Introduction
In April 2025, Hicksons Lawyers announced a strategic merger with the New South Wales partners and staff of Hunt & Hunt. More than just a consolidation move, the merger highlights a growing truth in Australia’s legal sector: technology — particularly AI — is accelerating structural change.
As reported by The Australian Financial Review, the move reflects how AI is reshaping not just how legal work is delivered, but how firms must position themselves to remain competitive in the years ahead.
For small and mid-sized firms, the message is clear. Standing still is no longer an option.
The Shift
The traditional structure of legal practice is under pressure from multiple fronts:
Clients are demanding more for less
Cost-to-serve is increasing
AI and automation are changing how legal services are delivered
In this context, Hicksons’ move isn’t just about growth — it’s about adaptation. As their managing partner put it, the merger is a direct response to “how AI is reshaping the legal industry.”
This signals a broader trend: firms that embrace operational scale and technological capability will thrive, while those that delay digital transformation risk being outpaced.
Lessons for Mid-Sized and Boutique Firms
1. Technology Must Be a Strategic Priority
AI is no longer optional. It’s a core lever for competitive advantage — enabling better client service, improved efficiency, and access to new billing models. Whether it’s document automation, natural language Voice AI, or intelligent billing, the legal function is being redefined by software.
2. Scale Enables Investment
The merger gives Hicksons a stronger foundation to invest in AI and tech innovation. Smaller firms may struggle to compete unless they find ways to increase resource leverage — through partnerships, shared platforms, or AI-enabled automation.
3. Clients Want Innovation — Not Just Expertise
Corporate and institutional clients are increasingly looking for law firms that combine deep legal skill with operational excellence. This includes responsiveness, transparent pricing, and digital service delivery — all of which are supported by AI.
4. Adaptability Signals Leadership
Firms that lead with innovation and strategic clarity are more likely to attract top talent, retain clients, and navigate change confidently. Waiting to “see how things play out” is no longer a safe strategy.
Fast, Practical Steps Forward
Assess your firm’s readiness for AI — Start with workflows like intake, drafting, and client communication
Align tech investment with client expectations — Focus on responsiveness, transparency, and ease
Consider alliances or partnerships — Collaboration can increase resource flexibility and accelerate transformation
Adopt tools that prioritise privacy and control — Especially critical in the legal domain, where confidentiality is paramount
Track ROI in terms of time saved, hours billed, and client feedback — Build a business case for ongoing adoption
Conclusion
The Hicksons–Hunt & Hunt merger offers a snapshot of where the legal sector is heading — toward consolidation, technology integration, and client-centric service delivery. For smaller firms, this isn’t a signal to compete head-on with scale. It’s a call to become agile, tech-enabled, and strategically focused.
AI can help firms operate with the efficiency of a larger practice — without compromising client service or professional standards. The key is to act before necessity becomes urgency.
Recommended Solution:
Omnisenti AI is a private AI solution purpose-built for small and mid-sized Australian legal firms. It helps practices reduce non-billable workload, enhance client responsiveness, and scale operations — all without adding headcount or consuming internal IT resources.
These AI solutions are:
- Designed specifically for small and mid-sized legal firms, with value-based pricing that aligns with leaner operating models
- Easy to implement, turn-key, and non-disruptive — no technical setup or dedicated IT team required
- Compliant with Australian privacy and legal standards, ensuring full control over sensitive client data and maintaining solicitor–client confidentiality
- Fast to ROI, unlocking meaningful efficiency gains within weeks through automation of client interactions, document generation, and billing workflows
Omnisenti AI enables firms to operate smarter, serve faster, and grow confidently — all while maintaining the integrity, control, and privacy the legal profession demands.
