Topics: Law school, University of Zurich, PhD, data protection law, FinTech, career start, lawyer, career path, starting a law firm, LezziLegal, military justice.
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​​​​​​​Good day Mr. Lezzi, we are delighted to welcome you as a data protection expert for this interview. Could you describe your educational path to becoming a lawyer, particularly how you became an expert in data protection law?

After studying law at the University of Zurich, I took up a position as a research assistant at Professor Rolf Weber's chair. It was in the course of this activity that I first came into contact with data protection law. However, I completed my dissertation in the field of financial market law. After that, I worked for Schellenberg Wittmer in Zurich as a substitute and then began preparing for the Zurich bar examination. This is when my path started to become a little bumpier.

Unfortunately, I did not pass the exam and consequently had to reorient myself professionally. That's how I ended up taking a position in the compliance team of the SIX Group. The then data protection officer was not very happy with his function, so I took it over. Simultaneously with the assumption of my new function, the European General Data Protection Regulation was published, and I took over the project management for the implementation of this law within the SIX Group. Due to this new law, data protection took on a whole new significance and the role of data protection officer suddenly received a lot of attention.

After this law came into effect, I left SIX to take the bar exam again. This time I succeeded, and I took a position as a lawyer at Meyerlustenberger Lachenal Froriep in the financial market team. During the pandemic, the idea of becoming self-employed matured in me and in 2021, I started LezziLegal as a one-man law firm.
 

My specialization in data protection law was therefore not planned, but rather resulted from the circumstances and opportunities that presented themselves to me. However, once I realized that data protection was of great interest to me and that it was also a good specialization that is in demand in the market, I further educated myself in this field, obtained various certificates, and published regularly.
 

What do you particularly appreciate about your work in the data protection field?
 

Because all companies in all sectors and almost all business activities process personal data, you get a very deep and broad insight into all processes of a company. Dealing with different stakeholders, such as the CEO or CISO, is also particularly interesting and at times very challenging.
 

Also in material terms, data protection law is very multifaceted. Thus, the material questions range from contractual issues, through IT security problems, to the planning of organizational measures.
 

Can you give us an insight into your workday as an expert in data protection law, FinTech, and start-ups?
 

My workday is very diverse and consists of project management tasks, drafting directives and processes, answering material questions, negotiations with contract partners of clients, and contact with supervisory authorities.

On the side, I also give presentations or publish in my core areas to attract new clients. Finally, there are, of course, many administrative tasks such as bookkeeping, invoicing, purchasing office supplies, setting up IT systems, etc.
 

And how did you go from years of experience in data protection to becoming the founder of LezziLegal?
 

I had always wanted to build something on my own, and the entrepreneurial aspect of having my own law firm appealed to me. When the working world slowed down and decentralized due to the pandemic, I decided to take the plunge. Another important decision factor for me was that Swiss data protection law was under revision and there would likely be a need for advice on new developments in the financial market sector.
 

How does LezziLegal as an employer differ from other law firms?
 

LezziLegal is a very small law firm, and I only have two part-time employees who support me with small workloads. There is a start-up vibe, and many things are not as rigidly structured as in larger law firms. The way of working and the workplace can be chosen very freely. However, these structures also offer potential employees the opportunity to take on a lot of responsibility quickly and, if interested and suitable, to become a partner.

There is a start-up vibe at my firm, and many things are not as tightly scheduled as in larger law firms. The way of working and the workplace can be chosen very freely. These structures naturally offer potential employees the opportunity to take on a lot of responsibility quickly and, if interested and suitable, to participate as partners. - Dr. iur. Lukas Lezzi

In addition to your work at LezziLegal, you are also involved in military justice and co-founded a game studio. How does this fit into your main activity?
 

I have been serving in various roles for military justice in my reserve capacity for over 10 years. Currently, I hold the rank of Major and act as a prosecutor, representing the military in court. This role is extremely fascinating and demanding, allowing me to delve into a legal area that I don't typically handle in my professional life. For me, cases involving a human dimension are particularly captivating, as in my highly technical field of expertise, the human aspect sometimes takes a backseat.
 

I co-founded the game studio with my partner, who is also a lawyer, during the pandemic. What started as a small idea has now become a serious venture, supported by ProHelvetia. In recent years, we have been attending industry events worldwide, which has allowed me to expand my network beyond my traditional field.
 

Finally: what advice would you give to those considering a career in data protection law or FinTech?
 

These topics are rarely, if ever, covered during legal studies. Proficiency in these legal domains is primarily gained through hands-on experience, and much of it is also based on experience. If you want to specialize in these areas, it is crucial, in my view, to obtain certifications (such as those from the IAPP) and take advantage of continuing education opportunities. Additionally, gaining practical experience in this field by working as an in-house counsel in a company is also important, in my opinion.
 

Once again, thank you very much for the interview and the personal insights, Mr. Lezzi. We wish you continued success in the future.