Reena R. Bajowala has deep experience in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, data privacy, and information technology law. With advanced certifications as a Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), a Certified Information Privacy Professional U.S. Private-Sector (CIPP/US), and a Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT), and being named a fellow of Information Privacy (FIP) by the International Association of Privacy Professionals, Reena is a trusted advisor to clients navigating complex privacy and cybersecurity challenges. Her leadership extends to her role as Vice Chair of the American Bar Association Business Law Section’s Cyber and Tech Committee and serving on the Steering Committee of the U.S. Secret Service’s Chicago Cyber Fraud Task Force. Reena was previously selected as a 2021-2023 fellow of the ABA BLS’s Cyberspace Law Subcommittee.
When faced with a data breach, including in business email compromise, ransomware, or wire transfer fraud scenarios, clients turn to Reena to investigate, remediate, and comply with legal obligations. She conducts risk assessments, develops privacy and InfoSec compliance programs, and leads proactive incident response planning, including developing incident response and communications plans, and conducting executive tabletop exercises. Reena helps regulated entities comply with cybersecurity requirements, including pursuant to SEC guidelines, DOL EBSA’s ERISA guidance, and HIPAA Security Rule standards.
Reena helps companies stand up AI governance programs, including creating policies, procedures, disclosures, vendor management, and trainings for a defensible compliance program. She drafts agreements for companies that are developing and/or deploying AI tools. She keeps up to date on AI legislation and regulatory enforcement domestically and globally. She has helped regulated companies institute programs that navigate complexities of existing privacy regulation and artificial intelligence laws. She also assists companies evaluate the risks associated with emerging technologies.
Reena has wide-ranging litigation and trial experience, including over 100 days of first-chair trial experience. She represents buyers and providers of IT services regarding issues ranging from billing and performance disputes arising from Master Services Agreements and Service Level Agreements to copyright and licensing disputes pursuant to Software Licensing and SaaS agreements. Reena also works to protect the interests of companies during software audits.
A passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Reena has been widely recognized for her leadership and pro bono work. She has been named a “cornerstone” of SABA North America, a “best under 40” by NAPABA, and a “powerful and influential woman” by the Illinois Diversity Council. Her dedication to justice has earned her accolades from organizations such as the Shriver Center on Poverty Law and the Public Interest Law Initiative. In 2005, she founded the University of Michigan Law School’s Origins Public Interest Fellowship, which has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars of funding to public interest students.
Concentrations
•Artificial intelligence governance programs
•Data breach response
•Risk assessments
•Privacy and information security compliance programs
•Vendor management
•Software audits
Recognition & Leadership
Awards & Accolades
•Listed, The Legal 500 United States, Media, technology and telecoms> Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection), 2024-2025
•Recipient, South Asian Bar Association (SABA) North America, “Cornerstone Award,” 2023
•Business Leadership Award, JKYog, 2023
•Selected, Leading Lawyers, 2024 - 2025
•Emerging Lawyer - Class Action/Tort Defense, Commercial Litigation, 2019
•Distinguished Alumni, Public Interest Law Initiative, 2018
•Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2011, 2013, 2018-2019
•Selected, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Best Under 40, 2017
•Selected, Womenetics, POW! Award, 2015
•Selected, Illinois Diversity Council, Most Powerful & Influential Women, 2014
