Dentons, the world’s largest law firm, announces today that Michael Drobac and Gregory Walden have joined the Public Policy practice as principal and partner, respectively. The pair will be resident in the Washington, DC, office.
Highly experienced in the public policy arena, Drobac and Walden join from consulting roles, where they focused on regulatory and policy issues related to emerging technologies including drones and autonomous vehicles, online travel, ecommerce, information technology services and internet platforms.
“Michael and Greg offer clients technology policy experience and capabilities that strongly complements our policy and regulatory focus,” said Dentons US CEO Mike McNamara. “Their practice bridges the intersection of regulation and technology, enhancing the depth we deliver daily across our transactional, regulatory and dispute teams with whom they join at Dentons.”
“Michael and Greg bring a wealth of experience and energy,” said Eric Tanenblatt, Global Chair of the Public Policy practice. “Between Michael’s ability to define and execute outreach strategies in support of policy objectives and Greg’s perspective as a national authority on aviation and government ethics, they will be highly sought by our clients.”
Drobac draws from deep experience in both the private and public sectors. His experience working in the private sector combined with insights on legislative processes afford him the ability to provide advice informed by both perspectives.
Prior to his transition to private practice, Drobac opened Netflix’s Washington office, where, as director of government affairs, he identified and developed the company’s first official set of short- and long-term policy goals on federal, state and international policy issues. In addition, he advocated before Congress and federal agencies in support of policy objectives including net neutrality, interconnection access, privacy, accessibility rules, taxation and copyright issues. Drobac also previously worked for three US senators.
Drobac holds a JD from the University of Oregon School of Law and both a BA and an MA from Stanford University. He also received his master of laws from the London School of Economics.
With years of experience in government, private practice and teaching, Walden represents a full spectrum of transportation clients, including airlines, air taxi operators and unmanned aircraft operators and manufacturers, among others. He previously served as chief counsel of the US Federal Aviation Administration and as associate deputy attorney general with the US Department of Justice, where he also was special assistant and counselor to the assistant attorney general of the Civil Division. Walden currently teaches aviation and automated vehicles law at George Mason University School of Law, and teaches transportation law for the School of Public Policy.
Walden also served as associate counsel to President George H.W. Bush, as a member of the Interstate Commerce Commission and as transition ethics counsel for President-Elect George W. Bush. Walden advises current and prospective presidential appointees, members of Congress, congressional candidates, companies and individuals on government ethics issues.
Walden holds a JD, magna cum laude, from the University of San Diego School of Law and a BA, cum laude, from Washington & Lee University. He is an active member of both the California and District of Columbia bars.
Dentons Public Policy and Regulation practice in the US navigates the critical intersection of business, law, regulation, policy and politics. Clients benefit from the counsel of those who previously have been elected or appointed to serve at the federal, state and local levels of US government, including top aides to US presidents, political party officials, ambassadors, governors, members of the US Congress, and former Capitol Hill, state house and city hall veterans. Through deep government experience and distinguished service, the team understands the administrative, legislative, and regulatory processes to deliver innovative solutions for clients facing policy and political opportunities or obstacles.
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Dentons is the world's largest law firm, connecting talent to the world's challenges and opportunities in more than 75 countries. Dentons' legal and business solutions benefit from deep roots in our communities and award-winning advancements in client service, including Nextlaw, Dentons’ innovation and strategic advisory services. Dentons' polycentric and purpose-driven approach, commitment to inclusion and diversity, and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client and community interests in the New Dynamic. www.dentons.com
