DLA Piper Adds Blockchain Partner James Williams to Company’s Regulatory and Government Affairs Practice

DLA Piper continues to expand its Los Angeles office with the arrival of James Williams as a partner in the firm’s Regulatory and Governmental Affairs practice. Williams will serve as a member of the practice’s financial regulation and technology subgroup, adding depth to the firm’s coast-to-coast blockchain and digital asset team.

Williams has extensive experience navigating the intersection of corporate, securities and intellectual property law in Web3.0 and crypto content transactions. He advises blockchain-native companies on issues related to venture capital funding, token generation events and airdrops, structuring and formation of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), protocol design and regulatory compliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Williams also regularly acts as legal and strategic advisor to many world-famous brands on crypto and blockchain integrations. He has represented numerous professional basketball, soccer, and football teams on crypto naming rights deals, fan tokens, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and proof-of-presence protocols. His work for global consumer brands, artists and media companies includes all aspects of metaverse and NFT marketing, from brand strategy and smart contract design to managing all transactional aspects, including including metadata design, NFT typing and market partnership agreements.

“Expanding our blockchain and digital asset capabilities is a strategic priority for the company,” said Edward “Smitty” Smith, chair of the firm’s Regulatory and Governmental Affairs practice. “James’ diversity of business and legal experience, coupled with his extensive regulatory experience with the SEC, will be essential in advising clients on the regulatory implications of using new tools and asset classes. “

With over 20 years of legal experience, Williams has a diverse business background. He was CEO of a global consumer brand and operating partner of a venture capital fund.