Husch Blackwell Welcomes New Leader for AI Advisory Services
The national law firm Husch Blackwell is excited to announce the appointment of Michael Yang as its first Senior Director of Artificial Intelligence Advisory Services. Yang brings a wealth of experience from his previous role at Adobe where he served for over a decade, most recently as Director and Associate General Counsel.
Yang's Role and Contributions
In his new position, Yang will play a vital role as a strategic advisor, both within the firm and to its clients, concerning artificial intelligence-related matters. His responsibilities include providing strategic guidance on product selection, implementation processes, and ensuring compliance with ethical and regulatory standards. Yang will spearhead numerous strategic AI initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify potential risks while promoting innovation in legal services.
Expanding AI Expertise
Blake Rooney, Husch Blackwell’s Chief Information Officer, expressed enthusiasm about Yang's arrival, emphasizing that his extensive knowledge in AI and proven experience in governance and product development will be invaluable. "We are thrilled to welcome Mike to the firm,” Rooney stated. “His deep knowledge of AI will help us continue to expand our advisory services and provide innovative solutions tailored for our clients."
A Track Record at Adobe
During his time at Adobe, Yang led the Design, Research, and AI legal team, supporting various developers and researchers across the digital media business unit. His notable contributions included serving as a lead attorney for Adobe’s popular products like Photoshop and Illustrator.
Yang's Vision for AI at Husch Blackwell
Speaking on his transition, Yang shared, "I am incredibly thankful for my experiences at Adobe, and I am eager to apply that knowledge in my new role at Husch Blackwell. The firm is recognized nationally for its innovative use of AI in enhancing client outcomes and providing legal counsel regarding AI technologies. We are at the forefront of leveraging generative AI to differentiate ourselves in the market."
Commitment to AI Technology
Husch Blackwell has been proactive in investing in technology, particularly artificial intelligence, over the past five years. The firm was one of the pioneers among law firms to establish a dedicated team of data scientists, aimed at developing AI solutions that enhance legal service delivery. This team has quickly become one of the largest in-house groups of data scientists across the U.S. legal sector.
Future AI Developments
In 2024, the firm launched its AI team, a cross-practice group of attorneys focused explicitly on guiding clients through AI-related challenges, including navigating the evolving legal and regulatory environment. The firm has received recognition for its innovation in generative AI, having been shortlisted for the Innovative Lawyers Awards North America by the Financial Times. Additionally, Husch Blackwell was acknowledged as a finalist by The American Lawyer for its excellence in legal service innovation.
About Husch Blackwell
Husch Blackwell is a nationally recognized law firm with over 20 offices located throughout the United States, including a virtual office, known as The Link. The firm serves clients in various major industries such as energy, financial services, healthcare, technology, and more. For further information, please visit us online at huschblackwell.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Michael Yang?
Michael Yang is the new Senior Director of AI Advisory Services at Husch Blackwell, previously serving as Counsel at Adobe.
What are Yang's responsibilities?
He will advise on AI matters, focusing on strategy, implementation, and regulatory compliance.
Why is Husch Blackwell focusing on AI?
Husch Blackwell aims to enhance their legal services and client outcomes through innovative AI solutions.
What is the significance of Yang's background?
His extensive experience at Adobe and knowledge of AI will help expand the firm's capabilities in this area.
How does Husch Blackwell stand out in the field of AI?
The firm has made significant investments in technology and was one of the first to incorporate a dedicated data science team in legal practice.
