New report finds Leeds continues to strengthen its position as a leader in Legal Innovation - as city prepares to host largest LegalTech event outside London for fourth consecutive year.

The ‘LegalTech in Leeds’ initiative, coordinated by Whitecap Consulting and supported by a wide range of regional stakeholders, has published its annual report in advance of the largest LegalTech conference outside London, which has been held annually since LegalTech in Leeds was launched in 2022.

Over this period of time, LegalTech in Leeds has developed a thriving event-based community that brings together the legal and technology sectors across Leeds and beyond, with the aim of encouraging and facilitating collaboration and accelerating the digital transformation of the legal sector.

The region is currently home to some of the UK’s most prominent law firms - with 36% of the country’s top 25 firms operating in the area - generating a combined revenue of £3.1 billion.

Julian Wells, Director at Whitecap Consulting

placeholder image — Julian Wells, Director at Whitecap Consulting

The newly published report, created by Whitecap Consulting, reveals data and insights including:

There has been a 50% increase in LegalTech firms across the region from 2023 to 2024.
The LegalTech sector in Leeds is expected to create over 1,800 new jobs by 2025.
LegalTech in Leeds has now hosted over 60 events, attracting more than 4,000 attendees from the legal and technology sectors.
LegalTech in Leeds is set to host the fourth annual LegalTech in Leeds Conference - the largest LegalTech event outside of London - which last year attracted over 400 sign-ups.
LegalTech in Leeds has established strategic relationships with all 5 of the law schools in Leeds city centre.
LegalTech in Leeds events achieved almost 50:50 male:female representation across speakers and sign-ups in 2024.
LegalTech in Leeds is supported by 23 sponsors/partners, spanning law firms, tech providers, universities, and public sector bodies.

Ed Whiting OBE, Chief Executive, Leeds City Council said: “A vibrant, dynamic engine of UK growth, Leeds is home to one of the largest centres for financial, legal and professional services outside London… LegalTech in Leeds provides a blueprint for how successful cross-sector collaboration can create the opportunities, jobs, and industries of the future.

"Through our shared vision, we have fostered a thriving, open, and inclusive community across Leeds and the wider region, and we look forward to building on this success in the years to come. We offer our thanks to Julian, Chloe and the Whitecap team for their great work building the ‘Legal Tech in Leeds’ community.

"I am incredibly excited to join Leeds City Council at such a pivotal time. The energy and ambition within this city are clear to see, and the LegalTech sector is a prime example of this. This report highlights the remarkable achievements of our collaborative approach and underscores Leeds’ position as a leading hub for innovation. I am confident that by continuing to work together we can unlock significant long-term growth potential for the city, and I am keen to listen and work with the firms and people who will make that happen.”

Julian Wells, Director at Whitecap Consulting, said: “I’m proud of the role LegalTech in Leeds has played in helping the region cement its reputation as a hub of legal and technological advancement, whilst also playing its part in the UK’s growing and increasingly prominent LegalTech sector. The success of LegalTech in Leeds has been driven by our commitment to collaboration within the region, and we’ve also built a growing network of national partners, including LawtechUK, the Ministry of Justice, and the Department for Business & Trade.

"We believe this ongoing work is helping accelerate awareness and adoption of digital solutions in the legal sector while creating opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs to engage with established firms.”

Beth Fellner, Director, LawtechUK said: “I would like to congratulate LegalTech in Leeds. This report showcases how lawtechs are increasingly built and funded outside of London. We are excited to support and follow the innovation driven by Leeds and other regional hubs. As generative AI changes the face of law, tech, and work, it is inspiring to see so many intelligent and caring professionals pour their ideas into this field.

"Reports like this help track and understand our growth and trajectory over the next one, five, and 10 years. To get an idea of what lawtech will look like, first, you must understand where we are now - this report is a great place to start.”

The LegalTech in Leeds Conference 2025, set to take place on April 24 at Cloth Hall Court in Leeds city centre, will be a landmark event. With a theme of “People & Technology”, this year’s conference will explore the human side of LegalTech - examining how individuals and organisations can harness digital tools to create more efficient, accessible, and forward-thinking legal services.

The conference presents an opportunity for professionals across the legal and tech industries to come together, exchange ideas and shape the future of LegalTech. For those eager to be part of this transformative movement, registration is now open: https://www.legaltechinleeds.com/events/legaltech-in-leeds-conference-2025