But David Wang, chief innovation officer at Wilson Sonsini, emphasizes that the firm’s lawyers will still have key roles to play in assisting clients with completing their registration statements ahead of planned initial public offerings. He says that is why he refers to the new application, known as WS-1, as an “augmented automation solution.”

“Our attorneys are able to spend their time working with the clients on getting the exact wording, smithing the document, making sure it is appropriately customized to their business needs,” Wang says. “That is where they are really going to add value.”

He notes that the Silicon Valley, California-based law firm launched another augmented automation solution in June called Neuron, which uses automation to help startup companies complete a wide range of legal processes as they grow.

In this new episode of the Legal Rebels Podcast, Wang discusses why Wilson Sonsini has developed tools such as the WS-1 and Neuron and his journey to becoming the firm’s first chief innovation officer.

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In This Podcast:

David Wang

David Wang is the chief innovation officer at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. He is responsible for overseeing the firm’s innovation strategy, the development and implementation of legal technology programs, and supporting and advising internal and client teams on the legal and operational implications of emerging technologies and business models in the legal industry. Wang previously practiced corporate and securities law for more than 10 years, working with private and public companies on general corporate and transactional matters, including at Wilson Sonsini, as well as Davis Polk & Wardwell. He was an entrepreneur prior to becoming a lawyer.