Lawhive, an AI-native law firm focused on transforming consumer legal services, has opened a new office in New York and is building out a leadership team to drive its law firm acquisition strategy across the United States. The expansion marks a significant step in the company’s effort to scale a national network of law firms operating on its technology platform.
As part of the move, Lawhive appointed James Peters as Managing Director for North America and Allen Rodriguez as Vice President of Business Development. Peters brings more than 20 years of experience across consumer legal services, legal technology, and law firm operations, and will oversee the company’s expansion and acquisition activity in the US. Rodriguez, who previously led the Arizona-based firm acquired in Lawhive’s first US deal, will focus on outreach and partnerships as the company accelerates its acquisition efforts.
The company has also assembled a team of legal, regulatory, and M&A experts to support its growth strategy, including Crispin Passmore, former Executive Director of the UK Solicitors Regulation Authority, known for his work in legal services reform and regulatory innovation.
Lawhive has already established an early US footprint through its regulated alternative business structure law firm in Arizona, working with more than 150 lawyers nationwide and adding approximately one new lawyer per day. The company is currently in discussions with additional law firms across the country as it builds out its network.
The expansion follows Lawhive’s recent $60 million Series B funding round, bringing the company’s total investment to more than $115 million. The funding supports its broader vision to modernize the US consumer legal services market, which is estimated to be worth $200 billion annually but remains highly fragmented.
Lawhive’s model focuses on partnering with and acquiring established consumer law firms, allowing them to retain their professional identity and legal independence while gaining access to shared infrastructure, capital, and technology. Its AI-powered operating system automates routine legal workflows and administrative tasks, enabling lawyers to spend more time on client-focused work.
The company is initially targeting acquisitions in high-demand practice areas, including family law, immigration, real estate, civil litigation, and intellectual property.
KEY QUOTES:
“We believe the next generation of consumer law firms will operate very differently from the traditional model. Across America there are outstanding firms serving their communities, but many operate without the infrastructure and support needed to scale. By partnering with and acquiring leading firms across the country, we can combine exceptional legal expertise with technology and operational systems that allow those practices to grow and operate far more efficiently.”
Pierre Proner, Co-Founder And CEO Of Lawhive
“Our first year operating in the US has demonstrated strong demand for a more modern approach to consumer legal services. We believe the fastest and highest quality way to meet that demand is by partnering with exceptional law firms already serving their communities. Lawhive’s model allows those practices to benefit from shared infrastructure, capital investment and technology while continuing to deliver the legal expertise their clients rely on.”
James Peters, US Managing Director At Lawhive
