Aston University supports programme to help law firms shape the next generation of Legal AI
25th Feb 2026 | Birmingham, UK
Aston University has announced its support for a major regional initiative designed to help law firms shape the next generation of Legal AI. The programme is delivered by SuperTech, the UK’s only professional services technology supercluster, supporting technology‑led innovation across Birmingham and the West Midlands.
SuperTech is calling for innovative SMEs to take part in its second LawTech Innovation Challenge, an eight‑week programme that brings together ProfTech companies and legal teams to evaluate Legal AI tools in real workflows. The initiative was created in response to a significant gap in shared benchmarks, comparable evidence and consistent evaluation methods across the legal sector - an issue that continues to grow as firms accelerate their adoption of GenAI technologies.
As part of the programme, Aston University researcher Dr Alexeis Garcia‑Perez will work alongside participating firms, the Solicitors Regulation Authority and other partners to ensure that benchmarking frameworks underpinning Legal AI adoption are academically robust. Based within Aston’s Centre of Excellence for Enterprise AI, Dr Garcia‑Perez will contribute independent insight, support the production of an industry white paper and draw on his research expertise to strengthen the evidence base available to the sector.
SuperTech CEO Hilary Smyth‑Allen said:
“Legal AI is advancing rapidly, yet the sector still lacks the shared evidence and real‑world testing needed for safe and confident adoption. This challenge gives technology SMEs and legal firms a trusted space to work on practical problems together and generate insights the whole market can use. The West Midlands has one of the UK’s most ambitious professional services communities, and we are proud to support collaboration that improves productivity, transparency and client experience. I encourage SMEs with relevant or adaptable technology to get involved and help shape the next wave of Legal AI.”
This year’s cohort brings together Fieldfisher, HCR Law and Mills & Reeve, alongside Aston University and the Solicitors Regulation Authority in an observational capacity. Additional participants are expected to join before the programme launch.
Professor Mike Caine, Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at Aston University, added:
“Aston University is committed to driving innovation across the West Midlands and supporting the region’s next generation of technology talent, a key objective of the Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Institute. Partnering with SuperTech on the LawTech Innovation Challenge aligns with our mission to bring academia and industry together. Through pioneering research and industry collaboration we are accelerating the development of practical, responsible AI technologies. We look forward to working with participating SMEs and legal firms to help shape AI solutions that strengthen the competitiveness of the region’s legal sector.”
SuperTech is now inviting SMEs to apply, including those already active in LawTech and those able to adapt existing solutions to legal workflows. The challenge focuses on use‑cases including:
Document review at scale
Legal research augmentation
Decision‑ready document summarisation
Brief and memo drafting support
Contract drafting aligned to client needs
Communication efficiency
Pro bono and access‑to‑justice innovation at scale
The programme will run from 20 March to 6 May 2026, culminating in a Showcase Day where participating SMEs present evidence, insights and refined propositions developed alongside legal teams.
Ranjit Dhindsa, Birmingham Office Leader at Fieldfisher, commented:
“Fieldfisher is proud to deepen its commitment to the West Midlands as we invest in our new offices and expand our regional presence. Hosting the launch of SuperTech’s second LawTech Innovation Challenge reflects our confidence in the strength of the local innovation ecosystem. The programme provides a valuable opportunity to collaborate with ambitious SMEs and explore new applications of Legal AI that can support our clients and our people.”
Notes to Editors
Press Contacts
SuperTech WM: Helen Toft - comms@supertechwm.com | +44 7989 420 445
Fieldfisher: Laura Williams - LauraL.Williams@fieldfisher.com
About SuperTech
SuperTech supports technology‑ and innovation‑led growth across the professional and financial services sectors in Birmingham and the West Midlands. As leaders of a powerful regional ecosystem, SuperTech ensures organisations can access the services, partners and opportunities needed to deliver transformational impact. The organisation is committed to unlocking the future of next‑generation services for economic success across the region and the UK.
About Fieldfisher
Fieldfisher is a European law firm with market‑leading practices in corporate/M&A, finance, real estate, energy and natural resources, technology and life sciences. Its lawyers advise many of the world’s largest corporations and fast‑growth companies, taking a collaborative approach and integrating cutting‑edge legal technologies wherever possible. With more than 1,700 people across 23 offices in 12 countries, Fieldfisher provides seamless, socially responsible and sustainability‑driven services worldwide.
About Aston University
Aston University has been shaping innovation for more than a century. Founded in 1875 and achieving university status in 1966, it has played a central role in Birmingham’s industrial and technological development. Today, Aston is focused on defining its contribution to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and beyond, bringing research, education and enterprise together to support regional and national growth.
Media enquiries: Nicola Jones — Head of Communications, Aston University | 07825 342091 | n.jones6@aston.ac.uk