Attorney Intel is pleased to announce The Top 25 Blockchain and Digital Assets Attorneys of 2025. As blockchain and digital assets continue to transform industries, the role of legal experts in this field has never been more crucial. These attorneys are at the forefront of shaping the legal frameworks that govern digital finance, decentralized technologies, and emerging blockchain applications. They provide critical guidance on regulatory compliance, risk management, and policy development, ensuring that businesses can innovate while adhering to legal standards.
The attorneys recognized this year bring a deep understanding of both law and technology, allowing them to navigate the complexities of digital assets with precision. Whether structuring high-stakes transactions, advocating for regulatory clarity, or advising on blockchain-based financial solutions, these legal professionals are influencing the future of the industry and laying the groundwork for the next generation of digital innovation.
Among this year’s awardees, David Zaslowsky, Partner at Baker McKenzie, is recognized for his experience in arbitration and litigation, handling cross-border disputes and blockchain-related matters while also serving as editor of the firm’s blockchain blog. Nick Wittek, Partner at Jones Day, stands out for his work advising financial institutions, asset managers, and fintech companies on the structuring, regulation, and documentation of blockchain-based structured finance transactions, including token issuances and digital asset custody. Jamie Thomas, Partner at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, is known for his leadership in digital asset lending and decentralized finance (DeFi), regularly advising fintech and digital asset service providers on derivatives, structured products, and financial transactions in the digital asset space.
This year’s awardees were selected through a methodical process and careful consideration of each candidate’s career track record and industry contributions. Please join us in celebrating The Top 25 Blockchain and Digital Assets Attorneys of 2025.
1. David Zaslowsky
Partner, Baker McKenzie
David Zaslowsky is Partner in the Litigation Department of Baker McKenzie's New York office. Zaslowsky helps companies solve complex commercial disputes in arbitration and litigation, especially those involving cross-border issues and Section 1782 discovery. Zaslowsky has worked on numerous technical-related disputes, including those involving blockchain. He is the editor of the firm's blockchain blog and co-editor of the firm's International Litigation & Arbitration Newsletter.Â
Zaslowsky has been included for a number of years in the Chambers USA Guide and Chambers Global Guide for his expertise in international arbitration. He also sits as an arbitrator and is on the roster of arbitrators for a number of arbitral institutions. For over 30 years, he has written and spoken often on the subjects of arbitration and international litigation. Zaslowsky earned a JD from Yale Law School and a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Brooklyn College.
David Zaslowsky's Insight
“Because I have a degree in computer science, I have always been attracted to disputes involving technology, including, most recently, blockchain and AI. My approach to every case that I work on is that it is unique and my job is to figure out the best litigation/arbitration strategy based on the circumstances of that matter so that I can deliver the best business result for our client.”
2. Nick Wittek
Partner, JONES DAY®
Nick Wittek is a Partner at JONES DAY. Jones Day has more than 2,400 lawyers in 40 offices located in major centers of business and finance across five continents. Wittek has a unique skill set of combining structured finance, derivatives, and asset management experience with technological innovation.Â
With 20 years of experience, Wittek is a go-to adviser for financial institutions, asset managers, institutional clients, and fintechs to advise on the structuring, regulation, and documentation of structured finance transactions and the use of distributed ledger technology (DLT) and blockchain in this field and beyond.
Wittek is part of the Jones Day FinTech task force. He has advised market participants on the use, implementation, and regulatory aspects of DLT and blockchain in the financial and corporate industry sector including (utility and security) token issuances, stable coins and central bank digital currencies (CBDC), tokenization, crypto brokerage, crypto custody, digital assets, and digital identities and implications resulting from the draft Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR). He has advised on a number of market first and award-winning transactions. Wittek graduated from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.
Nick Wittek's Insight
“Working in the digital asset space is particularly rewarding for me as a lawyer. In addition to getting to know new technologies and business models, we have been fortunate to team up with entrepreneurial and innovative people fun to work with in order to explore new grounds in market first transactions for digital assets, digital cash and digital identities to shape the legal and business landscape of tomorrow.”
