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Anokhy Desai

Anokhy Desai

Associate
Overview

Anokhy is a privacy and cybersecurity attorney who recognizes that even the strongest defenses leave businesses exposed to risk.

Guided by that understanding, she helps clients identify gaps in their data privacy and cybersecurity programs, strengthen compliance, and navigate emerging requirements with confidence. When major advertising-technology companies share data with analytics or other service providers, Anokhy reviews their documentation and vendor agreements to promote responsible data sharing and ensure that client information remains properly protected.

Before joining Husch Blackwell in 2025, Anokhy worked at a startup that developed a privacy tool. She also conducted privacy assessments involving biometric data for a large industrial company that develops facial recognition technology. Previously, she completed a privacy fellowship with the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), where she tracked legislation and wrote on privacy trends, compliance best practices, and consumer rights. 

The experience gave her a clear view of industry shifts and a firsthand understanding of how overwhelming constant bill updates—often carrying monetary penalties—can feel, so she helps clients stay focused on what truly matters. Anokhy begins by understanding a client’s goals, then tailors her approach to their risk profile, size, and priorities. Having learned as a former technologist that no organization can be perfectly compliant, she emphasizes practical, achievable steps. And because even the most secure companies face breaches—it’s a matter of when, not if—she works to ensure clients make the most of the resources they have. Her ability to discern what clients really need and prioritize those needs within a budget was strengthened by her in-house experience, where practical decision-making was essential.

Influenced by spy stories, Anokhy grew up wanting to be the person in the back room powering James Bond’s or Carmen Sandiego’s tech. As an adult, her interest in consumer issues and the emergence of a cybersecurity minor aligned seamlessly—clarifying her career path. After earning her undergraduate degree, she entered a dual master’s–law program. Throughout her studies, she completed numerous data privacy and information-security internships and externships to remain engaged with the field’s constant developments.

Industries

Services

Education

  • J.D., University of Pittsburgh School of Law
    • cum laude
    • CALI Excellence for the Future Award® - Trademark Law
    • CLCT International Artificial Intelligence (AI) Writing Competition, Finalist
  • M.S., Carnegie Mellon University, Heinz College
    • Information Security Policy and Management
    • with distinction
    • CSAW Cybersecurity Policy Competition, Global Finalist
  • B.S., University of Southern California
    • Business Administration; Minors in Applied Computer Security, Computer and Digital Forensics

Admissions

  • Texas
  • District of Columbia

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), Houston Chapter
  • Women in Security and Privacy (WISP), Houston Chapter, Co-Founder
  • Certified Information Privacy Professional – United States (CIPP/US)
  • Certified Information Privacy Professional – Europe (CIPP/E)
  • Certified Information Privacy Professional – Canada (CIPP/C)
  • Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT)
  • Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM)

Languages

  • Gujarati, conversational
Articles | January 2023
Author, "EU NIS2 Directive: 101," IAPP
Outside the Office

Anokhy enjoys baking—but not in the traditional sense. She’s part of a Great British Bake Off fantasy draft league that began during the pandemic with her “bubble” classmates and has since grown to 35 participants. Instead of predicting touchdowns or field goals, members forecast baking-related milestones, such as whose chocolate will melt or who will earn a Paul Hollywood handshake.

Also a dedicated foodie, Anokhy has spent eight years in the Yelp Elite Squad, an exclusive community of top reviewers who actively contribute to the platform. As a Yelp Elite, she is regularly invited to special restaurant events—including openings, menu revamps, new concept launches, and seasonal closed-door tastings and festivals.

Community Leadership
  • LGBT Tech, Privacy Event Organizing Committee

Anokhy has also volunteered with the Name Change Project, assisting trans, non-binary, and other gender non-conforming individuals through the legal name-change process to better affirm their gender identities. One Friday each month, she filed motions in court to help them on their journey. She hopes to continue this work in states with local chapters or partner organizations.