Nikki Shaver, co-founder of Legaltech Hub (LTH), is set to depart the company on December 1st to assume the role of Chief AI and Knowledge Officer at Davis Polk & Wardwell. Shaver, along with her husband Chris Ford, established LTH in 2020, transforming it from a simple legal tech directory into a well-respected provider of legal technology insights and analysis. This strategic shift signals a new chapter for LTH as Jeroen Plink, an investor in LTH since 2022, steps into the CEO position.
Plink’s experience as a legal tech entrepreneur and investor, notably as a former CEO at Practical Law Company US during its acquisition by Thomson Reuters, uniquely positions him to guide LTH forward. He continues to maintain influence in the sector, serving on the boards of companies like Verbit, Definely, and Cognia.
Baretz+Brunelle has entered into a strategic partnership with LTH, anticipating a synergistic growth phase for both firms. As a legal industry growth advisory, Baretz+Brunelle and its innovation arm, LexFusion, aim to leverage their client base and expertise to enhance LTH’s offerings while maintaining its independence. Spencer Baretz, co-founder of B+B, highlighted the collaboration’s focus on providing unparalleled insights and analysis in legal tech. The partnership will empower LTH clients with unique products shaped by Borstein and Shenkman’s market experiences.
The decision to part ways with LTH doesn’t mark the end of Shaver’s influence in the company, as both she and her husband will continue to hold shares. Shaver expressed her appreciation for the journey, emphasizing in an open letter her excitement to contribute to transformative work within a law firm setting. Plink has acknowledged the foundational role both Shaver and her husband played in making Legaltech Hub an indispensable resource for industry professionals.
Given the growing demand for in-depth analysis of the legal tech landscape, the combined expertise of B+B and LTH is positioned strategically to meet this need. This collaboration may set a new standard in how legal firms and corporations access, interpret, and utilize technology insights. The future prospect of an acquisition has been dismissed as speculative at this stage, focusing currently on the potential of the commercial partnership. For a deeper look into these recent developments, see the full article on LawNext.