Legal Counsel That Understands Technology
Learn more about our expertise, mission, and the approach that sets us apart.
"Empowering founders with clarity."
Legal Counsel That Understands Technology
Sarhan Data Law is a tech-enabled legal practice specializing at the intersection of data, privacy, and artificial intelligence. Founded and led by Laith Sarhan, the firm delivers actionable legal strategy to enable innovation at scale.
From Startup Exit to Enterprise Scale
Laith brings a unique perspective, having operated across the entire growth spectrum:
- The Startup Exit: As the first business hire at Semantic Health, Laith architected the legal and operational foundation that scaled the venture from early-stage to a successful acquisition by AAPC.
- The Enterprise Scale: At TELUS, he spearheaded "Consent by Design," operationalizing privacy strategy for millions of customers and authoring the Playbook for Trustworthy Consent.
- The Big Law Foundation: Trained at Cassels Brock, Laith brings the rigour of Tier 1 corporate law to the agility of the tech sector.
"My goal is to empower founders and leaders. By providing clear, technically informed legal strategy, we give you the clarity and confidence needed to make your mark."
A Technical Understanding
Unlike traditional law firms that work through business stakeholders, we collaborate directly with technical and engineering teams to apply legal principles at the code level.
Our Product Counsel services integrate legal expertise directly into sprint planning and architecture reviews, ensuring privacy-by-design principles become part of your technical DNA.
For Data Protection, we translate abstract requirements into concrete technical specifications that your engineers can implement directly.
In Business Transactions, we conduct specialized due diligence on data assets, AI systems, and privacy compliance that traditional M&A lawyers often miss.
What Drives Us
Curiosity
Every interaction is based on a strong understanding of your business and goals.
Innovation
We adopt creative, out-of-the-box solutions to complex legal challenges.
Accessibility
Quality legal counsel should be accessible to businesses of all sizes.
Trustworthiness
Our goal is to build and maintain your long-term trust for long-term success.
Leadership & Background
Industry Leadership
Director
Freedom of Information and Privacy Association (FIPA)
Member-at-Large
Privacy and Access Section, Canadian Bar Association
Technical Certifications
Post-Quantum Cybersecurity
Quantum Algorithms Institute (2025)
Education
Juris Doctor
Peter A. Allard School of Law
University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting
Sauder School of Business
University of British Columbia
Representative Experience
Fractional & Product Counsel
Fractional General Counsel
Commercial contracting, data governance, and legal operations for a high-growth AI company
Fractional Privacy & AI Counsel
Building governance frameworks for enterprise AI deployment and supporting product teams
Product Consulting
Translating data sharing frameworks into technical specifications for data exchange across jurisdictions
Transactions & Corporate
Cross-Border M&A
Represented technology manufacturer in cross-border asset sale to multinational acquirer
Healthcare M&A
Lead counsel on acquisition of healthcare services provider
Corporate Restructuring
Advised video game studio on complex share buy-back structures and defensive strategies
Capital Markets
Acted for issuers, agents, and underwriters on private placements and public offerings
Non-Profit & Governance
Healthcare Association
Assisted with incorporation as a society and initial governance planning
Various Non-Profits
Ongoing governance advisory work for mission-driven organizations
Speaking Engagements
AI and the Law: Risks, Ethics and Opportunities
CMLA National Legal Conference 2025
Panel Speakers:
- Abdi Aidid - Lawyer, Law Professor, University of Toronto
- Laith Sarhan - Founder, Sarhan Data Law
- Sohaib M. Habib - Partner, Delex LLP
- Iqra Azhar - Moderator, Lawyer at Brownlee LLP
How We Work
Lean Practice Model
We eliminate unnecessary overhead costs, focusing resources on building relationships for long-term success.
Technology-Forward
We adopt cutting-edge legal technology to streamline workflows and deliver services more efficiently.
Fee Transparency
Clear, predictable pricing with detailed estimates and no surprise bills. Complete transparency builds trust.
By combining legal expertise with business acumen and modern technology, we deliver a client experience that's refreshingly different.
Our Practice Is Best Suited For
We've structured our practice to work closely with a smaller number of organizations rather than many at arm's length. This approach allows us to provide strategic, high-impact guidance.
When Clients Typically Call Us
Common Entry Points
- Launching a product that handles personal data or AI
- Enterprise customers asking about security and compliance
- Expanding into new markets with different regulations
- Preparing for M&A, partnerships, or funding
- Responding to a data incident or regulatory inquiry
Ready to Build Your Legal Foundation?
We'll have a brief conversation to understand your situation. If we're a good fit, we'll outline clear options and what working together would look like.