Overview
(November 1, 2017, Washington, DC) — Steptoe of counsel Alan Cohn has been named to The National Law Journal’s list of Trailblazers in Cybersecurity & Data Privacy. The list was featured in a supplement in the November 1 issue of the legal publication.
Mr. Cohn, who served for nearly a decade in senior positions at the US Department of Homeland Security, most recently as Assistant Secretary for Strategy, Planning, Analysis & Risk, has built a new practice in the cutting-edge area of blockchain technology. Based on his experience, Mr. Cohn brings a unique perspective focusing on the intersection of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology with regulatory and government-oriented issues, including cybersecurity and cybercrime.
Mr. Cohn helped found and now serves as counsel to the Blockchain Alliance. The Alliance, a 501(c)(3) organization established on behalf of the Chamber of Digital Commerce and Coin Center, provides a forum for the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry to engage with law enforcement and regulatory agencies on issues involving criminal use of the blockchain. Mr. Cohn is also an advisor to blockchain companies focused on tracing cryptocurrency transactions, using blockchain technology for device authentication on the Internet of Things, digital identity, and enterprise blockchain applications.
Built from the ground up, Steptoe’s Blockchain and Digital Currency practice – which Mr. Cohn co-founded and now co-chairs – has recognized expertise in anti-money laundering and other financial compliance issues for companies handling cryptocurrency, regulatory advice and counseling, and cryptocurrency-related taxation issues. Mr. Cohn counsels clients on a range of blockchain-related issues, from anti-money laundering and know-your-customer best practices for cryptocurrency companies to legal issues associated with novel enterprise uses of blockchain technology.
Mr. Cohn tells The National Law Journal that more companies will use Blockchain in a range of different applications. “As they do, there will be challenges in making sure they are consistent with current legal and regulatory frameworks and that those frameworks evolve in order to adapt to new technology and its applications.”
About Steptoe
Steptoe & Johnson LLP is an international law firm widely recognized for vigorous advocacy in complex litigation and arbitration, successful representation of clients before governmental agencies, and creative and practical advice in guiding business transactions. The firm has more than 500 lawyers and other professionals in offices in Beijing, Brussels, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Washington. For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.