3. Stephen Wink
Partner, Latham & Watkins
Stephen Wink is a Partner in the New York office of Latham & Watkins and a member of the Financial Regulatory Practice. Latham & Watkins is a global law firm with more than 3,500 lawyers in its offices located in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the United States.Â
Wink advises a wide range of market players including fintech companies, investment banks, private funds, exchanges, and trading platforms (traditional and cryptocurrency), and other financial institutions on matters involving the regulation of markets, as well as related compliance and enforcement matters.
Previously, Wink spent nine years in-house as executive managing director and general counsel of First Albany Companies, a full-service investment bank, merchant bank, and investment advisor. He began his career at another leading law firm after serving as a law clerk to Judge George E. MacKinnon of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.Â
Wink graduated from Notre Dame Law School with a JD and from SUNY Empire State College with a bachelor’s degree.
4. Joe Castelluccio
Partner, Mayer Brown
Joe Castelluccio is a Partner at Mayer Brown. Castelluccio is a multifaceted advisor who has a broad array of experience advising clients in a range of M&A, joint ventures, capital raising, and corporate governance matters, often in highly-regulated industries. He is based in Mayer Brown’s New York office.
Previously, Castelluccio was an M&A/corporate attorney at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius and before that a counsel at Bingham McCutchen. Earlier in his career, he worked with Prudential Securities as an investment banking analyst. Castelluccio earned a JD in law from Brooklyn Law School and a bachelor’s degree in economics and medieval studies from Georgetown University.
5. Daniel Roeser
Partner, Goodwin Procter
Daniel Roeser is a Partner in Goodwin’s Securities Litigation & White Collar Defense group and its Digital Currency & Blockchain Technology practice. Roeser represents companies and institutions, underwriters, and individuals in securities actions, shareholder derivative actions, and criminal and regulatory proceedings. His clients span a wide range of industries, including financial services, life sciences, and technology.
Previously, Roeser was an associate at Cravath, Swaine & Moore. Earlier in his career, he worked with Cornerstone Research as an analyst. Roeser graduated from Harvard Law School with a JD and from Harvard University with a degree in history and economics.
6. Jamie Thomas
Partner, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher
Jamie Thomas is a Co-Chair of Gibson Dunn’s Finance Practice Group and heads the banking, finance and restructuring practices in Gibson Dunn’s Asian offices. With more than 25 years of experience in the banking, finance and restructuring sectors in Asia-Pacific and Europe, Jamie is recognized as a leading finance and restructuring lawyer in all major legal directories, including Chambers, The Legal 500 and IFLR1000.
He is a trusted advisor to top-tier private equity sponsors and funds, advising them on complex cross-border leveraged finance transactions, as well as fund financings including subscription-based, NAV and hybrid facilities, and regularly advises alternative capital providers on cross-border special situations financings and direct lending transactions. Jamie also has extensive experience in advising fintech and digital asset service providers on digital assets lending and various cutting edge aspects of decentralised finance (DeFi).
Over the last few years, Jamie’s team has become the go-to advisor in Asia for some of the leading digital assets service providers on fintech and digital assets matters, where they regularly advise on matters relating to derivatives and structured products insofar as they relate to digital assets, including on updates and improvements to their customer user agreements relating to their Futures, Options, Margin and Portfolio Margin digital assets products.Â
In addition, Jamie is the pre-eminent advisor to sponsors and companies across Asia on reserves-based and renewable energy financings for the energy and commodity sectors, as well as on their transition to lower carbon options.
Jamie is a highly experienced restructuring attorney and leads Gibson Dunn’s restructuring team. He sits on various finance and restructuring committees in Asia. He is Chair of the Indonesian Steering Committee of the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association (APLMA) and sits on its Singapore Documentation Committee. He is also a member of the Turnaround Management Association (TMA) and the Law Society of England and Wales.
Jamie Thomas's Insight
“Having worked on debt finance and restructuring deals for more than 25 years, I am very excited by what I am seeing in the fintech and digital assets lending space. While being at the forefront of this space means that there are often no established market standards or precedents for many of these transactions, many of the legal questions being raised in this space bear significant similarities to the legal issues that we grappled with as we harmonized loan documentation in the past. Having most recently coordinated the standardization of loan documentation in Indonesia (with the publication of the Asia Pacific Loan Market’s template loan agreement for offshore Indonesian loans), I look forward to again being at the forefront of this exciting new sector as we work towards harmonizing and standardizing documentation in the fintech and digital assets lending space.”
