Dr Michael Rath | LUTHER Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH

Dr Michael Rath is a German lawyer, a certified specialist in information technology law and coordinates the Information Tech & Telecommunications sector at Luther. He is also a Certified ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor.

The focus of his advisory services is on IT law, data protection law and the protection of intellectual property. Dr Michael Rath also advises on telecommunications law, assists with tenders and IT outsourcing / regulated outsourcing and the implementation of (IT) compliance requirements. He frequently holds seminars on these topics and publishes articles on current IT and data protection law issues.

IT Law
Data Protection Law
Data Protection, Antitrust & Compliance
Digital Infrastructure
Artificial Intelligence & Big Data
Media & Entertainment
Telecommunications Law

Dr Michael Rath studied law at the University of Saarbrücken and in Cologne (Germany), working as a research assistant at both universities. While working full time, he completed his doctorate with an emphasis on Internet search engines at the University of Würzburg. He joined Luther’s predecessor firm in 1999 and has remained with the firm since.

Chambers Europe 2023: Ranking in "TMT: Information Technology" (Band 4, first ranking in 2012, "We love his expertise, responsiveness and pragmatic recommendations.")
JUVE Guide 2022/2023: Listed under "Frequently Recommended" in "Technology and Media - Data Protection, Information Technology" (first listed in 2012/2013, "brilliant negotiator, super lawyer, great networker", competitor)
The Legal 500 Germany 2023: Award "Leading Names" and recommended in "IT Transactions and Outsourcing" (first award in 2021, first listed in 2016, "Michael Rath is always available, even in complex transactions."), recommended in "Information Technology and Digitalisation" (first listed in 2016, "Michael Rath and Christian Kuß are absolute experts in their field and advised us perfectly on a large outsourcing project through great detail and industry knowledge."; "Dr Rath & Team are real experts in digitalisation."; "Dr Michael Rath is one of the experts in IT law."), "Information Technology - Data Protection" (first listed in 2016, "Dr. Michael Rath is approachable at all times and is characterised by very good empathy in addition to professional expertise."), and "City Focus Cologne" and listed in "Telecommunication" ("Dr. Michael Rath is one of the TC experts on the German market.")
Who’s Who Legal 2023: Recommendation “Global Leader” in “Data – Information Technology” (first recommendation in 2021) and "National Leader" in "Germany – Data" (first recommendation in 2022)
kanzleimonitor.de 2022/2023: Recommended in "IT-Law" (first recommended in 2016/2017)
Best Lawyers 2024: Recommended in "Information Technology Law" (first recommended in 2016) and "Data Security Law" (first recommended in 2022)
Best Lawyers 2022: Award "Lawyer of the Year" in "Information Technology Law"
WirtschaftsWoche 2023: Recommendation "Top Lawyer" in "Data Protection Law" (first recommendation in 2019)

arvato/Bertelsmann, BASF, Bayer, Deutsche Telekom, Edeka-Gruppe, Evonik, Klosterfrau, Miele, Postbank/Deutsche Bank, Procter & Gamble, Riedel-Gruppe, SwissLife, ThyssenKrupp, Unilever

Member of the "Deutsche Gesellschaft für Recht und Informatik e.V. " (DGRI)
Board member of the Arbeitskreis EDV und Recht
Accredited conciliator for IT disputes at the conciliation board of the DGRI