In an era where data drives global business, innovation, and human connection, the professionals safeguarding privacy and digital rights hold an increasingly pivotal role. Among them stands Patrizia Pedretti, a distinguished Data, Privacy and Cybersecurity Lawyer at Norton Rose Fulbright. Recognized as both a Maestro della Protezione dei Dati and a Data Protection Designer®, Patrizia brings a rare combination of technical understanding, regulatory insight, and strategic vision to one of today’s most complex fields.

Based in the firm’s Milan office, she advises leading international commercial, financial, pharmaceutical, and technology companies—guiding them through intricate privacy frameworks and helping them build trust in a rapidly evolving data ecosystem.

Championing the Digital Rights of Today and Tomorrow

Patrizia is a key member of Norton Rose Fulbright’s global Data, Privacy & Cybersecurity practice. Her work covers the full spectrum of EU and Italian privacy and data protection law, where she provides both legal clarity and business-oriented strategy. With a deep understanding of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Italy’s national privacy rules, she supports multinational clients facing some of their most sensitive challenges.

She regularly assists organizations with privacy assessments, responds to requests for information issued by the Italian Data Protection Authority, advises on employee monitoring tools, and identifies privacy risks in cross-border M&A transactions. Known for her precision and practical mindset, Patrizia ensures that clients not only meet compliance requirements but also strengthen their culture of accountability and transparency.

“Data protection is no longer just a legal obligation,” she notes.
“It is a powerful way for companies to demonstrate responsibility and uphold the trust of individuals and communities.”

Navigating Complexity in a Technology-Driven World

Patrizia’s expertise extends deeply into the technological frontiers shaping modern society. Her work is rooted in a broad understanding of digital ecosystems, including social networks, online platforms, e-commerce environments, fintech services, payment applications, and increasingly, the integration of advanced AI systems and automated decision-making tools.

Her daily practice centers on advising clients where innovation meets regulation—addressing issues such as GDPR compliance, data breach response, risk analysis and DPIAs, data processing agreements, marketing and behavioral profiling, cross-border data transfers, and the processing of special categories of data.

As cybersecurity threats grow in scale and sophistication, Patrizia serves as a trusted partner during incidents, offering real-time guidance that minimizes impact and supports organizations through regulatory obligations. Her ability to merge legal rigor with technological insight allows her to provide forward-thinking advice in a field that evolves faster than legislation.

Protecting Health Data and Supporting Medical Advancement

Another cornerstone of Patrizia’s work lies in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sector, where she plays a key role in helping multinational companies manage highly sensitive health information. She regularly advises on privacy matters relating to clinical trials, pharmacovigilance activities, and ongoing medical research—areas where the ethical handling of personal data is essential.

In this environment, Patrizia ensures that companies balance innovation with responsibility, protecting patient rights while supporting scientific advancement. Her deep understanding of health data regulations enables organizations to operate confidently and ethically amid strict and evolving compliance frameworks.

Dual Expertise in Privacy and Competition Law

What truly distinguishes Patrizia is her dual capability in both data protection and antitrust and competition law—a combination that has become increasingly valuable as markets digitalize.

Her experience includes advising on complex antitrust investigations, preparing responses to information requests from authorities, assisting in hearings, implementing compliance programs, and supporting appeals before administrative courts. She also contributes to merger control work, guiding clients through filings and helping identify competition or consumer protection concerns related to data use.

This intersectional expertise allows Patrizia to spot issues that many practitioners overlook—particularly those arising from the increasing interplay between data, market power, and digital platforms.

A Voice for Inclusion, Education, and Ethical Innovation

Beyond her advisory work, Patrizia plays an active role in shaping broader cultural and ethical conversations. She is a committed member of Norton Rose Fulbright’s Diversity & Inclusion committee, helping promote initiatives that foster equity, representation, and a supportive professional environment.

She is also a frequent author, speaker, and corporate trainer, sharing her knowledge at conferences, in legal publications, and through client workshops. Her sessions help organizations better understand their obligations, anticipate regulatory trends, and build internal competencies that support long-term compliance.

Her passion for new technologies and digital transformation fuels her dedication to responsible innovation—ensuring that advancements in AI, analytics, and automation support human rights rather than compromise them.

Designing the Future of Data Protection

Patrizia’s recognition as a Data Protection Designer® underscores her commitment to embedding privacy principles into systems from the start. Her work champions privacy by design and privacy by default, helping organizations build products, processes, and business models that are inherently compliant, transparent, and respectful of individuals.

Looking ahead, she is focused on the evolving challenges posed by artificial intelligence, cross-border data flows, algorithmic fairness, and the ethical use of automated systems. Her mission remains clear: to help organizations innovate responsibly while protecting fundamental rights in an increasingly data-dependent world.

Leading With Precision, Passion, and Purpose

Across every facet of her work—GDPR compliance, cybersecurity strategy, competition law, digital ethics, or health data governance Patrizia brings a unique combination of analytical precision, multidisciplinary understanding, and passion for innovation.

Her leadership is defined by a commitment to clarity in complexity, integrity in decision-making, and a forward-looking approach that keeps pace with technological change. As businesses continue to navigate a challenging digital future, professionals like Patrizia Pedretti are redefining what it means to practice law in the age of data—ensuring that innovation, compliance, and human dignity evolve hand in hand.

Innovation and privacy must evolve together. When we design technology with people in mind, we build a safer and more ethical digital future

— Patrizia Pedretti

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