Atty. Mike Hintze

Atty. Mike Hintze

Mike Hintze is a Member Partner at Hintze Law PLLC and a recognized leader in privacy and data protection law, policy, and strategy. He advises a wide range of companies, industry associations, and other organizations – from startups to largest global technology companies.

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Profile Summary

About Mike Hintze at a glance

Mike Hintze is a internet attorney based in Seattle, Washington, practicing at Hintze Law PLLC. Educated at Columbia University (J.D., 1994). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Information Technology Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Technology Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serands clients in Seattle, WA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

Mike Hintze is a Member Partner at Hintze Law PLLC and a recognized leader in privacy and data protection law, policy, and strategy. He advises a wide range of companies, industry associations, and other organizations – from startups to largest global technology companies. With more than 25 years of experience in privacy and data protection, Mike emphasizes pragmatic and actionable advice that enables his clients to meet their objectives while complying with the law and managing risk.

Mike also teaches privacy law at the University of Washington School of Law, is a Senior Fellow with the Future of Privacy Forum, and has served as an adviser to the American Law Institute’s project on Data Privacy Principles and on multiple advisory boards for the International Association of Privacy Professionals and other organizations. Mike has testified before Congress, state legislatures, and European regulators; and he is a sought-after speaker and regular writer on data protection issues.

Mike was previously Chief Privacy Counsel at Microsoft, where, for over 18 years, he counselled on data protection compliance globally and helped lead the company’s strategic initiatives on privacy differentiation and public policy. Prior to joining Microsoft, he was an associate with Steptoe & Johnson LLP, which he joined following a judicial clerkship with the Washington State Supreme Court. Mike is a graduate of the University of Washington and the Columbia University School of Law.

Affiliations & Memberships
  • University of Washington School of Law, Affiliate Instructor of Law, 2014-present

  • Future of Privacy Forum (FPF), Senior Fellow, 2018-present

  • American Law Institute (ALI)
    - Adviser, Principles of the Law: Data Privacy, 2013-2019
    - Elected Member, 2014-present

  • International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP)
    - Member, 2004-present
    - Education Advisory Board, 2013-2016
    - Research Advisory Board, 2016-2018

  • Berkeley Center for Law and Technology (BCLT) Advisory Board, 2011-2016

  • Privacy Law Salon, Privacy Roundtable Advisory Board, 2011-2013

  • Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) Business Advisory Board, 2002-2007

Education
  • Columbia University School of Law, JD, 1994

  • University of Washington, BA, 1991

Bar Admissions
  • Washington

  • New York

  • District of Columbia (currently inactive)

Certifications*
  • Certified Information Privacy Professional – United States (CIPP/US)

  • Certified Information Privacy Professional – U.S. Government (CIPP/G)

  • Certified Information Privacy Professional – Canada (CIPP/C)

  • Certified Information Privacy Professional – Europe (CIPP/E)

  • Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT)

  • Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM)

  • Fellow of Information Privacy (FIP)

Patents
  • United States Patent No. 7,937,383 “Generating Anonymous Log Entries,” granted May 3, 2011.

*The Supreme Court of Washington does not recognize certification and certification is not a requirement to practice law in the State of Washington.

Practice Areas Explained

Mike Hintze's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Mike Hintze handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Internet & Cyber Law

Internet and cyber lawyers for data breaches, online defamation, privacy law, and cybersecurity matters.

Mike Hintze is one of 17,958 internet attorneys indexed nationally. Browse internet attorneys in Washington →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Washington

Practicing law in Washington. Legal matters in Washington are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Seattle are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Washington state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Washington brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Washington courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Washington attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Seattle or all attorneys in Washington.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Mike Hintze

Where is Mike Hintze's law office located?
Mike Hintze's law practice is located in Seattle, Washington. The firm is Hintze Law PLLC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Mike Hintze handle?
Mike Hintze focuses on internet. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Washington.
Where did Mike Hintze go to law school?
Mike Hintze earned their education at (J.D., 1994).
How can I contact Mike Hintze for a consultation?
You can contact Mike Hintze directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Mike Hintze received?
Mike Hintze's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Information Technology Law; Best Lawyers in America — Technology Law; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Privacy and Data Security Law; Best Lawyers in America — Awards:.

Education

J.D.
Columbia University
- 1994

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Information Technology Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Technology Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Privacy and Data Security Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Chambers USA 2023
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Information Technology Law (Seattle)
- 2025

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