Dr. Valentin Zipfel

Profile

IT law & technology products

Data protection law

Artificial intelligence (AI)

Contract design for digital business models

I am an associated partner at GÖRG Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB in Frankfurt am Main and advise clients comprehensively on IT and technology products, data protection law, and all legal issues related to the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

I have deep experience drafting and negotiating contracts in digital business models, particularly in IT, retail, and services. A core focus of my practice is advising on legal issues around deploying AI—from risk classification of individual applications and developing in-house AI policies to building comprehensive AI governance structures for companies and public bodies.

Experience

Advising a public contracting authority procuring an AI solution

Structuring and negotiating contracts for public-sector procurement of an AI solution, with a focus on liability, data protection, and AI Act compliance.

Public sector

Procurement & AI contract assurance

Supporting a regional cooperative bank implementing AI governance

Drafting a company-wide AI policy and reviewing and assessing deployed AI applications against AI Act prohibition grounds.

Governance package

AI policy & prohibition review

Qualifications

Education

2010–2016 — Law studies at Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg. Scholar of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
2013 — Exchange studies in Beijing at China University of Political Science and Law. DAAD scholar.
2017–2019 — Legal traineeship (Referendariat) at Heidelberg District Court with placements in Frankfurt am Main and Munich.
2020 — Doctorate (Dr. iur.) at Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg. Scholar of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

Professional qualifications

Attorney (Rechtsanwalt)
Associated partner at GÖRG (since 2025)

What others say about Dr. Valentin Zipfel

Competent, solution-oriented, and always up to date with technological developments.

— Peer in the legal market