Longtime FTC attorney joins DLA Piper

Michael Atleson, a longtime attorney with the Federal Trade Commission, has joined DLA Piper as Of Counsel, bringing with him nearly 20 years of experience in consumer protection and technology policy. One of his most impactful contributions was authoring the FTC’s 82-page report to Congress, Combatting Online Harms through Innovation, released in June 2022.

This comprehensive report – written before the launch of the FTC’s Office of Technology – laid the groundwork for the agency’s approach to AI and digital consumer protection. It reflects Atleson’s deep understanding of emerging technologies and their regulatory implications, positioning him as a key voice in shaping future policy. His move to DLA Piper strengthens the firm’s multidisciplinary AI and Data Analytics practice at a time when regulatory clarity is more critical than ever.