ASYA KASABIAN

Technology & Privacy Law Specialist

About

Tech-native legal specialist bridging complex technology and regulatory compliance. I combine self-taught coding expertise with deep privacy law knowledge to deliver practical, implementation-ready solutions for technology companies.

"I love learning and I have the ability to master new domains rapidly, from self-teaching programming to navigate legal-tech challenges, to building custom databases for case management."

Leading Armenia's first Tech & Innovation Legal Clinic, providing critical guidance to 15+ startups and established tech companies. My background allows reviewing data architectures, APIs, and system designs to ensure privacy-by-design implementation while translating complex regulatory requirements into actionable technical specifications.

Education

LLB (Bachelor of Laws)

University of Essex, UK
2021 - 2025

LLB (Bachelor of Laws)

French University of Armenia, Yerevan
2018 - 2019

MA International Relations

Yerevan State University
2014 - 2016

BA History

Yerevan State University
2010 - 2014

Core Expertise

GDPR & Privacy Compliance

Conduct privacy impact assessments, GDPR-aligned policies, and cross-border regulatory compliance strategies.

Data Privacy Architecture

Review data systems, APIs, and architecture for privacy-by-design implementation.

AI & Legal Tech

Advising AI startups, automating compliance processes, and building custom legal databases.

Governance & Auditing

Audit organizations, implement compliance frameworks, and provide governance advice.

Professional Experience

Tech & Innovation Legal Clinic Coordinator

Mar 2025 - Present
American University of Armenia · Part-time · Yerevan/Hybrid
  • Leading Armenia's first specialized legal clinic focused on technology law, IP and data privacy.
  • Delivered hands-on privacy compliance guidance to 15+ technology companies, including AI startups and Ministry of Defense.
  • Coordinating clinic operations, connecting students with real-world legal cases and supervision.
  • Delivering workshops on company formation, tax registration, and legal compliance.
  • Supporting multiple startups with legal foundation, tax setup, and GDPR compliance.
  • Building partnerships with law firms, NGOs, and tech stakeholders to expand clinic impact.
  • Developed proprietary legal database using Python to streamline case management and regulatory tracking.
  • Bridge technical and legal domains by reviewing data architectures and system designs.

Audit & Compliance Specialist

Jul 2025 - Present
AIESEC International · Part-time · Montreal, Quebec, Canada · Remote
  • Conducting audits of national committees to ensure adherence to local laws, AIESEC International’s standards, legal frameworks, and data privacy policies.
  • Reviewing internal structures and processes for governance, policy, and compliance alignment.
  • Advising entities on legal obligations and adherence to internal regulations.

Member of the Board of Advisors

Jan 2025 - Present
AIESEC in Armenia · Remote
  • Advising the local leadership team on strategic direction, organizational development, and long-term sustainability.
  • Providing mentorship and coaching to the Executive Board and project teams, helping develop leadership, management, and decision-making skills.
  • Offering guidance on organizational governance, risk management, and compliance where necessary.

Director of Governance and Auditing

Jan 2025 - Jun 2025
AIESEC in Armenia · Hybrid
  • Successfully reinstated all AIESEC in Armenia products within 2 months after a 5 year freeze due to non-compliance.
  • Became a GCP among 105 countries, and #1 performing entity across AIESEC International.
  • Created and implemented GDPR-aligned data protection strategy and internal compliance policies.
  • Drafted and standardized all legal contracts to meet AIESEC global governance standards.
  • Ensured full legal, operational, and data compliance, restoring organizational credibility and trust internationally.
  • Led audits, performance reviews, and governance reforms.

President

Jul 2015 - Jun 2017
AIESEC in Armenia · Full-time · Yerevan, Armenia · On-site
  • Led an international team of 7 from diverse backgrounds; organization comprised 100+ members.
  • Drove 400% growth across all programs, contributing over half of AIESEC Armenia’s historical achievements.
  • Partnered with top institutions like the Central Bank of Armenia, Pepsi-Cola Bottler Armenia, and United Nations Armenia.
  • Positioned AIESEC Armenia as a trusted youth leadership organization aligned with national development and UN SDGs.

Legal and Finance Specialist

Oct 2017 - Sep 2019
Ginosi Apartels & Hotels · Armenia
  • Ensured compliance with local and international legal requirements.
  • Drafted and reviewed contracts and legal documents.
  • Conducted legal research and risk assessments.
  • Collaborated with internal teams and external legal counsel.
  • Actively participated in high-stakes lawsuit with United States Attorney for the District of Columbia.

Legal Specialist

Aug 2020 - Jan 2025
Shanghai Suiya Business Consulting Co. (上海穗雅商务咨询有限公司) · Hybrid · Shanghai, China / Yerevan, Armenia
  • Co-founded a consultancy firm advising Chinese clients on legal matters in Europe and the US.
  • Provided expertise in cross-border legal compliance and regulatory frameworks.
  • Assisted clients with contract review, risk assessment, and data privacy related strategies.
  • Navigated complex international laws to support business expansion and compliance.

Technical & Legal Skills

Programming

  • Python
  • HTML
  • C++

Legal Tech

  • Custom Database Development
  • Legal Automation
  • Privacy Compliance Tools

Privacy & Compliance Frameworks

  • GDPR
  • CCPA
  • Privacy Impact Assessments
  • Privacy by Design

Legal Skills

  • Contract Drafting & Negotiation
  • Regulatory Compliance & Advisory
  • Data Privacy & IP Law
  • Governance & Risk Management
  • Audit & Legal Oversight
  • Policy Development & Legal Research
  • Cross-border Legal Compliance
  • Technology Licensing & SaaS Agreements
  • Open Source & Software IP Licensing
  • Cybersecurity & Data Breach Response
  • Tech Company Incorporation & Corporate Governance

Languages

  • Armenian (Native)
  • English (Fluent - C1)
  • Russian (Native)
  • Mandarin (HSK 3)
  • French (A2)
  • Hebrew (Studying)

Certificates

  • IP Training Strategies - WIPO (2025)
  • International Humanitarian Law in Theory and Practice - Leiden University (2019)