Former Netflix lobbyist joins Patton Boggs

Michael Drobac, the former director of government relations at Netflix, is joining Patton Boggs to serve as a senior policy adviser in the firm's technology and communications group.

In his new role, Drobac will advise clients on policy matters in the Internet and e-commerce industries. He formerly served as the director of government relations at Netflix, where he established the company's Washington office and was its first director. 

Drobac left Netflix in January, according to his LinkedIn profile. While at the online movie subscription company, Drobac lobbied on issues including net neutrality, privacy, tax and copyright rules.

“His experience leading legislative efforts for some of the most important and innovative Internet and technology companies, combined with his insights on policy and legislative process acquired during his years on Capitol Hill, will be invaluable to our clients, our practice and Patton Boggs,” said Jennifer Richter, co-chair of Patton Boggs’ tech and communications practice.

Drobac's resume boasts steep experience in tech policy. Prior to Netflix, Drobac was the vice president of government affairs for the Online Publishers Association and also served as the director of IAC/InterActiveCorp's government affairs team.

Before that, he spent nearly a decade on Capitol Hill, where he worked for Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) on tech and telecommunications issues. He also served as the lead policy adviser on Internet and tech issues for the Senate Commerce Committee.

Patton Boggs has lobbied on behalf of Microsoft, LightSquared and the National Association of Broadcasters.