How Wilson Sonsini's Pro Bono Program Leverages Tech to Change Lives for the Better
Wilson Sonsini has long been known as one of the most forward-thinking law firms. From managing Apple’s IPO at the dawn of the home computing era to the acquisition of Twitter, this Palo Alto–based firm has long been at the forefront of technology. But in addition to its work with leading technology and life sciences companies, venture capital organizations, and more, the firm has a robust and award-winning pro bono program.
With tens of thousands of hours devoted to pro bono work annually and hundreds of organizations served, Wilson Sonsini’s impact reaches across the globe – immigration matters, domestic violence, anti-trafficking, nonprofit transactions, and impact litigation. Yet effective pro bono representation requires overcoming significant challenges. These can include deciding what to take on and how to use the firm’s resources most effectively, managing vast volumes of data – there’s always more; it’s never-ending – and finding and leveraging key documents critical in any case, particularly for large-impact litigation.
As a participant in the Everlaw for Good program, Wilson Sonsini can leverage the world’s most powerful ediscovery technology to help overcome these challenges – and to create a fairer legal system by ensuring all parties can stand on equal footing, regardless of resources.
Wilson Sonsini pro bono partner Luke Liss recently sat down with Everlaw to discuss how he and his team help support communities throughout the world, with leading legal services powered by transformative technology.
”We are the premier firm in Silicon Valley,” Liss said. “We stay focused on providing excellent client service, whether that’s paying clients, whether that’s pro bono, or whether that’s positively impacting our communities. Our attorneys and staff are dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse culture.”
Serving Clients and Communities Across the Globe
Wilson Sonsini brings its culture of innovation to clients of all types and sizes. The firm has worked on behalf of the largest class of Medicare patients in history, winning vital rights for beneficiaries across the country. Wilson Sonsini lawyers engaged in multiple Torture Victim and Protection Act cases involving events in Columbia. They have partnered with the Center for Justice and Accountability to protect the rights of vulnerable clients.
“One of the key parts of our pro bono program is our impact litigation,” Liss explained. “We engage in strategic litigation to protect civil rights, to protect the underserved, and to support justice, not only in the U.S. but throughout the world.”
An Emphasis on Giving Back
Liss said technology has increasingly become an integral part of pro bono work, as it has throughout the practice.
”I’m a huge fan of the Everlaw for Good program. We have utilized it on multiple cases to assist in our discovery and document organization. For example, in human rights cases, we have used it to share, review, and organize documents.”
“It’s incredible to me,” Liss explained, “that Everlaw puts the same emphasis on giving back that we do. It’s rare in ediscovery, and it’s truly impressive for me. I appreciate that relationship and that commitment and hope to continue and grow it in the future.”
According to Liss, Everlaw is a perfect fit for his needs and those of his firm. “I like the smoothness and ease of it,” he said. “It’s intuitive, which is especially important for me. I’m not somebody who easily picks up new technologies. I appreciate the ease of use and the intuitive logic of the Everlaw platform.”
Collaborative features allow the Wilson Sonsini team to work hand in hand with their pro bono partners. It’s a “seamless” and “real-time” experience, Liss said, that has been “a game changer in a lot of our projects.”
“The constant evolution of Everlaw’s platform and their focus on the big picture differs from other ediscovery services I’ve used” Liss added. “I’ve been so impressed with Everlaw’s growth over the past several years, as well as their heart, focus on diversity, and excellent client service.”
Learn more about Everlaw for Good’s impact, eligibility requirements, and more here.
