Linklaters collaborates with Opus 2 to develop and deploy game-changing technology to transform the management of investigations

Linklaters has worked with Opus 2 to tailor and rollout Opus 2 Investigations across its global network, a game-changing legal technology which provides a more flexible, dynamic and efficient way for lawyers and clients to manage key aspects of an investigation. 

Investigations often present significant legal and reputational risks to businesses. However, some aspects of the way in which investigatory practices are undertaken can still feel cumbersome and inefficient. The production of witness bundles and chronologies can be highly manual and time-consuming and key evidence is often stored in separate databases, making it complex to get a complete evidential picture and to link working product with underlying evidence. 

These demands required an innovative solution to make matter delivery more efficient, as it is vital that both in-house and external lawyers can assess and analyse evidence quickly and efficiently, with the ability to easily re-assess evidence as an investigation progresses. 

Opus 2 Investigations is a secure cloud-based solution that brings together the key evidence in an investigation in a single connected space and enables both lawyers and their clients to collaborate better and carry out the investigation process with greater efficiency. 

Through seamless interaction with third parties, such as witnesses, as well as automating the manual processes for case management and other time-consuming tasks, such as bundling or chronology creation, Opus 2 Investigations enables quick and easy collaboration in real-time.

Linklaters’ lawyers have worked closely with Opus 2 to configure and tailor the solution to ensure that it meets the needs of their lawyers working on investigations on a daily basis. In late 2021, Opus 2 Investigations was successfully piloted across Linklaters’ dispute resolution and financial regulation practices, receiving excellent feedback. The firm has now rolled out the technology to offices across its global network for use across a range of investigatory work with clients. 

Ben Packer, dispute resolution partner and member of the firm’s Innovation Steering Group commented:

“This innovative technology is a game-changer for investigations work, revolutionising traditional legal processes towards a far more seamless way of working. 

After helping to shape and now roll out our tailored implementation of Opus 2 Investigations, we’re looking forward to maximising its potential and the benefits it offers for our clients – from considerable time-savings to closer collaboration at every step during an investigation.”

Nik Kiri, financial regulation partner who worked closely on the development and rollout of the technology added:

“The smart, automated processes the solution offers will make the delivery of tasks easier for both our clients and our lawyers. It will also enable us to work even more collaboratively and dynamically in assessing the evidence as it develops and managing the entire investigation lifecycle.” 

Oliver McClintock, Chief Commercial Officer at Opus 2 said:

“We are excited to help Linklaters modernise their practice by providing a more flexible and connected way of working throughout the lifecycle of an investigation.

Opus 2 Investigations marks another milestone in extending our proven technology beyond disputes and hearings to help law firms drive innovation across their connected digital practice.”

It is the latest in a series of investments in tech innovation by Linklaters, following the launch of MFNiQ, a tool built by the firm in collaboration with iManage to automate the generation of ‘most favoured nation’ side letter matrices for investment fundraising in May 2021 and the roll-out of Atticus, a web-based platform that streamlines the verification of public-facing documents across its London and Hong Kong offices in August 2021. 

Linklaters also recently announced its partnership with low-code digital platform BRYTER on a series of global initiatives to innovate the delivery of legal advice and other services to clients, including a global hackathon, Dawn Raid App and pro bono work with humanitarian organisation Plan International.

Learn more about Opus 2 Investigations at Linklaters here and watch a short video to see the product in action here.