Aashka Vyas

Who are you? Tell us about yourself!

My name is Aashka Vyas, and I am a Technology Law and Policy LL.M. graduate from Georgetown Law. Before coming to Georgetown, I completed my law degree in India, where I gained practical legal experience through several internships. I also had the opportunity to attend a summer school program in Paris and participate in a semester exchange at the University of Georgia School of Law, both of which broadened my understanding of law from a comparative and international perspective. During my time at Georgetown, I have worked as a Research Assistant at the Law Library and at the Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET).

What drew you to Georgetown’s LL.M. in Technology Law and Policy?

I was drawn to Georgetown’s LL.M. in Technology Law and Policy because of its unique focus on the intersection of technology, law, and public policy. As emerging technologies increasingly shape society, I wanted to study not only the legal challenges they create but also the policy frameworks that govern them. Georgetown’s location in Washington, D.C. was a major factor as well. Being at the center of policymaking provided a unique opportunity to engage with discussions surrounding technology governance, innovation, data privacy, and emerging technologies.

Tell us about your work experience before joining the LL.M. program.

As a recent law graduate from India, my professional experience primarily came through internships. At DSK Legal, I worked with the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications team on a range of emerging legal issues, including Indian data protection law, consumer rights under telecommunications law, employee privacy and workplace surveillance, and the regulation of stablecoins in India. I also interned at Archer & Angel, where I worked on intellectual property matters, particularly trademark disputes, confusingly similar marks, and the recognition of trans-border trademark reputation in India.

How has your LL.M experience informed your post-graduation plans?

Through courses at the intersection of tech law and public policy, participation in conferences, and valuable networking opportunities, I developed a strong interest in policy-oriented work and research. My experience as a Research Assistant at CSET further reinforced this interest by exposing me to the practical challenges surrounding emerging technologies. As a result, I became interested in pursuing opportunities with think tanks and policy organizations, which led me to secure internships with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.).

What has been your most impactful class, professor, or experience in the LL.M. experience?

One of the most impactful classes in my LL.M. experience was Professor Filippo Lancieri’s Designing Data Privacy Law Seminar. The course explored the legal, economic, and policy dimensions of data privacy regulation, including different regulatory models, enforcement mechanisms, and the interaction of privacy law with competition, innovation, and national security. It deepened my understanding of how privacy laws are designed and implemented in practice.
I also greatly enjoyed Professor Hillary Brill’s Advocacy in the Digital Age, an experiential course that focused on technology policy and advocacy. The class provided valuable hands-on experience in policy-making and helped me develop practical skills for engaging with technology-related legal and policy issues.