06 Aug 2026
Akerman Appoints Michael Adler to Lead AI Governance and Data Protection as Partner
"Michael Adler joins Akerman as Director of AI Governance & Data Protection within Akerman Intelligence and partner in the Corporate Practice Group, working on AI governance and data protection."
Adler joins Akerman from Highspot, where he served as Head of Global Data Privacy and AI and developed governance frameworks for AI-enabled products while leading the company’s global data protection strategy. At Akerman he will help develop the firm’s AI governance framework and maintain an active practice advising clients on AI governance, data protection, technology transactions, and international AI regulation.
Previously, Adler was Senior Corporate Counsel at Autodesk, where he architected the company’s global GDPR compliance framework and advised on AI-enabled generative design products, and Corporate Counsel at Amazon. Earlier in his career he practiced at Kirkland & Ellis and Dechert advising corporate clients on complex transactions and technology matters, and served as a senior intelligence officer with the Defense Intelligence Agency focusing on counterterrorism.