About
Bridging tradition and transformation
45black exists at the intersection of established legal expertise and emerging AI capability—helping organisations navigate the space between where they are and where they need to be.
The legal sector faces a fundamental shift. AI isn't coming—it's here. But adoption without strategy creates risk, and resistance creates obsolescence. The firms that thrive will be those that find the path between: embracing AI's capabilities while maintaining the human judgment, accountability, and trust their clients depend on.
45black was founded to be that bridge. With deep roots in traditional legal practice—specifically UK pensions law, one of the most technical and regulated areas of practice—and a forward-looking focus on AI governance and legal technology, we help organisations transform thoughtfully.
This isn't about technology for its own sake. It's about augmentation over replacement: AI that makes lawyers better at being lawyers, tools that enhance human expertise rather than substitute for it, governance frameworks that enable innovation without abandoning accountability.
The name reflects this positioning. "45" nods to the turning point—the moment when familiar territory gives way to new ground. "Black" signals sophistication, authority, and the clarity that comes from stripping away everything unnecessary.
Our Approach
Three principles guide everything we do
Human Accountability First
AI is a tool, not a decision-maker. Every system we build or advise on maintains clear human oversight and responsibility. When something goes wrong—and in complex systems, things eventually go wrong—there must be a human accountable.
Accessibility Is Non-Negotiable
Technology should work for everyone. This isn't a nice-to-have—it's fundamental. Our commitment to accessibility stems from a deep belief that inclusive design creates better outcomes for all users. We design for the margins because margins define the centre.
Transparency Builds Trust
No black boxes. Every AI system should be explainable to the people it affects. Every process should be documented. Every limitation should be acknowledged. Trust is earned through honesty about what technology can and cannot do.
We believe AI should augment human capability, not replace human judgment. The best outcomes come from humans and machines working together—each contributing what they do best.
Commitment
Accessibility by design
Our commitment to accessibility isn't a policy statement—it's a core value. We believe that how technology is designed reflects what we value, and we value inclusion.
We understand how poorly designed interfaces create barriers. How cognitive load compounds when systems aren't built for how people actually think. How small friction points accumulate into significant obstacles.
Every tool, document, and interface we create meets or exceeds WCAG 2.1 AA standards. But compliance is the floor, not the ceiling. We design for neurodiversity, for different ways of processing information, for the reality that users are humans with varying capabilities and contexts.
This matters for the legal sector especially. Access to justice depends on accessible tools. If the technology meant to democratise legal services excludes those who need it most, we've failed the fundamental mission.
Let's work together
Whether you're exploring AI adoption, navigating pensions regulation, or building legal tech—we'd welcome the conversation.
Get in Touch