Munck Wilson Mandala, a national law firm known for its innovation in technology and business, is proud to announce the addition of partners Rocio Palomo and Michael Caine to co-chair the firm’s new technology transactions, privacy and cybersecurity practice group. The partner duo joins MWM from Dickinson Wright in Austin, Texas, and they are well known for representing clients in highly complex, technology-focused transactions, data protection strategy, cutting-edge cybersecurity matters, and artificial intelligence (AI) governance and commercialization initiatives.
The strategic addition of Palomo and Caine significantly deepens MWM’s bench, particularly in the intersection of sophisticated technology, data privacy, and commercial transactions. Together, they bring more than 20 years of experience advising on complex technology, commercial, and privacy matters, leveraging their highly technical knowledge of data privacy, cybersecurity, and AI/machine learning.
Palomo focuses her practice on data privacy, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, helping clients structure and negotiate data licensing and monetization, cloud services, and other technology agreements that intersect with complex privacy and security obligations. She advises clients ranging from startups to Fortune 50 companies across the technology, retail, and digital health sectors on regulatory compliance, cross-border data strategy, cybersecurity readiness, data commercialization, and AI and machine-learning governance. Her work also includes digital health privacy and product advisory support for data-driven platforms, ensuring compliance while enabling innovation.
Before entering private practice, Palomo served as in-house counsel for a rapidly growing technology startup later acquired by a Fortune 50 technology company, where she supported global sales negotiations, venture financing efforts, and post-acquisition integration efforts.
Caine’s practice focuses on technology and general commercial transactions, with a focus on SaaS, cloud services, product counseling, and infrastructure-related technology agreements. Caine regularly negotiates software, outsourcing, and collaboration agreements that support digital transformation. He also advises on privacy and security terms within commercial transactions, helping clients allocate risk, address data-use issues, and operationalize compliance requirements.
Before his legal career, Caine managed enterprise initiatives, where he led a team responsible for migrating technology applications across data centers as part of a company-wide global data center strategy initiative. Caine also served as in-house counsel at an international semiconductor company, where he negotiated and structured complex commercial agreements, including supply, distribution, and development agreements.
Leveraging their prior in-house and private practice experience, Palomo and Caine bring a practical perspective and understanding of how technology initiatives operate within complex organizations. This perspective allows the team to anticipate challenges effectively, align with client operational priorities, and deliver clear, actionable guidance.
“The legal issues surrounding cybersecurity and data are constantly evolving, especially as AI 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 is a full-service, technology-focused law firm with offices in Uptown Dallas, North Dallas, Austin, Houston, and Waco, Texas; Los Angeles, California; South Florida, Orlando, and Seoul, Korea. Recognized as a Best Lawyers “Best Law Firm” in 24 practice areas, MWM offers a deep bench of legal talent in IP, complex litigation, corporate and securities law, employment, real estate, and more. The firm represents clients ranging from startups to Fortune 50 giants. Learn more at www.munckwilson.com.
