A recent article from LittleLaw revealed that a software company has acquired a UK law firm — a sign of how rapidly technology is reshaping the legal industry.

And for many businesses, that change cannot come fast enough.

Over the past decade, companies across multiple sectors have faced an explosion in class actions, group claims, and mass litigation. From data privacy cases to consumer claims, businesses are increasingly forced into expensive legal battles that can last years and cost millions — even where the underlying harm to individuals is minimal.

Critics argue the system has created a growing litigation industry where law firms, funders, and claims companies profit from large-scale disputes while businesses absorb mounting legal costs, reputational damage, and operational disruption.

That is where legal technology enters the picture.

AI-driven legal systems promise to reduce inefficiency, automate routine disputes, analyse legal risk faster, and help businesses resolve claims more effectively. Supporters say this could make the legal system less costly, less adversarial, and less vulnerable to speculative mass claims.

For companies dealing with thousands of near-identical claims, automation is increasingly viewed as essential rather than optional.

The rise of software-led legal services also reflects a broader shift in how businesses view litigation. Rather than relying entirely on traditional law firms, companies now want data-driven tools capable of predicting outcomes, managing exposure, and controlling spiralling legal costs.

Opponents warn this could make it harder for claimants to bring large collective actions.

Supporters would argue that is precisely the point.

Many businesses believe the current litigation environment encourages excessive claims activity, inflates settlements, and rewards volume over merit. They see legal technology as a way to rebalance the system and discourage opportunistic litigation.

Whether that proves beneficial or harmful will depend on how these technologies are used.

But one thing is clear — the future of law is becoming increasingly automated, data-driven, and commercialised — and the era of traditional mass litigation may face growing resistance as a result.