A Legal Tech Startup Built by a Barrister to Use AI Reasoning System for Case Law and Legislation Has Raised $2 Million
Introduction to MiAI Law
In the ever-evolving landscape of legal technology, MiAI Law has emerged as a game-changer, founded by practising barrister Laina Chan. This innovative platform aims to revolutionize the way legal professionals engage with case law and legislation using an AI reasoning system. In a remarkable display of confidence and support, Chan raised $2 million from a diverse group of investors—including family members, staff, and angel investors—in just five days in 2025.
Who’s Behind the Investment?
The backing for MiAI Law includes notable figures in the legal and financial sectors. Highlights among the investors include Wai Ling Chan and Mei-Shan Tan, the former General Counsel for Citibank in Hong Kong and China. David Ioannidis, formerly the head of fixed-income trading at JP Morgan Australia, also joined the list of early supporters, highlighting the broad appeal of Chan’s vision.
The Problem with Traditional AI in Law
While many legal tech solutions have attempted to integrate AI into document preparation, the results have been mixed at best. Lawyers have faced challenges, including severe criticism from judges regarding so-called “hallucinated citations,” where AI systems generate fictitious or irrelevant information. Chan’s approach with MiAI Law aims to address these pitfalls by ensuring that the platform not only retrieves and summarizes legal material but also systematically connects legal authorities, illustrating how conclusions are reached while making each analytical step transparent.
Endorsements from Legal Heavyweights
The sentiment within the legal community has been overwhelmingly positive, with respected figures like former High Court Justice Michael Kirby praising MiAI Law. He has stated, “MiAI Law is the way of the future, and it is great to see an Australian at the forefront.” This kind of endorsement only solidifies the platform’s potential to transform legal research and practice.
A “Killer App” for Lawyers
Danny Feller, a silk from 2 Selborne Chambers, refers to MiAI Law as the “killer app” for lawyers. He describes it as transcending traditional legal research capabilities. “It doesn’t just find information; it synthesizes it,” he mentions. According to Feller, the tool has significantly reduced his preliminary research time and allowed him to uncover arguments he might have overlooked. He boldly claims that it is “AI for lawyers on steroids,” suggesting that it will become an indispensable asset in any legal professional’s toolkit.
Addressing a Structural Gap
Chan initially developed MiAI Law to meet her own legal practice needs. Recognizing a structural gap in existing legal research tools, she identified that previous AI systems lacked embedded legal reasoning in their designs. “Law is not just retrieval; it is reasoning from facts and principles,” she emphasizes. MiAI Law is meticulously crafted to embody this principle, ensuring that the process of legal analysis closely mimics the discipline of human reasoning.
Enhanced Features and Audit Capabilities
One of the standout features of MiAI Law is its audit capability. This includes contract review functionalities designed to rigorously test legal reasoning and pinpoint potential vulnerabilities before advice is dispensed or an appeal is launched. This proactive approach aims to fortify legal arguments, a necessity in today’s complex legal landscape.
The Need for Transparent Reasoning
Chan critiques existing AI tools that may find relevant cases or statutes but fail to elucidate their significance or reveal the underlying reasoning. “MiAI Law delivers transparent, methodical reports that lawyers can verify and test,” she asserts. By prioritizing the human element of law, the platform aims to empower legal professionals rather than replace them. “AI can support judgment, but it must never obscure it,” Chan states, emphasizing her commitment to maintaining professional integrity.
A Unique Approach to AI in Law
Investors like David Ioannidis are drawn to MiAI Law for its unique approach. He points out that, unlike many offerings in the market, MiAI Law isn’t merely a superficial large language model wrapper. “Laina’s ambition was to build an AI-native legal platform from first principles,” he explains. By understanding the foundational elements of legal reasoning, Chan has differentiated her product in a crowded marketplace. Ioannidis admires Chan’s blend of legal and technical expertise, along with her unwavering commitment to her vision, calling these qualities crucial for the platform’s success.
MiAI Law is poised to be a pivotal development in legal tech, with its innovative approach to AI reasoning. As more professionals recognize its potential, it could very well reshape the future of legal research and practice.
