In a world where technology is reshaping industries, Legal Interact stands tall as a trailblazer in legal tech. For over four decades, this pioneering firm has been quietly revolutionizing the way lawyers and legal professionals operate. At the heart of this success story is Raphael Segal, the visionary leader who has taken Legal Interact from a local software company to a beacon of legal innovation across Africa.
Meet the Man Behind the Vision
Raphael Segal, Director at Legal Interact, isn’t just a tech expert — he’s a purpose-driven leader with a deep passion for making technology meaningful. His journey began in software development at Wits Tech, and over the years, he’s worn many hats: coder, entrepreneur, strategist, and innovator. He’s especially proud of his leap from green-screen programming to the more intuitive Visual Basic 3 interface back in the early ’90s — a moment he likens to the leap from silent films to talkies.
Raphael’s tech roots are strong. Before joining Legal Interact, he co-founded eBAM Systems, which became the go-to CRM solution for leading car brands like BMW and VW across Southern Africa and the Middle East. That success laid the foundation for his next big move — joining Legal Interact in 2006.
Building Something Bigger Than Business
For Raphael, Legal Interact is more than just a company — it’s a platform to drive social impact through innovation. He believes technology can help bridge the stark inequalities that exist in South Africa and beyond. “We’re at a point where technology can help level the playing field,” he says. “The digital world gives us the tools to build a more fair and just society.”
This purpose fuels the firm’s mission every day — to create legal tools that empower not just big law firms or corporate teams, but also everyday people seeking justice.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
Under Raphael’s leadership, Legal Interact has always been at the cutting edge. “Innovation is the only tradition worth keeping,” he says, paraphrasing Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
Legal Interact’s development team is constantly experimenting and learning. One of their standout creations is the AI Lawyer — a groundbreaking tool that delivers real-time legal guidance through WhatsApp, the most widely used app in South Africa. Another major product is Contract Corridor, which helps organizations streamline contract management using AI.
To keep pushing boundaries, the company even launched its own AI lab — a space where ideas turn into practical solutions, ensuring Legal Interact stays ahead of both tech trends and legal challenges.
Tackling the Toughest Challenges in Legal Tech
Raphael knows the legal industry isn’t the easiest space to innovate in. From data privacy concerns to user adoption issues, the hurdles are many. But Legal Interact tackles these head-on:
- Security & Compliance: Strong cybersecurity measures are built into every product.
- Accessibility: Tools are designed with simplicity in mind, so even non-tech-savvy users can benefit.
- Ethical AI: The company is committed to building fair, unbiased algorithms.
- Education & Training: Clients receive hands-on support to adopt new solutions with ease.
A Bold Vision for the Future
Legal Interact’s next big goal is to expand access to justice in South Africa and across the African continent. In a society where many still face legal hurdles due to cost or location, Raphael sees technology as a vital bridge.
His dream? An AI-powered Access to Justice platform that helps everyday people — especially those affected by gender-based violence or workplace exploitation — get trusted legal advice anytime, anywhere.
The AI Lawyer already offers a glimpse of this future: smart, fast legal help available via WhatsApp. It’s a game-changer for millions who need support but can’t afford traditional legal services.
Words of Wisdom for the Next Generation
If Raphael could offer one piece of advice to aspiring professionals, it would be this: Don’t build technology for technology’s sake. Build solutions that solve real problems.
He encourages young innovators to:
- Understand the law and its real-world challenges.
- Stay updated on tech trends.
- Prioritize user experience above all.
- Collaborate across legal and tech teams.
- Think like entrepreneurs — flexible, creative, and always focused on value.
And perhaps most importantly, he reminds us of an African proverb:
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Because in the end, great teams — not solo efforts — create lasting change.