7. Sarah Shtylman
Partner, Perkins Coie
Sarah Shtylman is a Partner at Perkins Coie. She first joined the company in 2016 as an associate. Shtylman counsels clients on regulatory, commercial, compliance, and product development matters for fintech projects. She supports firms that seek to obtain or maintain financial services licenses, charters, and registrations by advising on structure, compliance programs, documentation, and engagement with regulators.
For clients that seek to build products and services that do not require such regulatory oversight, Shtylman provides support on product deployment, required disclosures, commercial terms, and strategic negotiations. Shtylman handles matters involving regulated digital asset custodians and exchanges, licensed payment platforms, payment services integrations, marketplace payments, content monetization, in-game currencies, asset-backed blockchain tokens, and non-fungible tokens.
Previously, Shtylman was a regulatory counsel at Coinbase and before that an associate and of counsel at ABHY Law / StahlZelloe. Earlier in her career, she worked with Western Federal Lands Highway Division as a marketing consultant. Shtylman earned a JD from the George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School and a bachelor’s degree in marketing management from Grove City College.
8. Brian Frey
Partner, Alston & Bird
Brian Frey is a Partner at Alston & Bird. At Alston & Bird, the firm emphasizes a collaborative workplace culture and community engagement. It has been recognized for its open and receptive work environment across industries in the United States.Â
Frey brings 21 years of experience to his current role. Before joining Alston & Bird, he was a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice and before that a special assistant at the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland. Earlier in his career he worked with Accenture as an analyst.Â
Frey graduated from Georgetown University Law Center with a JD and from University of Notre Dame with a bachelor’s degree in economics and computer applications.
Brian Frey's Insight
"The rise of blockchain and digital assets - particularly the recent cryptocurrency resurgence in light of the Trump administration's apparent support - has made it critical for companies operating in the space to obtain reliable guidance from experienced counsel to keep pace with the rapid changes in the regulatory environment. I pride myself on providing the highest level of service to clients in the space as I focus on keeping my clients updated and in compliance with regulatory requirements and defending them in civil and criminal enforcement matters when necessary."
9. Kenji Funahashi
Partner, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Kenji Funahashi is a Partner at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosat, a leading legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and growth enterprises globally. The firm represents clients at all stages of development, from start-ups to multibillion-dollar corporations, as well as the venture capital firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that support and guide them.
Funahashi has 25 years of experience and got his start in 2000 as an of counsel at Morrison & Foerster. From there, he went on to Baker & McKenzie, before eventually rising to Partner at Squire Patton Boggs, his most recent position prior to joining Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.Â
Funahashi graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School with a JD, from Wisconsin School of Business with an MBA, and from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree.
Kenji Funahashi's Insight
“I am honored to be recognized for The Top Blockchain and Digital Assets Attorneys of 2025. Working with entrepreneurs and funds that help build the next generation of technology in the areas of finance, media, and logistics is truly a pleasure, and we are pleased to assist them with the legal considerations of their innovative business models.”
10. Joanna Wasick
Partner, Baker & Hostetler
Joanna Wasick is a litigation partner at BakerHostetler and a founding member of the firm’s Web3 and Digital Assets team and the firm’s Digital and Innovative Markets team.Â
Joanna represents a diverse range of clients in the digital assets industry, including Web3 entities, startup founders, L1 and L2 creators, and exchanges. As a litigator, she prides herself on distilling complex legal and factual information into clear and concise arguments that enable courts to grasp and appreciate her clients’ position.Â
With vast experience in dispute resolution, sustained engagement in the crypto sector, and a deep understanding of Web3 technology, Joanna develops unique strategies and compelling arguments that drive successful outcomes.
A prolific writer, educator, speaker, and news commentator, Joanna frequently shares her insights on cutting-edge issues in Web3. She is also the creator, editor, and co-author of the upcoming Decrypting Crypto: Digital Assets and Web3 Explained, a legal treatise published by PLI Press.
Joanna Wasick's Insight
"In 2013, a client shared the Bitcoin whitepaper with me. Fascinated by the novel legal implications of this new technology, I began writing on the subject from the perspective of a securities litigator. The rest is history – I now represent a host of participants in the digital assets industry, from Web3 entities, startup founders, L1 and L2 creators, and exchanges. My 20 years as a litigator, combined with my sustained engagement in the crypto sector, empowers me to develop unique strategies and compelling arguments that drive successful outcomes. I couldn’t ask for a more rewarding practice.”
