About Me

I am a technology, copyright and data protection lawyer working at the intersection of between software, data, and contracts, especially to support clients with technology transactions, data-driven projects, collaborative software development and artificial intelligence (AI).

As a partner in our Technology and Communications, Commercial, and Privacy and Data Protection groups, I have a strong background in helping open source license compliance litigation and have led the Compliance Work Team at the Linux Foundation's OpenChain project, which developed the ISO standard specifying key requirements of a quality open source license compliance program.

I have a strong focus on supporting clients with legal advise on the development, deployment, and commercialisation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, including disputes and the regulation of AI under the EU AI Act. Furthermore, I help clients navigate the EU Data Act and the Cyber Resilience Act. As part of my broader practice, I assist clients with disputes involving platform liability and I advise on privacy matters especially the GDPR.

In 2025, I was named in the Legal 500 Germany 2025 rankings, where Bird & Bird is ranked in Band 1 for Artificial Intelligence and I co-head the firm's AI Strategy Group.

As part of my broader practice, I assist clients with disputes involving platform liability and I advise on privacy matters especially the GDPR. I have worked with clients in a wide range of sectors, including online businesses, consumer electronics, automotive, life sciences, financial service and defense and I assist public organizations such as federal ministries to navigate the challenges of drafting public procurement contracts that ensure future compliance with all current and upcoming EU technology regulation in public procurement. Furthermore, I advise global companies building quantum computers both on public funding and tenders as well as on contractual agreements for the deployment of quantum technology.

In 2018, I was elected to the advisory council of the Legal Network of the Free Software Foundation Europe.
Education

Studied

  • Legal studies in Passau
  • Doctoral thesis on 'Legal Tech for the Judiciary' at Universität Passau
  • Legal clerkship in Berlin and San José, Costa Rica

Admissions

  • Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection from 2009 to 2011
  • Admission to the German bar in 2012
  • JBB Rechtsanwälte from 2012 to 2016
  • Lumesse GmbH from 2016 to 2017
Testimonials Carousel Megaphone

Testimonials

I cannot praise the information technology and digitalization practice at Bird & Bird LLP highly enough, especially Miriam Ballhausen. I have always been impressed by her in-depth knowledge and the quality of her work. She is able to simplify complex German procedures and legal issues in a way that is easy to understand, and she takes the time to understand her clients' mission and values in order to provide commercially sound advice.

Legal 500

Miriam Ballhausen is an exceptional partner. Her advice is always knowledgeable, strategic, and comprehensive, providing her clients with options tailored to their individual needs so they can make the best possible decision for their organization.

Legal 500

Latest insights

More Insights
waterfall against northern lights

Accelerating action: supporting women on the path to leadership

Mar 06 2025

Read More
pink tiles on grey background

Compliance countdown begins as EU AI Act prepares to take effect

Jul 12 2024

Read More
Motorway with fields

Financier Worldwide discusses the evolution of data privacy and cyber security in the automotive sector with Miriam Ballhausen and Natallia Karniyevich

Jul 15 2022

Read More

News & Deals

More News & Deals

Deal

Bird & Bird advises Contour Design on acquisition of Active Key business from Cherry SE

May 13 2025

Read More

Deal

Bird & Bird advises Gamma on the agreement to acquire STARFACE from Maxburg

Feb 07 2025

Read More

Deal

Bird & Bird advised Index Ventures on $300 million investment round of DeepL at $2 billion valuation

May 29 2024

Read More

Deal

Bird & Bird advised Gerard Daniel on the acquisition of Rhodius KMS

Jan 05 2024

Read More

What's on TwoBirds TV?

More Videos
No Image