Following a structured evaluation of leading AI platforms led by the Harbottle & Lewis innovation team with a particular focus on enhancing the firm’s document review capabilities, the decision was made to adopt the Legora platform and incorporate it into its working practices.
The partnership became effective as of 17 March 2025.
As part of its commitment to fostering a culture of innovation powered by technology, last year the firm launched its internal Innovation Fund which it uses to uncover and invest in innovative solutions to improve the way it works by streamlining legal and business administrative tasks.
Tony Littner, co-managing partner at Harbottle & Lewis and manager of the Innovation Fund, said:
“The announcement of this partnership is an exciting step forward for the firm as we utilise our Innovation Fund to invest in not only the most sophisticated technology but that which fits best with how we do things and addresses the particular needs of our business. Legora’s AI tool will enhance our offering and help to ensure that we remain ahead of the curve when it comes to using technology to deliver the best possible service to our clients.”
Michael Vasalos, head of innovation at Harbottle & Lewis, said:
“We are delighted to be partnering with Legora and adopting its collaborative AI platform and state-of-the-art data extraction technology. After a rigorous evaluation process during which we assessed a range of products from multiple AI providers, it became clear that Legora’s AI tool is the perfect fit for us and will undoubtedly optimise our current processes. Not only is the product one that will provide great value to us and our clients, but Legora’s deep understanding of the legal industry and impressive recent growth were key factors in our decision to partner with them and we are looking forward to working alongside them in exploring further use cases.”
Max Junestrand, CEO at Legora, commented:
“Harbottle & Lewis stands out as a firm that truly understands innovation, demonstrated by their very structured approach when running us through several accuracy and quality benchmarking exercises against alternative solutions. We believe they are the ideal partner for Legora. Together, we’re redefining what’s possible in legal practice; enhancing collaboration, eliminating inefficiencies and delivering meaningful outcomes for clients. This is the future of law and together we’re leading the way.”
About Legora
Legora (formerly Leya) is the world’s first truly collaborative AI for lawyers. With offices in London and Stockholm, Legora is on a mission to empower exceptional lawyers by unleashing their expertise. The platform is utilised in nearly 20 countries by over 250 clients. Legora collaborates with clients to help them work more efficiently, accurately, and devote more time to complex problem solving and high-impact, strategic work.*
*Company description provided by Legora
Tony advises on a wide range of corporate transactions, including investments and venture capital deals, buying and selling businesses and shareholder arrangements. Tony is widely recognised as one of the leading venture capital lawyers in the UK and is a trusted adviser to entrepreneurial businesses and to the investors in such businesses, with a particular focus on the technology, media and entertainment sectors.
Tony frequently advises emerging companies and the founders behind such companies on their full lifecycle from inception of an idea through to funding rounds, exit and beyond as well as the venture capital funds and investors that invest in such high growth businesses.
Tony is recognised as a "Leading Partner" by The Legal 500 and ranked by Chambers in venture capital work.
Michael leads the innovation department, leveraging a comprehensive legal technology stack to deliver services to clients and create efficiencies for our lawyers. As part of his role in the firm’s Innovation Fund steering group, Michael is responsible for delivering the initiatives into which the fund has invested.
With a legal background and significant experience in legal tech and automation roles at international law firms, including the magic circle (Clifford Chance) and professional services firms (Thomson Reuters), Michael brings extensive expertise in identifying process improvement opportunities and delivering technology-driven business transformation projects.
Michael has studied law and holds an LLM. in international shipping law from QMUL.