Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, an energy-focused international law firm, has appointed cryptocurrency veteran Patrick Murck as special counsel in its Washington DC office.
‘The blockchain industry owes a great deal to Murck’
Murck, who was the former executive director, founder and general counsel of The Bitcoin Foundation, joins the law firm’s Corporate and Securities – Technology practice section.
The virtual currency expert also serves as a fellow with Harvard University’s Berkman Center for Internet and Society and he is currently working on the law and policy implications of bitcoin.
The cryptocurrency is gaining more respectability nowadays, having just been recognised as a commodity by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
In some parts of the world bitcoin is still outlawed, including in Russia where its Central Bank is discussing how the currency should be used in the country.
‘‘The digital currency and blockchain industry owes a great deal to Patrick Murck,’’ said Marco Santori, head of Pillsbury’s digital currency and Blockchain technology focus team.
‘‘He was among the first lawyers called upon by world governments to speak on digital currency technology, and his thinking continues to be some of the most influential among in the industry. His addition to the team adds invaluable technical expertise and the kind of high-level relationships our clients demand.’’
Cryptocurrency expert
Murck is dedicated to researching the legal implications of using cryptocurrencies. He has written frequently about digital currency and blockchain technology, and passionate about the clearance and settlement of transactions using decentralized ledgers.
The newly announced Pillsbury employee has also testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs about the potential threats of bitcoin.
‘‘Pillsbury has been a leader in addressing the legal issues around digital currencies for some time,’’ Murck said.
‘‘I am thrilled to join the firm and to work with the focus team as it continues to shape the legal and regulatory landscape in this industry.’’
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