services sector. It will allow our lawyers to focus on delivering exceptional value to clients, who will receive advice and support faster, more efficiently, and with even greater pricing transparency.”
Professor Abdul Sadka, director of The Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Institute at Aston University, said:
“KTPs like this form a very important part of our contribution to society as academics. By working in partnership, we can extend our specialist knowledge and expertise while being a solution provider to ambitious businesses like Harper James, enabling them to overcome digital challenges faced along their growth and innovation journeys.”
The UK-wide KTP programme, funded by Innovate UK, aims to help business improve competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills. For further information on how to get involved, see www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/guidance-for-applicants/guidance-for-specific-funds/knowledge-transfer-partnership-guidance
