About Justine
Justine M. Kasznica: Leading Technology Transactions and Data Security Attorney
Justine M. Kasznica is a shareholder and chair of the Emerging Technologies Group at Babst Calland, a leading law firm specializing in complex legal matters across a diverse range of industries. With a distinguished career focused on technology and commercial transactions, Ms. Kasznica represents a prestigious roster of clients, including technology companies, investor groups, universities, and research institutions, providing expert guidance on matters spanning robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, data center development, aerospace, and commercial space activities. Her deep understanding of intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and strategic business development makes her a trusted legal counsel for organizations navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of innovation.
Ms. Kasznica’s expertise extends beyond traditional transactional work, encompassing corporate finance, technology and commercial transactions, and proactive regulatory compliance. She’s particularly recognized for her ability to expertly guide companies through the intricate legal challenges of data center development, ensuring projects meet rigorous regulatory and environmental standards, and for her hands-on approach to structuring and negotiating complex agreements.
Practice Areas
- Technology Transactions: Ms. Kasznica specializes in drafting, negotiating, and advising on a wide range of technology agreements, including Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) products and services. She assists technology companies in establishing robust internal policies related to privacy and terms of service and use, incorporating critical regulations like COPPA, FERPA, HIPAA/HITECH, and FinTech compliance.
- Robotics and Autonomous Systems: As an outside general counsel to numerous robotics and autonomous systems companies, she provides critical legal support across industries including mobility, autonomous vehicles, smart cities, homeland security, defense, aerospace, and commercial space. Her expertise includes navigating the legal complexities surrounding Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or commercial drones, from regulatory approvals to technology commercialization licensing.
- Data Center Development & Security: Ms. Kasznica’s experience in data center development is unparalleled, providing expert guidance on all aspects of project development, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including data security and privacy laws.
- Aerospace & Commercial Space: She represents clients involved in the dynamic and regulated world of aerospace and commercial space activities, offering strategic legal counsel on intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and commercial transactions related to space technology development and utilization.
- Intellectual Property & Licensing: She regularly advises on intellectual property matters, including patent and trademark licensing, trade secrets protection, and technology transfer agreements.
Education & Credentials
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) – Rutgers School of Law – Camden
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) – Yale University
- Bar Admissions – Pennsylvania
- Recognized in Best Attorney USA – Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2025
- City – Pittsburgh
- State – Pennsylvania
- Country – United States
Ms. Kasznica is actively involved in the Pittsburgh and broader regional innovation ecosystem. She serves as a co-founder and chair of the Keystone Space Collaborative, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the growth of the space industry in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. Her expertise extends to advising on critical regulatory and policy issues related to commercial space activities, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and dual-use defense innovation initiatives. Furthermore, she is an honored Honorary Civilian Commander with the 171st Air Refueling Wing (171 ARW) of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and a member of the Moon Village Association’s Working Groups, the Courts of Space initiative, as well as the UL Standards Technical Panel for evaluating autonomous products. Ms. Kasznica continues to serve on the Board of Governors of the Yale Club of Pittsburgh and previously served as the President of the Club from 2012 to 2014. With a strong foundation in litigation and a proven track record of success, Ms. Kasznica consistently delivers strategic legal counsel that drives business growth and protects her clients' interests.
