Rob McKenna, former Attorney General of the state of Washington, has joined Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP as a partner and co-chair of Orrick’s Public Policy Group. McKenna, a Bellevue resident, will be based in Orrick’s Seattle office.

Orrick is one of the leading U.S. law firms representing technology, financial services, energy and consumer products companies.

McKenna served as President of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) where he led coordinated efforts to address data protection, privacy, cybersecurity and intellectual property theft issues, among other initiatives.

“As Washington Attorney General, Rob has been a national leader in the development of data protection and privacy regulation that promotes innovation while protecting consumers,” said Mitch Zuklie, chair-elect of Orrick. “This is an area of significant focus for Orrick’s technology and other clients.”

McKenna’s legislative agenda included a number of initiatives focused on privacy and data security, including passage of one of the nation’s first anti-spyware laws, as well as measures to prevent identity theft.

“Upon deciding to return to private practice, I looked for a firm grounded in Washington state that offered a top-tier national and international platform and a client roster of leading technology and consumer product companies,” McKenna said. “I look forward to collaborating with Orrick’s accomplished litigation, corporate and public policy lawyers in Seattle and worldwide on cutting-edge legal issues for our clients.”

Prior to serving as Washington Attorney General, McKenna served on the King County Council and was an attorney at Perkins Coie. He earned his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School in 1988, where he was a member of the Law Review.