In a world where technology is rewriting the rules faster than law can traditionally respond, Soumya Sahu emerges as a lawyer who treats law not just as a shield, but as a compass. A Partner at A&B Legal, Soumya has carved a distinctive niche at the intersection of data privacy, AI governance, fintech, healthtech, and ethical technology — helping businesses move from basic compliance to long-term trust and resilience.
This Koffee Conversation captures a professional who blends intellectual depth with empathy, policy thinking with business realism, and legal precision with moral clarity. From shaping digital policy frameworks to mentoring young lawyers on ethical risk mapping, Soumya represents a new generation of tech lawyers who believe law must evolve alongside society, not trail behind it.
Soumya’s journey into technology law was not a straight line but an organic evolution over a decade of practice. Beginning her career in traditional law firms and later leading legal strategies for startups, she gradually identified her true calling in data privacy, AI, and technology governance. Her roles as in-house counsel and legal advisor allowed her to move beyond checklist compliance and step into the role of a business enabler.
Her exposure to global policy environments — including academic stints in Geneva and New Hampshire — shaped her worldview on internet law, IP, and policy design. Today, at A&B Legal, Soumya architects complex advisory frameworks involving cross-border data transfers, AI ethics, DPDP Act compliance, and emerging tech risks. Alongside client work, she invests deeply in mentoring, believing that the future of law lies in curiosity, interdisciplinary thinking, and ethical courage.
Key Highlights of the Koffee Conversation with Soumya Sahu:
- Identified her niche in AI and data privacy through hands-on startup and in-house experience.
- Believes the key shift in tech law is from “Are we compliant?” to “Are we responsible?”.
- Explains deepfakes as a major privacy and reputational risk under global AI frameworks.
- Highlights EU AI Act as a strong guardrail model for protecting citizens’ fundamental rights.
- Sees India’s DPDP Act as a solid foundation, but stresses the need for deeper digital literacy.
- Emphasises privacy-by-design and ethics-by-design in product development.
- Advises businesses on resilience, not just short-term legal compliance.
- Handled complex matters involving healthtech, peer-to-peer lending, fintech, and green projects.
- Says tech lawyers must act as product strategists and business problem-solvers.
- Practices situational and reverse mentoring to empower Gen Z lawyers.
- Uses AI as a productivity and brainstorming tool, but insists on human verification.
- Encourages law students to build AI literacy alongside core legal fundamentals.
- Believes future lawyers must understand economics, psychology, and behavioral science.
- Draws inspiration from academic mentors and global scholarship.
- Describes herself as a curious explorer who finds calm in bird photography and nature.
🎥 Watch the full Koffee Conversation with Soumya Sahu on YouTube — an insightful journey into AI governance, data privacy, ethical lawyering, and how purpose-driven legal professionals are shaping the future of technology and trust.
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