Chris Smoak

Chris Smoak is a prominent figure in the technology and legal sectors, best known as the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Atrium, a venture-backed law firm that focuses on providing legal services to startups through a technology-driven approach. Atrium aims to innovate the traditional legal landscape by automating repetitive tasks and allowing lawyers to concentrate on legal work rather than operational aspects.15

Background and Experience

Smoak has a rich background as a serial entrepreneur and software engineer, with over 20 years of experience in various roles across industry, government, and academia. His expertise spans cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and technology innovation. He has held significant positions, including serving as the CTO at the Georgia Tech Research Institute, where he led a division focused on offensive security and technology consulting.23

Contributions to Atrium

At Atrium, Smoak is instrumental in developing technologies that streamline legal processes. The firm operates with a unique model that separates its legal services from its technology operations, allowing for fixed-rate pricing for services aimed at startups.14 This innovative structure is designed to enhance efficiency and reduce costs compared to traditional law firms.

Education and Other Ventures

Smoak graduated from Carnegie Mellon University and has been involved in various tech startups and initiatives. He is also recognized as an angel investor, focusing on areas such as data science and cloud technology.36 His work not only contributes to the legal tech space but also supports broader technological advancements through mentorship and investment in emerging companies.

Overall, Chris Smoak's contributions to Atrium and his extensive background in technology make him a key player in transforming how legal services are delivered to startups.