Zach Lampell is a lawyer and freedom of expression expert. He is a senior legal advisor and leads ICNL’s global programming on digital rights, including the emergence of new technologies and the evolution of civic space.

His work at ICNL ranges from implementing and providing technical legal assistance to civil society organizations and governments around the world seeking to improve laws governing the freedom of expression to research on how artificial intelligence affects civic space. He has conducted research on a variety of topics, including disinformation, digital communications surveillance, cybercrime laws, and the exercise of fundamental freedoms in the digital sphere.

Prior to joining ICNL, Zach worked in Cambodia, where he provided technical legal assistance, training, and strategic advice to legal aid attorneys on their work defending human rights. He also served in the Office of the Prosecutor at the Khmer Rouge tribunal, prosecuting senior leaders of the genocidal regime.

Zach holds a J.D. with a concentration in International Law from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, where he received a Distinguished Scholar Award. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University and is a member of the New York State Bar.