Crypto-Asset Disputes

Debevoise & Plimpton advises major cryptocurrency projects on securities litigation matters, including some of the most significant cases in the industry. It also handles regulatory inquiries and enforcement matters, class action defence and commercial disputes.

"Debevoise is a through-and-through litigation powerhouse, and those skills translate directly into crypto-asset disputes."

"They've been terrific in several really big-ticket litigations."

In July 2023, Debevoise secured a landmark victory on behalf of Ripple Labs in a decision by the Southern District of New York Court, where Ripple was suing the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding the legal and regulatory status of its XRP token. The judge ruled that XRP is not a security, and not subject to SEC regulation when sold to the general public.

Co-chair of Debevoise's litigation department, Andrew Ceresney is an expert litigator who represents cryptocurrency exchanges in complex and high-profile government investigations and enforcement actions. Ceresney has a wealth of experience in this area, having previously served as the director of enforcement at the SEC. "Andrew is strategically and tactically strong on internal policy development and day-to-day decisions. He's very knowledgeable." "Andrew Ceresney is a great advocate and leverages his experience in the SEC."

Elliot Greenfield is a civil litigator at Debevoise & Plimpton. Greenfield defends cryptocurrency exchanges and other significant crypto-asset clients in class action lawsuits and commercial disputes. "Elliot is an expert in his field, yet surprisingly available and easy to talk to." "He's a very collegiate, collaborative and creative lawyer. We could work together and come to a great result." "Elliot Greenfield is brilliant. He's got an impressive mind, he is calm and logical, and he is a great litigator. He's tremendous."