Global Law Firm Launches Multidisciplinary Blockchain Practice

By August 10, 2016Bitcoin Business

Steptoe & Johnson LLP, a global law firm, has launched a multidisciplinary blockchain practice to help blockchain companies and businesses that are affected by blockchain with the legal issues related to the technology, according to Forbes . The law firm defends companies under government investigation and has worked with blockchain organizations. Steptoe & Johnson is currently defending companies being investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Commodities Futures Trading Commission ( CFTC ). The law firm also serves as an adviser to the Chamber of Digital Commerce and the Coin Center. Lawyers Have Government Expertise Jason Weinstein, a former deputy assistant attorney general for the U.S. Department of Justice who led the agency’s cyber crime efforts, will co-lead the new practice. He said the blockchain, like the Internet, will affect every type of institution. A multidisciplinary blockchain practice will put the law firm in a strong position to help a variety of clients in a large number of industries prepare for the transition to blockchain technology. Alan Cohn, a lead attorney for the blockchain practice, oversaw the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s cyber policy office. Cohn said the multidisciplinary practice is a recognition that blockchain technology is not something that exists apart from established businesses. Steptoe & Johnson advises entrepreneurs, exchanges, processors, retailers and investors on cryptocurrency and blockchain. The firm co-founded the Blockchain Alliance, a coalition of 25 blockchain firms and 25 law enforcement and regulatory agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Europol, Interpol, and local officials. The alliance educates enforcement agencies about blockchain technology and digital currencies. Blockchain Brings Legal Issues Cohn said blockchain smart contracts present new legal issues. These include how terms are interpreted, how they are written, what recourse parties have should a contract not […]

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