About Us

Hintze is an internationally recognized boutique law firm focused exclusively on data governance, including AI, privacy, and cybersecurity. Combining deep legal, business, and technical expertise, the firm helps organizations turn complex, evolving regulations into practical, future-ready solutions. Clients often describe Hintze as their “outside-in-house counsel” because its team of former in-house lawyers and technologists understands how technology works, how businesses operate, and how to deliver business-tailored guidance.

Built to support global organizations, Hintze advises some of the world’s most respected brands, from Fortune 500 companies to fast-moving innovators. The firm’s experience spans AI and machine learning, cybersecurity and breach response, fintech and financial services, health and biotech, retail and ecommerce, entertainment, and automotive and robotics, helping clients navigate change with confidence.

Hintze was founded in 2014 by Susan Hintze with a vision to redefine what clients should expect from outside counsel. Susan started the firm after leading privacy practices at major law firms and serving as in-house privacy counsel at Dell and Microsoft. She saw an opportunity to build the kind of firm she wished she had as an in-house attorney –one that combines deep legal, technical, and business expertise with practical, responsive, and business-focused guidance.

Susan was later joined by a team of nationally recognized privacy and technology leaders, including Mike Hintze, following his retirement as Chief Privacy Counsel at Microsoft; Jennifer Ruehr, whose background includes serving as Legal Counsel, Privacy & Security at Adobe; and Sam Castic, who has held Chief Privacy Officer and other senior privacy leadership roles at organizations including Blackhawk Network and Nordstrom. Their combined experience has helped establish Hintze as a trusted advisor on AI, privacy, cybersecurity, and data governance for some of the world’s leading organizations.

What started as a small boutique practice has evolved into a globally recognized firm with professionals located across every U.S. time zone and in the United Kingdom, enabling us to provide responsive, practical counsel to clients wherever business takes them.

Our proudest moment of recognition was receiving the DEI Roundtable Law Firm Diversity Award in recognition of our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

Our firm and lawyers are ranked by our peers and colleagues as among the top professionals in privacy. Our firm has achieved recognition in Chambers’ Global & USA Privacy and Data Security rankings, the Legal 500’s U.S. Cyberlaw rankings, and in Global Data Review’s GDR 100 as one of the world’s best data law firms. Many of our lawyers have also achieved recognition in Chambers Global & USA, SuperLawyers, and Best Lawyers.

What is data law?

Data law is the area of legal practice covering how organizations handle data. Including AI governance, privacy compliance, and cybersecurity. Hintze is a boutique firm built exclusively around this intersection.

What does Hintze do?

Hintze is a boutique data law firm focused exclusively on AI, privacy, and cybersecurity law, helping global brands and high-growth companies turn complex, evolving regulations into actionable, business-ready guidance.

Is Hintze a large firm or a boutique?

Hintze is intentionally boutique, but its data law practice rivals teams at the largest firms in the country in size and expertise.

What industries does Hintze serve?

Hintze works with clients across AI and machine learning, cybersecurity and breach response, fintech and financial services, health and biotech, retail and ecommerce, entertainment and gaming, and automotive and robotics.

What makes Hintze different from other data law firms?

Hintze operates as “outside in-house counsel.” Former in-house lawyers and technologists work as extensions of their clients’ teams, including founder Susan Hintze (former in-house privacy counsel at Dell and Microsoft) and Mike Hintze (former Chief Privacy Counsel at Microsoft), to deliver practical guidance rather than unsolicited memos.

What recognition has Hintze received?

Hintze is ranked in Chambers Global & USA Privacy and Data Security, the Legal 500 U.S. Cyberlaw rankings, and Global Data Review’s GDR 100, and has received the DEI Roundtable Law Firm Diversity Award.

Is Hintze a diverse-owned firm?

Yes. Hintze is a NAMWOLF-certified law firm and is also women-owned and LGTBTE-certified.