Fisher Phillips’ Tech Co Purchase Points to Buy v. Build Dilemma

Fisher Phillips’ recent purchase of a legal technology startup was an unusual move in a space where law firms are more likely to build their own capabilities and spin them off, or purchase third-party services in vendor platforms.

The roughly 500-attorney, Atlanta-based firm announced last week that it acquired the startup Blue Pencil Box, which offers tools to help companies track the changing regulatory and enforcement landscape for non-compete agreements. The company will become part of “fpSolutions,” the firm’s hub for technology tools to help with compliance.

Jonathan Crook, Blue Pencil Box’s founder, is becoming a partner in Fisher Phillips’ ...