our people
Priyanka Raath
practical experience
Priyanka Raath is an Executive in the corporate commercial practice area, specialising in data and technology law. With extensive experience in the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) sector, Priyanka advises clients across various industries on complex, high-value technology transactions, helping businesses navigate the legal and commercial realities of an increasingly digital world.
Her core practice includes drafting, negotiating, and advising on a wide spectrum of IT and technology-related agreements, including software development, SaaS, cloud services, outsourcing, and system implementation projects. Priyanka is particularly experienced in multijurisdictional contracting, guiding clients through the structuring and negotiation of agreements that span multiple legal systems and regulatory regimes.
Priyanka is particularly interested in the intersection of law, innovation, and risk – translating technical concepts into practical legal solutions that align with business objectives.
A significant component of her practice is dedicated to data protection and privacy compliance. She advises organisations on aligning their operations with applicable data protection laws, including South Africa’s POPIA and the UK Data Protection Act and EU’s GDPR. Her work includes designing and implementing privacy compliance programmes, conducting gap analyses, developing policies and governance frameworks, and advising on cross-border data transfers. Priyanka holds recognised GDPR certifications (through the International Association of Privacy Professionals), underscoring her understanding of international data protection standards and best practices.
Priyanka also has extensive experience in managing and advising on data breaches and cybersecurity incidents. She supports clients through the full incident lifecycle, from legal support on the initial response and containment, to regulatory notification and stakeholder communication. She regularly engages with regulators and supervisory authorities, advising clients on their legal obligations, risk exposure, and strategic response in high-pressure scenarios.
In addition, she advises on the legal implications of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, with a focus on governance, accountability, and responsible deployment. She works closely with clients to ensure that innovative technologies are implemented in a way that is legally compliant, ethically sound, and aligned with business objectives.
Beyond her client work, Priyanka is actively involved in thought leadership within the TMT space. She hosts "Legal Bytes Over Coffee" an ENS podcast exploring topical issues in technology law, and regularly contributes to discussions on digital trust, governance, and the evolving legal landscape in South Africa.
She is also engaged in internal initiatives focused on knowledge sharing and advancing conversations around women’s issues in the workplace, reflecting her commitment to both professional excellence and meaningful impact within her firm.
Priyanka brings a pragmatic, commercially minded approach to her work, combining legal precision with a clear understanding of the technologies shaping the future.
qualifications
- LLB (University of KwaZulu-Natal)
- LLM (Harvard University)
- CIPP/E (International Association of Privacy Professionals)
- Admitted as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa
- International Association of Privacy Professionals
