Intellectual
Property and
Information
Technology Law

Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law at Fordham Law

Rapidly evolving technology has fundamentally changed the world in which today’s law students will launch their careers, and the legal profession is changing along with it. To be ready, lawyers need to solve challenges and problems with new tools and apply established law in innovative ways. They may even find themselves practicing in areas that didn’t exist when they first arrived on campus.

Tom Norton ’16, executive director of Fordham’s Center on Law and Information Policy, says, “The rapid development of technology constantly pushes the limits of existing legal frameworks. There’s a persistent, urgent need to craft law and policy that accommodates technological advancement while ensuring a free and fair society.” Fordham students will be up for the challenge, with courses on AI and Blockchain as well as hands-on opportunities like Fordham Law’s externship with New York City’s Office of Technology and Innovation, headed by Fordham Law alumnus Michael Fitzpatrick ’14.

The externship gives students like Milan George ’25 (above) the opportunity to learn firsthand about the legal frameworks and practices surrounding data privacy and security and compliance with federal, state, and local privacy laws affecting New York City agencies.

George says her interest in data privacy is rooted in her experiences “growing up in a digital world.”

“Witnessing firsthand the transformative power of technology, as well as its potential for misuse, inspired me to pursue a career where I could contribute to shaping the legal landscapes that govern technology use,” she says.

Through her placement with New York City’s Office of Information Privacy (OIP), George took a deep dive into privacy impact assessment processes globally, comparing toolkits used in New York City and in New Zealand to identify and manage privacy risks. She also developed recommendations to refine and enhance approaches to OIP’s privacy impact assessments.

“This project was not only challenging but also exceptionally rewarding, as it allowed me to contribute to the accessibility and effectiveness of privacy practices in New York City,” says George. “This externship has been pivotal in solidifying my desire to work in data privacy law.”