LegalZoom Buys British Law Firm

LegalZoom Legal Services Ltd., the U.K. division of LegalZoom.com Inc. in Glendale, announced on Monday that it is purchasing British law firm Beaumont Legal for an undisclosed amount. The purchase is part of the legal filing service’s 2016 plan to expand its reach as LegalZoom UK into the United Kingdom. The deal is expected to close by the end of this year, depending on regulatory approval. LegalZoom was founded in 2001 by Brian Liu, Edward Hartman, Chief Executive of Honest Co. Brian Lee and Robert Shapiro, who defended O.J. Simpson during the famous Nicole Brown murder trial. In the past, the company has experienced legal troubles of its own with multiple lawsuits brought against it for regulatory violations. Beaumont Legal currently offers a wide array of legal services to both businesses and individuals and has experienced recent substantial growth. “We’re meticulously and patiently building something the likes of which has never been seen in the legal market — and remain open to other acquisition opportunities to further that aim,” LegalZoom UK Chief Executive Craig Holt said in a statement. “Our consumer and business clients deserve only the very best, and we’re going to make sure we take the time to deliver just that.”