Freshfields deploys Claude globally as part of a multi-year AI collaboration
Freshfields has entered into a multi-year agreement with Anthropic to develop artificial intelligence-driven legal workflows and expand the use of AI tools across its global operations.
The collaboration, announced on 23 April 2026, will see Freshfields deploy Anthropic’s Claude AI models across all 33 of its offices, covering legal practice areas and business services. The firm has already provided access to Claude through its internal AI platform to approximately 5,700 employees.
According to the firm, adoption of the technology increased significantly within the first six weeks, with usage rising by around 500%. Lawyers and business services staff are using the platform to support client work, including research, document drafting, and due diligence.
The agreement includes a commitment to co-develop new AI-driven legal workflows. Freshfields and Anthropic plan to work together over the next 12 months to design processes that support multi-step legal tasks and improve efficiency in service delivery.
The firms will also collaborate on developing agentic workflows, which enable AI systems to carry out complex, multi-stage tasks. These workflows are expected to support areas such as contract review, legal research, and operational processes within the firm.
As part of the partnership, Freshfields will gain early access to future AI models and tools developed by Anthropic. The firm also plans to expand its use of Anthropic’s “Cowork” platform, subject to its internal security, compliance, and training requirements.
The initiative builds on work carried out through the Freshfields Lab, where the firm has developed proprietary AI systems integrating Claude. These systems provide a centralised platform through which lawyers can access AI tools connected to the firm’s internal knowledge resources.
Gil Perez said the collaboration is focused on delivering practical benefits for clients while maintaining high standards of governance and compliance. He stated that the partnership would support the development of new capabilities within the firm’s legal services.
Gerrit Beckhaus, co-head of Freshfields Lab, said the firm aims to develop workflows capable of handling legal tasks end-to-end, improving speed and scalability in service delivery. Kate Jensen, head of Americas at Anthropic, said the agreement reflects broader adoption of AI within professional services.
The collaboration also aligns with Freshfields’ use of other AI tools, including integration with next-generation legal platforms that incorporate Anthropic technology. The agreement marks a further step in the integration of artificial intelligence into legal practice, as firms explore new ways to enhance efficiency and support client services.