Editor’s Note: The merger of Complete Legal, L2 Services, and Precise Legal marks a transitional moment in the eDiscovery industry, embodying a profound shift towards prioritizing service excellence and client value over traditional shareholder interests. This strategic alignment challenges the conventional corporate ethos prevalent in legal services, where shareholder returns often overshadow client needs and service quality. The merged entity seeks to set a new standard for delivering high-quality eDiscovery solutions by emphasizing employee empowerment and fostering deep, meaningful client relationships. This approach is expected to not only enhance service delivery but also align closely with the evolving demands and expectations of clients in the modern legal landscape. The merger could serve as a catalyst in the legal technology sector, inspiring other firms to reevaluate and potentially reorient their operational models to focus on people before profits.
Content Assessment: Service-Driven Success: How Complete Legal's Merger is Upending the Shareholder Dominant Model
Information - 90%
Insight - 88%
Relevance - 92%
Objectivity - 91%
Authority - 93%
91%
Excellent
A short percentage-based assessment of the qualitative benefit expressed as a percentage of positive reception of the recent announcement of the merger of Complete Legal, L2 Services, and Precise Legal.
Industry News – Investment Beat
Service-Driven Success: How Complete Legal’s Merger is Upending the Shareholder Dominant Model
ComplexDiscovery Staff
In a significant development for the eDiscovery and legal technology sectors, Complete Legal of Kansas City has announced an innovative merger with two other prominent firms in the industry: L2 Services of Chicago and Precise Legal of St. Louis. This consolidation is poised to reshape the landscape of eDiscovery and litigation support services, creating an independently owned and veteran-operated powerhouse. The merged entity aims to redefine client service in the legal industry by prioritizing employee empowerment and exceptional service delivery.
Background and Motivation for the Merger
Complete Legal, founded in 2014 by industry veterans Eric Kelting and Jeff Dreiling, has always prioritized client and employee relationships. Their approach was born from witnessing frequent ownership changes in their previous firms, which often led to a diminished focus on service quality and client satisfaction. L2 Services, established in 2019 by Eric Singer in Chicago, was similarly founded on the principle of regaining control over service quality. Precise Legal, started by Adam Hunter in 2018 in St. Louis, emerged from a desire to offer more customized and client-oriented legal support services.
Strategic Leadership and Organizational Structure
The merged entity will see a strategic alignment in leadership, leveraging the strengths and experiences of the founders of the three firms. Eric Singer of L2 Services will assume the role of CEO, bringing his leadership and vision to the forefront of the new company. Eric Kelting and Jeff Dreiling of Complete Legal will serve as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer, respectively. Adam Hunter of Precise Legal will take on the role of Chief Revenue Officer. This leadership blend is expected to drive innovation and client-focused strategies in the eDiscovery sector.
Employee Empowerment: A Core Strategy
A central tenet of the merger is the focus on employee empowerment to deliver unparalleled service in the eDiscovery and litigation support industry. This philosophy stems from the belief that employee satisfaction and growth directly correlate with client satisfaction and service excellence. The leaders of the merged firm understand that nurturing a positive work environment and encouraging employee development is crucial for long-term success and client relationship building.
Enhanced Service Delivery and Client Relationships
The merger is not merely a consolidation of resources but a strategic realignment towards a more service-driven business model. This approach contrasts with the prevailing shareholder-value model in the legal industry, often criticized for prioritizing financial gains over client service. By combining their resources and expertise, the new Complete Legal is uniquely positioned to offer a more comprehensive range of eDiscovery and litigation support services. This combination includes eDiscovery, litigation support, and business support tailored to each client’s specific needs.
Growth Prospects and Market Positioning
The new Complete Legal, based in Kansas City, is set to emerge as a significant player in the eDiscovery space as a result of this merger. Its expanded geographical footprint, with full-service hubs also in Chicago, New York City, and St. Louis, along with an office in Boston, positions it to serve a diverse client base across various jurisdictions. The merger enables the firm to leverage combined expertise and resources, potentially leading to enhanced service offerings, innovation in eDiscovery solutions, and a more robust market presence.
Future Outlook and Industry Impact
The merger indicates a notable shift in the eDiscovery industry towards a model that values deep client relationships and high-quality service delivery. The leadership’s commitment to maintaining core values and focusing on client and employee growth suggests a promising trajectory for Complete Legal. This move could set a precedent in the industry, prompting other firms to reconsider their operational and service models in favor of a more client-centric approach.
Redefining eDiscovery Services
Complete Legal’s merger with L2 Services and Precise Legal represents a bold move in the eDiscovery sector, signaling a shift towards a more integrated, client-focused service model. These firms’ combined expertise and resources, under a leadership team with decades of industry experience, position the new entity to deliver enhanced value to clients. By emphasizing employee empowerment and client-centric services, the new Complete Legal is set to become a formidable presence in the eDiscovery and litigation support industry.
News Sources
Additional Reading
- The Transfer of Wealth in eDiscovery: Q4 2023’s M&A Activities
- An Abridged Look at the Business of eDiscovery: Mergers, Acquisitions, and Investments
Source: ComplexDiscovery