In a groundbreaking move, KPMG has become the first Big Four accounting firm to receive approval from the Arizona Supreme Court to launch a law firm in the United States.
This milestone marks a significant shift in the legal landscape, as KPMG Law US, an independently managed subsidiary of KPMG, will collaborate with the accounting firm to offer comprehensive legal and consulting services.
“KPMG is uniquely positioned to transform the delivery of legal services,” said Rema Serafi, Vice Chair of Tax at KPMG LLP. “By integrating cutting-edge technology with legal expertise, we aim to provide holistic solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients.”
Arizona’s pioneering approach to legal services began in 2020 when it became the first U.S. state to allow non-lawyers to have an economic interest in law firms with court approval. This move is seen as a way to increase access to legal services and foster innovation in the legal market.
KPMG Law US will operate under the same high ethical standards as traditional law firms and will focus on providing technology-powered legal services, including legal operations consulting, volume contracting, and managed services. However, as a condition of its approval, KPMG Law US will not provide legal services to clients for whom KPMG LLP or its network firms conduct financial audits.
This development places Arizona at the forefront of legal service innovation, highlighting its Alternative Business Structure (ABS) program as a model for the nation and globally. The move is expected to enhance legal service delivery by leveraging technology and offering clients more efficient and integrated solutions.
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