McDermott Will & Schulte has continued to expand its presence in the
fast-growing digital assets sector with the addition of Steve Knipfelberg as a partner in its New York litigation practice. The firm announced the hire Wednesday, signaling a further commitment to advising cryptocurrency and blockchain companies facing heightened regulatory scrutiny and complex litigation.
Knipfelberg brings significant experience in cryptocurrency litigation, regulatory engagement, and strategic legal matters involving digital asset trading platforms and financial technology companies. His practice focuses on helping clients navigate evolving regulatory frameworks, respond to inquiries from U.S. and international regulators, and manage high-stakes disputes tied to market structure, consumer protection, and cross-border enforcement.
According to McDermott, Knipfelberg advises clients across the digital asset ecosystem, including crypto exchanges, blockchain developers, and financial services companies operating in or adjacent to the cryptocurrency markets. His work spans regulatory strategy, enforcement response, and
litigation arising from the rapidly changing legal environment governing digital assets.
Experience From Inside a Major Crypto Exchange
Before joining McDermott, Knipfelberg served at cryptocurrency exchange OKX, where he handled legal and regulatory matters impacting the platform and its operations. His in-house experience provides valuable insight into how crypto companies manage regulatory risk and enforcement exposure, giving McDermott clients added perspective when facing government investigations and complex compliance challenges.
Law firms increasingly view in-house crypto experience as a major asset, particularly as regulators around the world intensify oversight of digital asset trading, custody, and consumer protection issues. Knipfelberg’s background positions him to help clients anticipate regulatory expectations while defending against enforcement actions and litigation.
Growing Demand for Crypto Litigation and Regulatory Counsel
McDermott’s hire comes at a time when cryptocurrency companies are facing growing legal and regulatory pressure in the United States and abroad. Federal agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and Department of Justice, have increased enforcement activity involving digital assets, while lawmakers and regulators continue to debate how best to regulate emerging financial technologies.
As a result, law firms with established crypto and FinTech practices are seeing increased demand for attorneys who can handle investigations, cross-border regulatory matters, and disputes tied to novel financial products. Knipfelberg’s arrival strengthens McDermott’s ability to represent clients dealing with enforcement actions, compliance questions, and litigation risks unique to the crypto sector.
Expanding McDermott’s Digital Assets Capabilities
McDermott has invested heavily in building a prominent FinTech and blockchain practice, advising clients on crypto litigation, regulatory compliance, investigations, and strategic risk management. The firm represents a wide range of market participants, from established financial institutions to emerging blockchain startups.
With Knipfelberg joining the New York office, McDermott is positioned to deepen its bench of attorneys focused on cryptocurrency litigation and regulatory defense. The firm said his role will include helping clients respond to inquiries from both U.S. and international regulators, as well as managing disputes arising from digital asset trading, platform operations, and consumer-facing crypto products.
New York as a Hub for Crypto Legal Work
New York remains one of the most important legal and regulatory centers for cryptocurrency and financial services companies. Many major exchanges, financial institutions, and blockchain companies maintain significant operations in the city, making it a focal point for crypto-related litigation and regulatory activity.
By adding Knipfelberg to its New York litigation team, McDermott strengthens its ability to serve clients in one of the most active jurisdictions for digital assets enforcement and financial regulation. The hire also reflects broader
trends among Big Law firms seeking to attract specialized crypto lawyers with hands-on industry experience.
Positioning for an Evolving Regulatory Landscape
The regulatory environment for digital assets continues to evolve, with shifting enforcement priorities and ongoing debates over how cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based products should be classified and regulated. Companies operating in the space must navigate a patchwork of federal and state rules, as well as international regulatory regimes.
McDermott said Knipfelberg’s experience will help clients adapt to these changes, manage regulatory exposure, and pursue business strategies while minimizing legal risk. His addition underscores the firm’s strategy of expanding its crypto and FinTech capabilities to meet client demand in an increasingly complex legal environment.
The hire also highlights the broader
competition among law firms to recruit attorneys with deep knowledge of cryptocurrency markets and regulatory enforcement. As digital assets continue to mature and face greater oversight, firms with strong crypto litigation and regulatory teams are expected to play a critical role in shaping how the industry navigates legal challenges in the years ahead.
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