11. Michelle Tanney
Partner, Baker & Hostetler
Michelle Tanney is a Partner in BakerHostetler’s White Collar, Investigations and Securities Enforcement and Litigation Group. She represents companies and corporate executives in government investigations and enforcement actions concerning the U.S. financial markets, and provides counsel on compliance with evolving financial regulations.Â
Within these fields, she provides guidance on adherence with regulations set forth by the SEC, CFTC, DOJ and other regulatory bodies concerning emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, and digital assets. Michelle is also active in BakerHostetler’s inclusion and diversity efforts and serves as pro bono coordinator in the New York office, where she leads numerous cases seeking equal rights for underserved and underrepresented communities.
Michelle Tanney's Insight
"My practice is anchored by a passion for the intersection of law and technology, where cutting-edge solutions have presented unique opportunities and challenges for U.S. market participants. As our economy becomes more digital, emerging technologies like blockchain will transform traditional notions of how we transact, necessitating collaboration with regulators and stakeholders on balancing compliance with fostering innovation. This involves advising startups or working with established firms on responsible solutions that promote efficiency so that they remain competitive. Helping clients navigate roads not yet built is incredibly exciting and rewarding as market disruptors will continue to require a reexamination of our financial regulations and how we operate under them. The bonus is that I get to work with and learn from really cool, future-minded individuals.”
12. Ali Dhanani
Partner, Baker Botts
Ali Dhanani is a Partner at Baker Botts, having first joined the company in 2006. Baker Botts is an international law firm with a global presence, known for its work in the energy, technology, and life sciences sectors.Â
Dhanani has defended companies in disputes relating to set-top boxes and over-the-top delivery of media content over the internet, telecommunications, Internet of Things, oilfield tools, and a variety of software technologies. Companies further use his experience to develop their software technology portfolio, particularly with implementing and integrating IoT technologies.Â
Dhanani earned a JD from the University of Houston Law Center and a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Houston.
13. Keith Bae
Partner, Shook Hardy & Bacon
Keith Bae is a Partner at Shook Hardy & Bacon, where he concentrates on the preparation, prosecution and licensing of patent applications in the computer software, telecommunications, electrical and mechanical arts. As a result of his work product and intellectual curiosity, Keith has developed a knowledge base that enables him to effectively advise clients in complex technologies, including AI, immersive environments (virtual and augmented reality), natural language processing, and distributed ledger technologies (blockchain).
Keith regularly prepares and prosecutes patent applications and provides noninfringement and invalidity opinions. He also advises clients on trademarks, copyrights in software, software development agreements, proprietary and open source software licenses, and other transactional matters.
During his undergraduate studies, Keith worked as a software developer and technology consultant for various internet startups and a financial consulting company. After receiving a degree in computer science, Keith developed cryptography applications as a software engineer at a multinational telecommunications company. While attending law school, Keith interned with several law firms and a global internet domain broker where he handled trademark infringement, click-fraud mand breach of contract disputes.
Upon graduating from law school, Keith worked as a patent attorney for the Office of Naval Research (ONR) in the Department of the Navy Office of the General Counsel in Arlington, Virginia. During his tenure with ONR, Keith developed his patent prosecution skills at the Naval Research Laboratory, assisted the Department of Justice with patent infringement litigation and trade secret administrative claims and appeals, reviewed intellectual property provisions in government contracts, and counseled various naval commands around the world.Â
Keith also gained significant experience working with universities and contractors in matters pertaining to the Bayh-Dole Act, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), technology transfer (T2) and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA).
Keith is the principal author of DLTcounsel, a technology and legal news resource relating to all things blockchain.
Keith Bae's Insight
“Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of advising clients at the forefront of technological innovation, helping them navigate the complex intersection of intellectual property and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, immersive environments, and distributed ledger technologies. My focus has always been on developing strategic IP portfolios and risk management frameworks that not only protect but also enhance the value of these emerging technologies. It's an honor to be recognized among peers who are shaping the future of this dynamic field.”
