AI Poses Private Capital Opportunity, Mayer Brown Chief Says

Outside investors may help law firms shoulder growing AI costs, according to Mayer Brown's Jon Van Gorp.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:09pm

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Outside investors circling law firms may help some shoulder the growing costs of artificial intelligence, according to Mayer Brown's Jon Van Gorp. Van Gorp spoke to Bloomberg Law reporter Roy Strom about how private capital could provide specific funding for AI with a use agreement between the firm and the AI vehicle, similar to litigation funding. However, Van Gorp noted the unique aspects of the legal services business pose challenges for broader outside investment in large firms, as the "practice of law is still a profession, and lawyers still have their way of doing things."

Why it matters

As law firms increasingly look to adopt AI technologies to improve efficiency and client service, the significant investment required poses a challenge. Van Gorp's comments suggest that private capital could provide a potential solution, allowing firms to access the necessary resources without fundamentally altering their traditional partnership model and professional culture.

The details

Van Gorp, the chairman of Mayer Brown, discussed how the firm has been intentional about lateral hiring, focusing on areas like energy and infrastructure that are seeing strong market demand. He also spoke about Mayer Brown's performance, with the firm's London office being a standout last year. Van Gorp noted that while major mergers aren't a top priority for Mayer Brown currently, the firm remains open to opportunities that could help drive growth. He also shared insights on the firm's strategy in areas like lending, private credit, insurance, capital markets, and white-collar enforcement.

  • Van Gorp has been Mayer Brown's chairman since 2021.

The players

Jon Van Gorp

The chairman of Mayer Brown, a structured finance lawyer who has been called the "godfather" in mortgage-backed securities.

Mayer Brown

One of the 30 largest law firms in the United States, founded in Chicago and known for its finance practice.

Roy Strom

A reporter for Bloomberg Law who interviewed Van Gorp.

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What they’re saying

“I could see private capital providing specific funding for AI with a use agreement between the firm and the AI vehicle where it's tailored, just like litigation funding.”

— Jon Van Gorp, Chairman, Mayer Brown (Bloomberg Law)

“The practice of law is still a profession, and lawyers still have their way of doing things.”

— Jon Van Gorp, Chairman, Mayer Brown (Bloomberg Law)

The takeaway

As law firms face growing pressure to invest in AI technologies, Van Gorp's comments suggest that private capital could provide a potential solution, allowing firms to access necessary resources without fundamentally altering their traditional partnership model and professional culture. However, the unique aspects of the legal services business pose challenges for broader outside investment in large firms.