Michael C. Hochman

MICHAEL HOCHMAN is a recognized practitioner and advises industry-leading companies in bet-the-company investigation, litigation, and regulatory enforcement matters. He has also worked closely with critical infrastructure sector clients on complex compliance issues related to the U.S. Department of Justice's Data Security Program. Michael has been recognized by Chambers USA (Nationwide, 2026) for his work in Privacy & Data Security: Cybersecurity.

“Michael is a top notch and extremely knowledgeable lawyer and cyber expert.”
Chambers USA 2026

Prior to joining the firm, Michael served as Chief of Staff for the White House Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD). ONCD was established in 2021 to advise the President of the United States on cybersecurity policy and strategy to advance national security, economic prosperity, and technological innovation through cybersecurity policy leadership. Michael also served as Deputy General Counsel and Deputy Chief of Staff at ONCD.

Michael helped to stand-up ONCD and worked closely with other White House components, executive branch agencies, the intelligence community, industry, academia, and civil society organizations on policy matters concentrating on strengthening cybersecurity for critical national infrastructure sectors, including: communications, critical manufacturing, the defense industrial base, emergency services, energy, financial services, food and agriculture, government services and facilities, health care and public health, information technology, transportation, water and wastewater, and space. Michael was a core member of the White House team that developed policies on artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and quantum-resistant cryptography, open-source software, and expanding the cyber workforce. He also worked to release and implement important cybersecurity blueprints, including the National Cybersecurity Strategy, the National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy, and the first-ever Report on the Cybersecurity Posture of the United States. He also managed the day-to-day operations of ONCD and its White House staff.

“Michael's extensive and diverse experience has provided meaningful insights and guidance to our team.”
Chambers USA 2026

Prior to joining ONCD, Michael served as Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Staff Secretary. As White House Deputy Staff Secretary, Michael worked to ensure the President received the highest-quality briefing materials on a daily basis.

Before his appointment to the White House, Michael practiced commercial, corporate, and criminal litigation for 25 years in Washington, D.C., Delaware, New York, and Pennsylvania. He is a seasoned litigator in federal and state courts. Michael also served as law clerk to the Honorable Myron T. Steele, Delaware Court of Chancery (1995-1996).

Michael represents U.S. veterans before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and previously received the Service to Children award from the State of Delaware’s Office of the Child Advocate for his pro bono representation of children.