Strategic partnership looks to drive digital transformation in the legal sector

Legal tech specialist SYKE which is based in Leeds has partnered with the London-based LOD.

LOD, the original alternative legal services provider states it has invested in SYKE to support the further growth and development of the business.

Launched in 2016, SYKE is one of the world’s fastest growing independent legal tech firms, helping legal teams choose, buy and implement legal technology. It employs more than 90 lawyers and former lawyers, each one a specialist in legal tech engineering. In addition to its Yorkshire operations the firm also has teams operating in Europe, APAC and the USA.

Alistair Maiden, SYKE’s founder and CEO, said: “SYKE and LOD have a shared view of the market for alternative legal services, its potential and direction of travel. The legal industry is grappling simultaneously with how to move to a digital future and how to resource their teams in a smarter way. Both these issues overlap in multiple ways. Our new partnership means that we are uniquely placed to combine our skills in digital technology with legal talent. By doing so, we will offer clients holistic and cost-effective solutions, which will continue to challenge the traditional legal model.”

Simon Harper, LOD’s co-founder, added: “SYKE’s exceptional team, brand and leading-edge knowledge makes it a strong strategic and cultural fit with LOD. Together, we can develop new client services, which will underpin accelerated growth in new and existing service lines and geographies. The partnership will not only reflect our clients’ increasing interest in digital transformation but will also enhance our managed services by leveraging SYKE’s best in class legal tech experience.”

Following the deal, SYKE will remain a separate brand and corporate entity, under the leadership of Maiden and COO Lewis Bretts.

SYKE’s legal advisors were Gordons (Jonathan Asquez, Lucy Leyland and Andrew Moore), with corporate finance advice coming from Murray Harcourt (Richard Bright, Neil Sengupta and Richard Munoz).