14. Erica Wilson
Partner, Fisher Phillips
Erica Wilson is a Partner at Fisher Phillips. Fisher Phillips is a labor and employment law firm that represents employers in workplace matters. The firm focuses on compliance, risk reduction, and practical legal solutions to help clients navigate workplace challenges efficiently. While experienced in litigation, its attorneys emphasize preventive strategies through audits, policies, and training.Â
Wilson brings 17 years of experience to her current role. Before joining Fisher Phillips, Wilson was a staff attorney of labor and employment at Reed Smith and before that an associate attorney at Vuono & Gray. Earlier in her career she worked with PNC as a branch financial sales consultant.Â
Wilson graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law with a JD and from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business with a bachelor’s degree in business economics and public policy, legal studies, and international business.
15. Mayme Donohue
Partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth
Mayme Donohue is a Partner at Hunton Andrews Kurth. With 17 years of experience, she counsels clients on securities law matters, capital markets transactions, mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance issues. She is also a leader of the firm’s AI, Metaverse and Emerging Technologies practice and a member of the firm’s blockchain working group, and is the Associate Editor of the Blockchain Legal Resource blog.
Donohue first got her start in 2008 as a project assistant for commission on domestic violence at American Bar Association. From there, she went on to LeClairRyan, before eventually rising to varsity girls basketball assistant coach at the Collegiate School, her most recent position prior to joining Hunton Andrews Kurth.Â
Donohue graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law with a JD in law and from the University of Virginia with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish.
16. Stephanie Breslow
Partner, Schulte Roth & Zabel
Stephanie Breslow is a Partner at Schulte Roth & Zabel, where she is Co-Head of the Investment Management Group, Co-Head of the Blockchain Technology & Digital Assets Group, and a member of the Firm’s Executive Committee. She maintains a diverse practice that includes liquid funds, private equity funds and the structuring of investment management businesses.Â
Stephanie focuses on the formation of private equity funds including LBO, mezzanine, distressed, real estate and venture and liquid-securities funds including hedge funds, hybrid funds, credit funds and activist funds, as well as providing regulatory advice to investment managers.Â
Stephanie also represents fund sponsors and institutional investors in connection with seed-capital investments in fund managers and acquisitions of interests in investment management businesses and funds of funds and other institutional investors in connection with their investment activities, including blockchain technology and virtual currency offerings and transactions.
Recently serving as chair of the Private Investment Funds Subcommittee of the International Bar Association, Stephanie is a founding member and former chair of the Private Investment Fund Forum, a former member of the Advisory Board of former Third Way Capital Markets Initiative, a former member of the Board of Directors and current member of 100 Women in Finance, a member of the Board of Visitors of Columbia Law School and a member of the Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York.Â
Stephanie graduated from Columbia Law School and received a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University.
Stephanie Breslow's Insight
"Navigating the legal landscape of blockchain and digital assets requires a balance of innovation and compliance. As the industry evolves, our role as legal advisors is to provide clarity, mitigate risk, and help clients unlock the full potential of decentralized technologies within a secure regulatory framework."
17. Brett Cotler
Partner, Seward & Kissel
Brett Cotler is a Partner in the Taxation Group of Seward & Kissel. In his practice, Cotler regularly represents private investment funds (including hedge funds, real estate funds and private equity funds), fund managers, technology and blockchain companies, and tax-exempt organizations on a variety of tax issues, including initial structuring, seed investments, portfolio investments, transactional matters, financial instruments, M&A, and deferred compensation structures (including Sections 83 and 409A of the Internal Revenue Code).
Earlier in his career, Cotler worked with PwC as a financial services associate in international tax law. Cotler received his LLM in taxation from the New York University School of Law, his JD from the Rutgers School of Law-Newark, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif, and his bachelor’s degree from the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences.
Brett Cotler's Insight
“Blockchain and cryptocurrency is truly a passion of mine. Practicing in this area has been incredibly rewarding and positively impacted my career and my development as an attorney. Being a blockchain attorney provides a richness in the diversity of the projects I work on, from advising startup businesses and entrepreneurs to the largest banks and hedge funds. I am fortunate that everything practicing blockchain law has given me, most importantly the experiences I’ve had and the people I’ve connected with on this journey.”
