Clio just made an acquisition to deepen its push into the courts
Legal technology company Clio has acquired Learned Hand, a startup that built AI software for judges. The deal extends Clio’s efforts into courts, beyond its established customer base of small and midsize firms and corporate legal teams.
Learned Hand’s software helps judges review case documents, identify key facts, and connect legal arguments to evidence. It can also prepare draft memos, orders, and opinions, with citations tied to source material.
The acquisition comes as more people use chatbots to research legal issues and represent themselves. A recent paper found that self-represented cases made up 16.8% of federal cases in 2025, compared with a long-run average of 11%.
Clio has also brought on Bridget Mary McCormack, a former Michigan Supreme Court chief justice and American Arbitration Association CEO, to help guide its expansion. Last year, it bought legal research company vLex for $1 billion and has expanded into document review and drafting.
The move gives Clio access to technology aimed at judges, another group that can influence how legal work is done. The article does not specify what happens next for Learned Hand’s product or team. Clio’s founder said the company is building AI to meet judges’ high standards.
Key points
- Clio acquired Learned Hand, whose AI tools help judges review filings and prepare draft legal documents.
- The deal pushes Clio further into courts, beyond its core law firm and corporate customers.
- Clio has also hired former Michigan chief justice Bridget Mary McCormack to help lead its expansion.