Former California Privacy Official Joins Latham & Watkins
Michael Macko has transitioned to the privacy and cyber practice at the nation's second-largest law firm.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Law Enforcement
Live Poll
Does it undermine trust when government regulators join the large firms they previously oversaw?
In September 2026, Michael Macko concluded his tenure as head of enforcement for the California Privacy Protection Agency. He has since joined the privacy and cyber practice at Latham & Watkins.
Why it matters
Macko brings significant experience from his time overseeing regulatory enforcement, during which the California Privacy Protection Agency collected millions of dollars in penalties.
During Macko's time leading enforcement, major corporations including Tractor Supply Co., Ford Motor Co., and American Honda Motor Co. paid penalties to the California Privacy Protection Agency. The agency remains tasked with enforcing state privacy regulations.
The players
Michael Macko
He is the former head of enforcement for the California Privacy Protection Agency who now works in private practice.
California Privacy Protection Agency
This state agency is responsible for enforcing privacy laws and assessing penalties against companies for compliance failures.
Latham & Watkins
It is a prominent global law firm recognized as the second-largest in the United States by total annual revenue.
The details
Latham & Watkins, currently ranked as the second-largest law firm in the country by revenue, recruited Macko to strengthen its privacy and cyber practice. His move follows a period of rigorous regulatory activity in California that resulted in significant settlements from major national brands.
Timeline
Michael Macko left the California Privacy Protection Agency in September 2026.
Legal Context
This transition reflects a broader trend of regulatory experts moving between public oversight roles and high-stakes private practice. It highlights how the enforcement framework established by the California Consumer Privacy Act continues to shape the professional landscape for privacy law.
The transition of a top enforcement official to a major law firm may influence how corporate entities navigate future regulatory compliance in California. Residents should anticipate continued scrutiny of company data practices as the agency persists in its enforcement duties.
The takeaway
The movement of high-level officials into private practice often highlights the increasing complexity of data privacy regulation. Professionals in this sector should monitor how shifting legal talent impacts the landscape of corporate regulatory defense.
Further reading
For more on state regulatory developments, visit the Law Enforcement section.
Live Poll
Does it undermine trust when government regulators join the large firms they previously oversaw?