"I have been a member of Seward & Kissel’s Blockchain and Cryptocurrency practice since 2016, advising investment funds, family offices, digital asset exchanges and ETF sponsors with respect to issuances of, investments into and the trading and exchange of digital assets, including trading, mining, staking and other digital asset transactions. I have published various articles, including a seminal article on the taxation of digital assets in 2018, contributing to a book chapter “Tokenized and Non-Tokenized Assets: Certain Legal Considerations” in the Emerald Handbook on Cryptoassets: Investment Opportunities and Challenges,” and frequent blog posts on my law firm’s crypto blog.
18. Jason Rosell
Partner, Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones
Jason Rosell is a Partner at Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones. With 26 years of experience, Rosell represents debtors and creditors’ committees in complex chapter 11 cases. His recent notable engagements include representing Amyris and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union in their respective chapter 11 cases, the creditors’ committee in LeFever Mattson, and victims in the chapter 11 cases of crypto companies FTX and Voyager.Â
Before joining Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones, Rosell was a corporate attorney at Mesa Airlines and before that a co-founder at One Fifty. Earlier in his career, he worked with Arizona State University as a senior technology analyst.Â
Rosell holds a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, as well as an MBA and JD from Arizona State University. Rosell also served as a legal extern for the Honorable Redfield T. Baum, Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona, and is admitted to practice in California and New York.
Jason Rosell's Insight
“My experience in the field of Blockchain and Digital Assets has historically been focused on maximizing recoveries for investors in complex cryptocurrency bankruptcy cases. Although the public has witnessed the collapse of high profile cryptocurrency companies it has also witnessed the resilience of the underlying technology and broader cryptocurrency market.”
19. Monica Gaudioso
Partner, Carrington Coleman
Monica Gaudioso is a Partner at Carrington Coleman. With 13 years of experience, Gaudioso focuses her practice on general commercial litigation and arbitration, both on the plaintiff- and defense-side, and at the state and federal levels. She has handled cases of all sizes and levels of complexity—including those involving business ownership disputes, director-and-officer, and shareholder litigation, breach of contract and fraud, and trade-secret misappropriation, among others.Â
Before joining Carrington, Gaudioso spent four years as a litigation associate at another firm, where she handled pre-trial discovery matters and second-chaired disputes at both trial and arbitration. She also gained valuable insights and experience as a law clerk to the Hon. Samuel H. Mays, Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, where she managed the civil docket and prepared court documents related to federal and state securities litigation, complex commercial litigation, employment discrimination, and a First Amendment appeal.Â
Gaudioso graduated from The University of Texas School of Law with a JD and from Rhodes College with a bachelor’s degree in history.
Monica Gaudioso's Insight
“Blockchain and digital assets are not just another speculative trend—they’re a new technological frontier with the potential to revolutionize industries. And the legal challenges in this space are not just iterations new of old problems––they are novel, complex, and require a deep understanding of both the law and the underlying technology. And that’s what I love about practicing in this industry. My role extends beyond legal interpretation—I have to immerse myself in the intricacies of my clients’ technologies to provide strategic, forward-thinking counsel. In an ever-evolving regulatory landscape, it is not only my responsibility to guide clients through compliance, but to help shape the legal frameworks that will allow blockchain innovation to thrive.”
20. Josh Lawler
Partner, Zuber Lawler
Josh Lawler is a Partner at Zuber Lawler, having first joined the company in 2005. Lawler’s primary areas of practice are in mergers and acquisitions and securities law. Lawler practices at the cutting edge of law relating to emerging industries and technologies, including cannabis and distributed ledger technology.Â
Lawler’s M&A clients include private equity groups, public and private companies, fundless sponsors, family offices and sellers of large assets. In collaboration with multi-lingual colleagues, Lawler often works across languages and sovereign borders to execute international transactions. He has worked in relation to over 20 countries over the past several years. Many of his clients are domiciled outside of the United States.
Prior to joining Zuber Lawler, Lawler practiced as a corporate securities and M&A attorney at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. Lawler earned a JD from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and history from Duke University.
