Elena Mandarà

My name is Elena, 26 years old, born in Sicily and adopted by Rome. I collaborate as an associate with the privacy, data protection & cybersecurity department of the law firm Portolano Cavallo.

I attended the Law School at Luiss Guido Carli in Rome, where I discovered a passion for the intersection between the world of law and new technologies, and the delicate balance between protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals, and economic and developmental needs. Therefore, I focused my thesis on the analysis of Internet of Things systems, particularly on issues related to the protection of personal data and the right to competition.

My academic journey continued by obtaining a Second Level Master's degree in Information Technology Law, Legal Informatics, and New Technologies at La Sapienza University in Rome.

Thanks to the work experience gained so far, I have been able to realize how concrete the impact of regulation is on the development of technologies and, therefore, on many aspects of our lives. Working in this sector fascinates me because it gives me the idea of being able to contribute, however small, to charting the course of future developments or, at the very least, to observe closely and with awareness the direction in which the world is moving.

Another interesting aspect is indeed the global dimension of these topics and the opportunity to work with clients and colleagues from all over the world. Already during my university years, having spent a semester abroad at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), I discovered the beauty of international exchange.

I combine my professional commitment with the organization and participation in non-profit activities, because I strongly believe in collective contribution and common commitment.