Dr Michael Rath

Lawyer, Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E) Partner
Certified Specialist in IT Law Certified ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor
Dr Michael Rath

Areas of practice

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 and Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E).

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.

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Vita

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.

Honors and distinctions

  • Chambers Europe 2026: Ranking in “TMT: Information Technology”, Band 4 (first ranking in 2012)
  • JUVE Guide 2024/2025: Listed under "Frequently Recommended" in "IT-Law and Data Protection" (first listed in 2012/2013, "precise advice", competitor, "very responsive, supportive, pragmatic", client; "gets to the point", "outstanding IT and data protection lawyer; very experienced", "provides top-level advice, publishes and advises on the latest IT topics", competitors)
  • The Legal 500 Germany 2026: Awarded “Leading Name” in the category “Information Technology and Digitalisation” (first recommendation in 2021, first mention in 2016, “Michael Rath, partner and certified specialist lawyer for IT law, is distinguished by his strategic foresight, profound technical and legal expertise, and his ability to structure complex issues in a clear and solution-oriented manner. As head of the Information Technology & Telecommunications practice at Luther, he plays a key role in the efficient coordination of projects and the provision of high-level advice.”), recommendations in "Industry Focus - Artificial Intelligence" (first recommendation in 2025), “Industry Focus - Telecommunications” (first mention in 2023, "Michael Rath and Christian Kuß: Working with them is straightforward and pleasant. Highest level of expertise. Always results-oriented. Excellent teamwork skills. Confident manner and negotiating skills at board level.") and the categories “Information Technology - Data Protection” (first recommendation in 2021, first mention in 2016) and “Media - Entertainment” (first mention in 2024)
  • The Legal 500 Germany 2025: Awarded “Leading Partner” in the category “Information Technology - IT Transactions and Outsourcing” (first award in 2021, first mention in 2016), mentioned in “City Focus - Cologne” (first recommendation in 2023)
  • Lexology Index 2026: Recommendation "Global Leader" in "Data - Information Technology" (first recommended in 2021) as well as recommendation "National Leader" in "Germany – Data" (first recommended in 2022)
  • kanzleimonitor.de 2022/2023: Recommended in "IT-Law" (first recommended in 2016/2017)
  • Best Lawyers 2026: Awarded 'Lawyer of the Year' in the category 'Information Technology Law' (first award in 2026, first recommendation in 2016), recommendations in the category 'Data Security and Privacy Law' (first recommendation in 2022) and 'Outsourcing' (first recommendation in 2025)
  • WirtschaftsWoche 2025: Recommendation "Top Lawyer" in "Data Protection Law" (first recommendation in 2019)
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Clients

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

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Lectures

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Memberships

  • 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
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