Josh Lawler's Insight
“First and foremost, I’m an evangelist for technology. We see new applications almost daily that can solve many global challenges. The law has a tough time keeping up, however. We take a holistic approach to helping our clients navigate legal issues often created by regulatory ambiguity both in the United States and abroad. That involves really understanding the technology at a granular level in order to identify and address legal issues that may not be obvious. We then evaluate how and where a client can operate in order to stay compliant without unduly interfering with their business model. Where legal ambiguity prevents certainty, we look to mitigate potential risks. We perform these services with a keen eye on the fund-raising process, as well as eventual exit transactions. I’m fortunate that our firm, Zuber Lawler, allows a great deal of flexibility in working with clients to achieve results where other firms may decline representation over perceived regulatory risk.”
21. Duane Pozza
Partner, Wiley Rein
Duane Pozza is a Partner at Wiley Rein. With 23 years of experience, Pozza is a Co-Chair of Wiley’s Privacy, Cyber, and Data Governance practice. He advises clients on complex regulatory and enforcement matters, including successfully representing clients in Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other consumer protection investigations and enforcement proceedings. His practice includes a particular focus on advising on emerging technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), digital assets, and financial technology (fintech).
Previously, Pozza was an assistant director at the Federal Trade Commission and before that a partner at Jenner & Block. Earlier in his career, he worked with Hon. Roslyn O. Silver, U.S. District Court as a law clerk. Pozza graduated from Stanford Law School with a JD and from The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in plan II honors and government.
22. Mike Kasdan
Partner, Wiggin and Dana
Mike Kasdan is a Partner at Wiggin and Dana. With 29 years of experience, Kasdan focuses on all areas of intellectual property law, providing his clients with full-service IP expertise that ranges from patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret litigation to IP-related transactions, including licensing and monetization, to helping companies to protect and reap maximum value from their own innovations and brands.Â
In addition to being Counsel in the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group, Kasdan also Co-Chair’s the firm’s Blockchain and Digital Assets Group and Chairs the firm’s Trade Secret Group. He is also a member of wiggin(x).Â
Kasdan first got his start in 1996 as a consultant at Accenture. From there, he went on to InSITE, before eventually rising to partner and IP advisor at B2B Ventures: By The Hatchery, his most recent position prior to joining Wiggin and Dana.Â
Kasdan holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and a JD from New York University School of Law, where he was a member of the NYU Law Review and the Order of the Coif. After law school, he clerked for the Honorable Judge Roderick R. McKelvie in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware.
23. Scott Kaufman
Partner, Sullivan & Worcester
Scott Kaufman is a Partner at Sullivan & Worcester. He first joined the company in 2018. Sullivan is an international law firm serving clients across industries, including investment management, REITs, opportunity zones, blockchain ventures, and international tech IPOs. The firm works with established companies, growing businesses, and emerging enterprises navigating new markets and business models.
Previously, Kaufman was a Partner at Wiggin and Dana and before that a Partner at Cooley Godward Kronish. Earlier in his career, he worked with Willkie Farr & Gallagher as an associate. Kaufman earned a JD from the Duke University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan.
24. Justin Steffen
Partner, Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg
Justin Steffen is a Partner at Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg. Steffen practices at the intersection of law, banking, and innovation. Focusing on bank-fintech partnerships, regulatory and licensing matters, and commercial contracting, Steffen helps bank and fintech clients de-risk the future of financial services.Â
Steffen is a Partner in BFKN’s Financial Institutions Group. BFKN was founded in 1984 with a vision focused on delivering efficient, team-oriented services. The firm has remained committed to this vision while growing into a sophisticated, first-class legal practice with a diverse roster of national and international clients.
Before joining Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg, Steffen was a partner at Ice Miller. Earlier in his career he worked with Jenner & Block as an associate. Steffen graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a JD and from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor’s degree in history.
25. Anthony Wise
Partner, Cole-Frieman & Mallon
Anthony Wise is a Partner at Cole-Frieman & Mallon. Wise specializes in private fund formation for cryptocurrency, hedge funds, private equity, and venture capital managers. Previous roles include positions as Counsel and Senior Associate at Signal Trading Group, where technology infrastructure was optimized for trading strategies, as well as an attorney at the law offices of Nancy M. Battel.
Wise’s background also includes work as a patent attorney contractor at Fernandez & Associates and an associate attorney at Cannistraci Law Firm, alongside early roles as a paralegal and intern in intellectual property. He holds a JD from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Davis.
