Bashirat Atata, an accomplished legal professional with a formidable background in technology law, is making waves both locally and internationally with her groundbreaking work. Bashirat stands as a trailblazer in the realm of technology law, where her deep expertise and unwavering dedication have made her an invaluable resource for startups and established companies alike. With a rich background that spans over four years, Bashirat has successfully navigated the intricate intersection of technology and law, providing counsel on matters ranging from intellectual property and data privacy to regulatory compliance and fundraising. Educational Excellence and Prestigious RecognitionBashirat’s academic journey is a testament to her commitment to excellence. She earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria where she graduated in the top 5% of her class, and subsequently attended the Nigerian Law School, where she earned her Barrister at Law (B.L.) qualification. Bashirat recently graduated from the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, where she earned her Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Law & Technology. Her exceptional academic performance and legal impact have been recognized with the African Legal Impact Scholarship award, a highly competitive award granted to only two outstanding African students each year.Professional MilestonesBashirat’s professional journey includes significant roles at both Pinheiro LP and Finance Life Technologies (Riby), where she has made modest contributions to the success of these organizations. At Riby, a leading financial technology company in Lagos, Nigeria, Bashirat served as an In-House Counsel where she worked on drafting and negotiating critical technology contracts, and developing comprehensive privacy policies that ensured the company’s compliance with global data protection standards. Her expertise extends across various aspects of business law, including contract law, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. These areas are essential for businesses, particularly in the tech sector, where legal challenges can arise from rapid innovation, data privacy concerns, and intellectual property disputes. By addressing these challenges head-on, Bashirat played a pivotal role in Riby’s ability to secure significant business partnerships and navigate the complexities of the global market. Bashirat was instrumental in advising on and facilitating a 250 million naira technology partnership agreement with Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and budget. This landmark deal was aimed at enhancing digital financial inclusion across the state, further solidifying Riby’s position as a leader in the fintech industry. Advancing Technology Law through D’TechLawGuideIn December 2021, Bashirat founded D’TechLawGuide, a pioneering non-profit organization dedicated to advancing education in technology law and providing support to early-stage tech startups. The organization has grown into a thriving community of over 1,500 lawyers and has become a beacon for those seeking guidance in the rapidly evolving tech sector. Under Bashirat’s leadership, D’TechLawGuide has organized and led impactful initiatives, including a flagship and highly successful three-day workshop titled “Mastering Technology Law for the Next Generation.” This event, attended by over 250 participants, featured industry experts and providedd invaluable and cutting-edge insights, significantly enhancing participants’ knowledge of current trends in technology law. Empowering Startups and Driving InnovationD’TechLawGuide’s impact extends beyond education. Bashirat’s role as an advisor to tech startups has been pivotal in helping these companies navigate legal challenges, particularly in areas like data privacy and fundraising. She has offered pro-bono services to over 100 early-stage tech startups, providing crucial advice on intellectual property protection, business regulatory compliance, and investment services. Her guidance has directly contributed to securing pre-seed funding worth $50,000 for three startups from angel investors, demonstrating her ability to turn legal expertise into tangible business success. Inspiring and Mentoring the Next Generation of LawyersBeyond her work with startups, Bashirat is also a passionate mentor. She has mentored several law students in their exploration of technology law, five of whom have secured internships at top law firms. Her dedication to mentoring the next generation is reflected in her efforts to demystify technology law for young professionals, positioning them for success in this niche field. Bashirat’s upcoming e-book, “What You Need to Know About Technology Law,” co-authored with Juliana Okegbile, is poised to become an essential resource for law students, young lawyers and tech startup founders. Publications and Thought LeadershipBashirat is also a prolific writer, contributing to the global discourse on law and technology through her publications. She Co-authored a research paper “Assessing the Impact of the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023 on Businesses in Nigeria” published by the Nigerian Bar Association, Section on Legal Practice Law Journal. The research delves into the obligations that the Nigeria Data Protection Act presents for businesses, highlighting key compliance requirements, and strategies for Businesses to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Data Protection laws. Other notable publications include “The Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Data Privacy and Information Integrity in the Digital Age. Looking ForwardLooking ahead, Bashirat Atata is determined to expand the reach and impact of D’TechLawGuide, to assit young lawyers and tech entrepreneurs across globally. She also aims to collaborate with legal professionals, tech startup founders, and policymakers, driving forward-thinking solutions to the complex legal challenges posed by emerging technologies. As Bashirat continues to break new ground in technology law, her work stands as an inspiration to both her peers and the emerging generation of legal professionals. Through her leadership at D’TechLawGuide, her advisory roles, and her publications, Bashirat is shaping the future of law in the digital age, ensuring that innovation and privacy can coexist harmoniously.
