Michael Hopp

Michael has been working and specialising in the field of data protection law since 2004 and has witnessed the transformation of data protection law from a lesser-known area to a fundamental area of regulation that now underpins nearly all activities of both businesses and public authorities.

With the EU’s digital strategy from 2018, a comprehensive regulation and harmonisation of the digital domain began, supplementing the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, 2016). This strategy has led to new rule sets, including the AI Act, Digital Services Act (DSA), Data Act, Data Governance Act, EU Health Data Spaces Regulation, DORA, and NIS2/CER, all of which now apply alongside the GDPR.

Michael has focused on this area for many years, and as a long-time leader of a large team at a law firm, he has built market-leading expertise in data protection law and its related areas – both theoretically and within a commercial framework.

He works both in-depth on details and with a broad, strategic overview when advising on subject matters within the area. Michael’s expertise enables him to find solutions that are legally sound and value-creating, whether the client is from the private or public sector.

In recent years, his work has particularly focused on outsourcing/cloud, AI, data-driven marketing/cookies, digitisation/automation, and the establishment of compliance programs within these areas.

Michael is a highly sought-after instructor and speaker in the field. Since 2016, he has offered a foundational course in data protection law, today known as Hopp & Partners’ Certificate in Data Protection Law, with over 1,500 participants to date.