Dr. Braun focuses his practice on outsourcing, information technology and data protection law. He has advised both customers and vendors in business process outsourcing and information technology projects. In the area of software licensing, Dr. Braun is well-known for his knowledge in open source software. His experience includes advising companies regarding their general strategy for the use of open source software, and providing advice regarding possible business cases based on open source licenses. Dr. Braun has also advised German and multinational companies on all aspects of data protection law and general compliance issues, including cross border flows of personal data, data security, electronic discovery and general document retention issues. Dr. Braun also has experience in electronic commerce, electronic signatures and internet domain law.

Professional Activities

Dr. Braun is a member of the German-American Lawyers' Association (DAJV), the German-Japanese Law Association, the German Lawyers' Association (DAV), the International Technology Law Association (ITechLaw), the European Outsourcing Association Germany e.V., the German Association for Data Protection and Data Security (GDD), the German Association for Law and Information Technology (DGRI), the International Association for Contract and Commercial Management (IACCM), the Frankfurter Juristische Gesellschaft and the Gesellschaft der Freunde Universität Heidelberg e.V.

State Comprehensive Privacy Law Series

Read about the latest state privacy law activity in our Privacy and Cybersecurity Law blog post series. LEARN MORE

Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Blog Posts

Read about the latest developments on Big Data and AI law on our Privacy and Cybersecurity Law blog. LEARN MORE

Recognition

  • Dr. Martin Braun is consistently recommended by JUVE Handbuch for data protection as well as for compliance/investigations (data protection), most recently in the 2022/2023 edition (“extremely well-versed expert; outstanding knowledge & well connected,” – peer review, data protection).
  • The Legal 500 EMEA 2023 edition recommends WilmerHale's data protection practice and honors Dr. Braun as a Leading Individual in data protection. 
  • The Legal 500 Germany recommends WilmerHale’s Information Technology and Data Protection practice group, led by Dr. Braun since 2014. In addition, Dr. Braun is consistently recognized as a “Leading Name” in information technology - data protection since 2020. “Excellent Lawyer with outstanding know-how in data protection and exemplary approach to service (2020).
  • Recommended by Chambers Europe since 2011 in the category of Technology, Media and Telecommunications - Data Protection.
  • Ranked in Handelsblatt's Best Lawyers® in Germany List since 2014 for data protection, technology and IT law, and honored as "Lawyer of the Year" (State of Hessen) in 2024 for data security and privacy law.
  • Dr. Martin Braun has been consistently recommended by WirtschaftsWoche as a Top Lawyer for data protection law since 2019.
  • Recommended in the 2020 - 2023 editions of Who’s Who Legal for information technology, data protection and data security. Dr. Braun is named as a Global Leader in the Data – Data Privacy and Protection and Data – Information Technology categories, and as National Leader and Thought Leader in the Germany – Data category. Martin Braun earns plaudits for his deep expertise in domestic and cross-border data protection and compliance.
  • WilmerHale’s Data Protection practice, led by Dr. Braun, was recognized as “Law Firm of the Year – Germany” in Lawyer International’s Legal 100 Awards, consecutively in 2021 and 2022.
  • Recognized by kanzleimonitor.de in Germany for Data Protection in the 2016 / 2017 – 2018 / 2019 editions and IT Law in the 2017 / 2018 and 2018 / 2019 editions.
  • WilmerHale’s Data Protection practice, led by Dr. Braun, received the 2014 Global Award as Data Protection Law Firm of the Year in Germany from British business magazine Corporate INTL.

Insights & News

Credentials

  • Education

    • PhD, Public International Law and Internet Regulation, University of Heidelberg, 2001

    • Postgraduate Studies, Japanese Law, Distance University of Hagen

      1997-1999
    • Second State Exam, Heidelberg, 1998

    • First State Exam, Heidelberg, 1996

    • Maîtrise en droit, Aix-en-Provence, 1993

  • Admissions

    • Frankfurt

    • Brussels

  • Languages

    • English

    • German

    • French

Credentials