BigLaw Firm Cleary Gottlieb Acquires AI Legal Tech Company Springbok AI
March 18, 2025, 1:02 pm CDT
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
In an uncommon strategic move within the legal industry, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has announced its acquisition of London-based Springbok AI, a company specializing in legal technology and generative artificial intelligence.
Strategic Focus on AI Integration
Michael Gerstenzang, managing partner at Cleary Gottlieb, emphasized the firm’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence and data analytics to enhance client services. He stated, “Cleary’s innovation strategy is focused on the integration of AI and data analytics into our workflows, as a means to elevate our delivery of legal services to clients.” This acquisition is seen as a pivotal step towards creating bespoke AI-driven solutions that differentiate Cleary from its competitors.
About Springbok AI
Founded in 2017, Springbok AI has developed a proprietary platform known as SpringLaw, which aims to optimize the legal workflow through advanced AI technologies. The acquisition brings not only the platform but also the expertise of co-founder and CEO Victoria Albrecht, along with ten data scientists and engineers, to the firm’s specialized AI Acceleration team.
Forward-Thinking Approach
Victoria Albrecht noted the firm’s proactive attitude toward AI technology, remarking, “While others waited to see how AI would reshape legal workflows, Cleary stood out to me as a firm that acts. The firm shares our core vision that AI technology isn’t just a tool but a fundamental shift in how premium legal services will be delivered: faster, smarter and more transparently.”
Industry Perspectives
Experts in the legal technology field consider such acquisitions rare. Joe Borstein, co-founder of the legal tech accelerator LexFusion, remarked on the uniqueness of this move, stating, “It’s extremely rare for firms to acquire legal tech companies.” He also highlighted that many firms lack a clear vision for integrating advanced technologies into their practices.
A Look Ahead
This acquisition follows Cleary’s previous initiative, the launch of ClearyX in 2022, designed to offer tech-enhanced legal services tailored to client needs. By incorporating Springbok AI’s innovations, the firm aims to enhance its existing e-discovery and litigation technology, further solidifying its dedication to technological advancement in legal practice.
For more details on Cleary Gottlieb’s acquisition of Springbok AI and its potential impact on the legal landscape, refer to the coverage by Reuters and Bloomberg Law.
