An artificial intelligence platform has purchased an existing law firm, in a transaction reported by the Law Society Gazette, as the legal profession continues to embrace new technology.

The acquisition sees an AI legal platform take ownership of an established practice, rather than building a legal service from scratch. This structure allows the technology company to operate within the existing regulatory framework for law firms, using a firm that already holds authorisation from the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

The deal reflects a broader pattern across the legal sector. Law firms and technology companies are increasingly pairing AI tools with conventional legal services, and the acquisition route offers one path for technology businesses seeking to deliver legal services directly to clients.

For practitioners, the transaction signals that AI platforms are no longer limited to supplying software to law firms. Some are moving into the ownership of legal practices themselves. Firms may face new competitive pressure from technology-backed providers, while regulators will continue to supervise acquired firms under existing professional conduct rules.

The development comes as the legal profession continues to adopt new technology across areas including document review, research and client services.