Cowell Clarke launches technology offshoot Verimus

Commercial law firm Cowell Clarke has launched a technology offshoot aimed at easing the compliance burden on businesses.

Adelaide law firm Cowell Clarke has launched a new technology offshoot aimed at easing the compliance burden on businesses across the country.

Known as Verimus, the company provides customised software products and consulting services to help clients manage their contracting, leasing, franchising and supply chain documentation and processes.

Kate Lawson, who heads up the new Cowell Clarke subsidiary as general manager, said the commercial law firm had been providing online legal services for many years, but clients were now seeking specialist digital technologies to ease a growing compliance burden.

“The compliance and administrative requirements on businesses are more onerous than ever,” she said.

Verimus digital delivery lead Jad Sanaknaki and general manager Kate Lawson. Picture: Supplied by Verimus

“At the same time, owners and operators face increasing operating costs. Measures that can save money and boost productivity are in high demand.

“Demand has been steadily growing for a greater range of technology-based solutions beyond legal services.

“Everything from assistance with streamlining administration and compliance to utilising customised software for business improvement and growth.

“We have established Verimus to focus solely on providing these digital solutions.”

Verimus will draw on the senior management, administrative and legal resources of Cowell Clarke and its 120-strong workforce.

Ms Lawson said many businesses, particularly those operating across multiple sites, had outdated and underperforming systems and software that were hampering efficiency.

“Done right, technology can be a significant growth enabler but it needs to be fit for purpose, agile and easy to use.”

Cowell Clarke is headquartered in Adelaide but has been boosting its presence on the east coast in recent years following the opening of a second office in Sydney in 2017.

Earlier this year the firm recruited eight corporate and commercial lawyers from Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors, a subsidiary of industry group Business NSW.

The firm has a strategy to grow its property, corporate and commercial, and dispute resolution teams in Sydney.