The solicitors’ practice said it is the first UK legal firm to offer this form of verification to clients through a bespoke app.

It claims the process will take around 90 seconds to complete and can be carried out wherever the client has their smart phone or tablet.

How it works

As soon as a client instructs Lightfoots to act on their behalf, they will be emailed an invitation to download the app from the relevant app store.

Once downloaded, the client is taken through the simple step-by-step process and identification is verified by using facial recognition AI.

Developed by Onfido, the app compares the facial features of an applicant to their nominated document such as a passport or driving licence.

As well as being quick and free to use, the system eliminates human error associated with hard-copy documents and significantly reduces the opportunity for identity fraud.

‘Digital trailblazers’

Joe Middleton, managing partner at Lightfoots LLP, said: “The legal profession isn’t best known for being digital trailblazers, but at Lightfoots we’re keen to embrace technology which can make our clients’ journeys through transactions quicker and easier and not restricted to our office hours.

“Lenders and brokers are investing considerable time and money in developing slick digital processes for their customers and it’s important that when it comes to the legal sector’s input, we’re equally switched on.”

Lightfoots partnered with Nivo, a leading fintech solutions provider which has established relationships with many major participants in the specialist lending sector, to create the app.

Polly Taylor-Pullen, business development at Nivo, said: “We love working with companies like Lightfoots who demonstrate a real desire to embrace innovation and we’re proud to have helped them achieve this ‘legal first’.

“Our solution has been shown to speed up deals, improve customer experience and reduce fraud, all while removing the friction involved in delivering regulated products.”