White & Case LLP Expands Its White Collar Practice with Ladan Stewart
Global law firm White & Case LLP has bolstered its White Collar Practice by adding Ladan Stewart as a Partner in New York. Stewart, a seasoned US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) enforcement attorney and civil litigator, brings 20 years of experience to the firm. She recently headed the SEC’s lawsuit against Coinbase and Ripple, and both cases were led by Stewart.
Stewart’s New Role
In a press release dated February 21, 2024, White & Case LLP announced Stewart’s addition to its White Collar Practice in New York. Joel M. Cohen, Global Head of White & Case’s Global White Collar Practice, lauded Stewart’s extensive experience, particularly her role as the head of the SEC’s specialized crypto and cyber litigation unit.
Stewart’s Imprint at the SEC
Stewart played a vital role in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement for over eight years, serving as Assistant Director and Regional Trial Counsel leading the SEC’s crypto and cyber litigation unit. She spearheaded significant litigations, including actions against crypto trading platforms for failing to register with the SEC. As the head of the SEC’s crypto and cyber litigation unit since September 2022, Stewart also led major litigations against entities like Coinbase Global Inc. and Ripple.
Impact of Stewart’s Addition
Stewart’s transition to White & Case marks a shift in the SEC’s legal framework concerning crypto. Her move is expected to weaken the SEC’s position against crypto firms, given her expertise and seniority in the field.
Bitcoin ETPs at the Forefront
Following Stewart’s addition, White & Case acted as advisors to Fidelity International for the structuring and launch of its Fidelity Physical Bitcoin ETP. This move signals Fidelity International’s foray into exchange-traded notes backed by cryptocurrencies, highlighting the fusion of legal expertise and financial innovation. Additionally, the firm welcomed John Cahill, a corporate real estate specialist, to its New York office, solidifying its strategic investment in key practice areas, including White Collar.
Hot Take: What’s Next in Crypto Law?
Now that Stewart has joined White & Case, you can expect to witness an exciting shift in the dynamics of crypto law. Stewart’s extensive experience at the SEC is poised to revolutionize the legal approach to crypto transactions and regulation, paving the way for significant industry developments in the near future. Whether you’re a crypto enthusiast or a legal professional, Stewart’s move to White & Case brings an optimistic outlook for the future of crypto regulation.
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