Crypto-Asset Disputes
FinTech Guide 2025 : USA - Nationwide
Band 2
Chambers Review
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton has a strong crypto disputes practice. The team regularly represents high-profile crypto clients in SEC investigations, litigation and enforcement and class action suits.
Work Highlights
- Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton represented Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple, in connection with litigation against the SEC in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York relating to allegedly unregistered sales and offers of the digital asset XRP.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team at Cleary Gottlieb could not have been more responsive or more thoughtful in a strategic way. They consistently exceeded expectations with their insights and forward thinking."
"Cleary Gottlieb took a methodical approach to understanding our core business and operations. This allowed them to tailor their guidance to the specific needs of our business."
"Cleary Gottlieb have a good understanding of US securities laws and a deep understanding of Howey case law as applied to crypto. They are very knowledgeable about crypto."
"They are very professional and responsive, and it's such a pleasure to interact with them. Their work is cutting-edge and they work well across their various teams, which produces the best outcomes."
"The team I worked with were very responsive, had deep knowledge of government agencies through prior experience, and were flexible in how they tailored their advice to fit our needs."
"The team at Cleary Gottlieb could not have been more responsive or more thoughtful in a strategic way. They consistently exceeded expectations with their insights and forward thinking."
"Cleary Gottlieb took a methodical approach to understanding our core business and operations. This allowed them to tailor their guidance to the specific needs of our business."
"Cleary Gottlieb have a good understanding of US securities laws and a deep understanding of Howey case law as applied to crypto. They are very knowledgeable about crypto."
"They are very professional and responsive, and it's such a pleasure to interact with them. Their work is cutting-edge and they work well across their various teams, which produces the best outcomes."
"The team I worked with were very responsive, had deep knowledge of government agencies through prior experience, and were flexible in how they tailored their advice to fit our needs."
Notable Practitioners
Matthew Solomon heads Cleary Gottlieb's digital asset disputes practice and is highly regarded for his litigation and regulatory expertise. Previously the SEC's Chief Litigation Counsel, Solomon regularly advises prominent crypto clients in SEC investigations and litigation.
"Matthew has an excellent sense of what a judge and a jury want. He hones a defence strategy based on that. He has deep knowledge of the SEC and knows what will resonate with them."
"He's incredibly knowledge about SEC regulatory matters and has been an incredibly valuable asset to help us make decisions about how we run our business."
"Matt is very good and does a lot of work in this space. His experience on both sides of government investigations is an asset, and his advice is always practical and commercial."
Alexander Janghorbani, who was formerly a senior trial counsel in the SEC's Division of Enforcement, has expertise in government investigations and securities litigation.
"Alexander has deep knowledge of securities laws, which is very helpful when you're defending a case. He knows stuff beyond the statute and can put it together in a way a layman can understand."
"Alex's experience on both sides of government investigations is evident, and he provides thoughtful advice."
Samuel Levander is an associate at Cleary Gottlieb. Levander is commended by clients and peers alike for his knowledge and expertise.
"Samuel is responsive, thorough and an excellent lawyer."
"Samuel is very knowledgeable about the crypto industry and asks thoughtful questions. He's a star in the making."
"Samuel is terrific; super thoughtful and engaged. He can see the forest for the trees."
"Samuel knows everything. He's the repository of all knowledge on the case and has a good sense of the underlying."
Ranked Individuals at
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
USA - Nationwide