Michael Caine (left) Rocio Palomo [Photos: Munck Wilson Mandala]
Munck Wilson Mandala, a Dallas-based national law firm specializing in business and technology, is adding partners Rocio Palomo and Michael Caine to co-chair the firm’s new technology transactions, privacy, and cybersecurity practice group.
Palomo and Caine, who join MWM from Dickinson Wright in Austin, have deep expertise representing clients in technology-focused transactions, data protection strategy, cybersecurity matters, and artificial intelligence governance and commercialization, the firm said in an announcement.
“Rocio and Michael are a dynamic duo whose specific expertise directly addresses one of the most pressing legal challenges facing our technology clients today,” William Munck, global managing partner of MWM, said in a statement.
Munck pointed to their mix of “deep technical knowledge in tech transactions, data privacy, cybersecurity, and AI, coupled with street-smart common sense and a business-focused approach to complex transactions,” and said it makes them an invaluable addition to both the new practice group and the firm’s AI practice group.
Munck said the hires strengthen the firm’s work across tech transactions, data privacy, cybersecurity, and AI more broadly.
Together, Palomo and Caine bring more than 20 years of experience advising on technology, commercial, and privacy matters, drawing on technical knowledge of data privacy, cybersecurity, and AI/machine learning.
“Exactly what our clients need”
Palomo focuses on data privacy, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, helping clients structure and negotiate data licensing and monetization, cloud services, and other technology agreements that include complex privacy and security obligations.
She advises clients ranging from startups to Fortune 50 companies in sectors including technology, retail, and digital health on regulatory compliance, cross-border data strategy, cybersecurity readiness, data commercialization, and Al and machine-learning governance, the firm said.
Her work also includes digital health privacy and product advisory support for data-driven platforms, with an emphasis on ensuring compliance while enabling innovation, according to MWM.
Before entering private practice, Palomo served as inhouse counsel for a fast-growing technology startup that was later acquired by a Fortune 50 technology company. In that role, she worked on global sales negotiations, venture financing efforts, and post-acquisition integration.
Tech and commercial transactions background
Caine’s practice centers on technology and general commercial transactions, particularly SaaS and cloud services, product counseling, and infrastructure-related technology agreements. MWM said he routinely negotiates software, outsourcing, and collaboration agreements that support digital transformation efforts.
He also advises on privacy and security terms within commercial deals, helping clients allocate risk, address data-use issues, and operationalize compliance requirements.
Before practicing law, Caine managed enterprise initiatives, leading a team responsible for migrating technology applications across data centers as part of a global data center strategy. He also served as in-house counsel at an international semiconductor company, where he negotiated and structured complex commercial agreements, including supply, distribution, and development deals.
MWM said Palomo and Caine bring a practical perspective on how technology initiatives operate within complex organizations, which helps the team anticipate challenges, align with client operational priorities, and deliver clear, actionable guidance.
“The legal issues surrounding cybersecurity and data are constantly evolving, especially as Al adoption accelerates,” said Dan Venglarik, MWM’s cybersecurity and intellectual property partner. “Having Rocio and Michael onboard enhances our ability to provide strategic, preventative counsel that goes beyond mere compliance. Their deep transactional experience, rooted in understanding the underlying technology, is exactly what our clients need to safely innovate and manage risk in a highly competitive and regulated environment.”
Munck Wilson Mandala has offices across Texas, California, Florida, and Seoul, Korea.
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