Dmitry Shubov Consulting Guides Southeast Asian Legal Tech Startups Into US Market
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 29 (Bernama) -- A new generation of legal technology entrepreneurs from Southeast Asia is looking to enter the United States (US) market as the region’s business-to-business digital commerce sector is projected to reach US$130 billion by 2026. (US$1=RM4.04)
The latest Wolters Kluwer LegalVIEW Insights report indicated that these startups are entering a US legal market at a tipping point, characterised by record-high rate volatility and what it described as a "Capital Efficiency Mandate".
Despite a slowdown in growth, Wolters Kluwer noted that average hourly rates for associates in primary legal markets such as New York City have reached US$1,214 per hour, while secondary markets have recorded double-digit year-on-year increases. The rising cost structure has made traditional headquarters-first expansion strategies increasingly challenging for international legal tech startups.
“Southeast Asia is not slowing down; it is growing and advancing very quickly. Our role at Dmitry Shubov Consulting is to ensure that these advanced legal tech models do not just land in the US but that they have the operational resilience to dominate a more selective, quality-driven market," said Dmitry Shubov Consulting founder, Dmitry Shubov in a statement.
Looking ahead to 2026, US law firms are expected to increase technology investments while demanding clearer returns on investment. As a result, barriers to market entry are shifting from geographic presence to operational efficiency, with firms moving away from a “growth at all costs” approach.
The consultancy highlighted several trends expected to reshape legal tech expansion by 2026, including the transition of agentic artificial intelligence from pilot to production, accompanied by increasing compliance obligations for international corporates.
Furthermore, industry analysts also expect integrated technology suites to replace siloed solutions, alongside a shift in pricing models as more clients favour flat fees over the traditional billable-hour structure.
In response to these developments, Dmitry Shubov Consulting has positioned itself as a facilitator for Southeast Asian legal tech founders seeking a “soft landing” in the US, providing assistance with legal entity formation, tax considerations and local market logistics.
The consultancy also connects accredited investors with emerging legal technology startups, aiming to support innovation in Southeast Asia while helping Asian companies navigate entry into the US market.
-- BERNAMA