Seth Laver In a novel move, Big Four accounting firm KPMG LLP has taken the first step in seeking to own and operate a law firm in the U.S.

Although permitted in other countries, the U.S. generally prohibits nonlawyers from law firm ownership. In 2020, Utah and Arizona became the first states to relax that standard, thereby opening the possibility of what is apparently on the horizon. Online legal providers were the first to act, and now, accounting firms have entered the fold.

There are roughly 1.3 million attorneys in the U.S. Competition is considerable, and attorneys strive to develop a brand, a client base and some way to set ourselves apart from the rest of the pack.

That pack has exclusively consisted of other members of the bar who have met the specific requirements n

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