LDC backs Harper James to widen access to legal advice for ambitious businesses

We’re excited to share that we’ve secured investment from LDC, the private equity arm of Lloyds Banking Group. The partnership is a major milestone in our journey to make expert legal advice more accessible and affordable for ambitious businesses across the UK.

Why LDC – and why now?

LDC is one of the UK’s most experienced midmarket investors, with a strong track record of backing growth businesses. More importantly, its team shares our long-term outlook and people-first values. Their backing isn’t just financial – it brings deep operational expertise, sector knowledge and an extensive network that will help us accelerate innovation and scale our service for clients.

What this means for our clients

Since launching in 2014, more than 6,500 clients have relied on our unique model for straightforward, high quality legal support. With LDC’s support we can:

• Invest further in our proprietary technology – including new AI-driven tools – to deliver advice even faster and more efficiently.
• Expand our team of senior lawyers so that you continue to work with specialists who understand your sector and growth ambitions.
• Broaden the range of services we offer and explore complementary acquisitions that add value where you need it most.

What this means for our people

Importantly, LDC is backing our unique proposition to our people – one that we will continue to invest in and evolve. It remains the cornerstone of what makes Harper James a great place to build a career. Our flexible, fully remote model and strong culture of collaboration will stay at the heart of everything we do while we grow.

Toby Harper, our Founder & CEO, said:

This partnership with LDC is a major milestone in our mission to make expert legal advice more accessible and affordable for ambitious businesses. Much like the clients we support in their journeys, we believe in doing things differently and we’re excited to partner with LDC on the next phase of our growth journey. From our very first meeting, the team at LDC has shown a genuine understanding of our culture and vision, and we look forward to working with them to take Harper James to the next level and offer even greater value to our clients and our people.

The investment was led by LDC’s West Midlands team. Following completion – which is subject to SRA approval – LDC’s Chris Handy and Karen Mann will join our board as Non-Executive Directors alongside Steve Weller as Non-Executive Chairman.

Speaking about the partnership, Chris Handy, Partner and Head of the West Midlands at LDC, said:

Today’s technology-enabled SMEs want greater flexibility and the option to work with advisers in a way that reflects how they do business. Harper James’ innovative model, people-first culture and commitment to delivering flexible high-quality legal services make it a standout firm in a fast-evolving market. We’re looking forward to supporting Toby and his team as they continue to disrupt the traditional legal sector and pursue the firm’s ambitious growth strategy.

Looking ahead

Our mission hasn’t changed: we’ll keep challenging the traditional legal model so growth-oriented businesses get the support they need, when they need it. With LDC as our partner, we’re ready to accelerate that mission.