Ex-Mishcon duo bet on AI with new firm targeting sports and tech work

Two former senior Mishcon de Reya lawyers have launched a new AI-driven law firm, Three Points, focused on technology, sports and commercial work.

The venture is led by sports lawyer and former Mishcon partner Simon Leaf alongside Tom Murray, who are positioning the firm as a "tech-enabled" alternative to traditional practices. Three Points will integrate legal AI platform Legora and partner with Excello Law’s House of Brands platform which provides operational support covering back office functions like compliance.

Leaf is well known in the sports law world. He acted for Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford on his loan move to Barcelona in July and has advised on many high-profile sports mandates since joining Mishcon from Berwin Leighton Paisner in 2017. He was head of Mishcon's sports practice.

AI from day one

The startup says it's launching with more than a dozen clients, including tech suppliers, fast-growth media and real estate businesses, and high-profile athletes. In an interesting move, Three Points will use Legora from the outset to support tasks like document analysis and workflow automation.

Legora’s UK head Alex Fortescue-Webb said the partnership would "showcase how Legora can empower firms and lawyers across the sector," citing the founders’ track record in advising on major tech and sports transactions.

The firm says it will also use AI contract drafting and review platform ​​Qanooni - a new entrant to the UK legal tech market. The Dubai-based company was founded last year and announced a $2 million pre-seed round in June.

Murray said the AI-enabled model "enhances rather than replaces the human element of the profession and has already helped Three Points secure mandates from some of Europe’s most exciting tech and creative businesses."

Bye billable hours

The firm will move away from the traditional hourly rate model, offering a "value-driven" approach across its three sector areas of focus. "We’re building a firm that’s fit for the future," Leaf said, adding that the lines between sports, tech and commercial law are increasingly converging.

Three Points will also commit 5% of its annual billing time or profits to charitable and community initiatives. Its first official charity partner is the Bloomsbury Football Foundation, where Leaf has long provided pro bono support.