Pillsbury Adds Digital Currency Pioneer Patrick Murck in DC

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Pillsbury today announced the addition of digital currency authority Patrick Murck as special counsel in the firm's Washington, DC office. Murck, who is the former Executive Director and General Counsel of the Bitcoin Foundation and one of its founders, joins the Corporate & Securities – Technology practice section.

In addition to his role with Pillsbury, Murck currently serves as a fellow with Harvard University's Berkman Center for Internet & Society where he conducts research on the law and policy implications of bitcoin, distributed ledgers and smart contracts. He joins Pillsbury's Digital Currency and Blockchain Technology Focus Team under the leadership of Marco Santori, a role the firm recently announced.

"The digital currency and blockchain industry owes a great deal to Patrick Murck," Santori said. "He was among the first lawyers called upon by world governments to speak on digital currency technology, and his thinking continues to be some of the most influential among in the industry. His addition to the team adds invaluable technical expertise and the kind of high-level relationships our clients demand."

Murck's capabilities are focused on the legal and regulatory issues governing the use of bitcoin, decentralized financial systems, payment systems and social loyalty and reward programs. He is a noted writer on the topics of digital currency and blockchain technology, and his recent work focuses on the clearance and settlement of transactions using decentralized ledger networks. Murck is often called upon by such high-profile organizations as the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to speak on policy around digital currencies and the future of banking and payments. He also has testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on the potential risks, threats and promises of digital currencies.

"Pillsbury has been a leader in addressing the legal issues around digital currencies for some time," Murck said. "I am thrilled to join the firm and to work with the focus team as it continues to shape the legal and regulatory landscape in this industry."

Murck was named one of 50 Outstanding General Counsel in the U.S. in 2014 by the National Law Journal, and he serves as President on the Board of Directors of the BitGive Foundation charity. He earned his J.D. with honors from the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law and his B.A. from American University. He is admitted to practice in Virginia and Washington, DC.

About Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Pillsbury is a full-service law firm with an industry focus on energy & natural resources, financial services including financial institutions, real estate & construction and technology. Based in the world's major financial, technology and energy centers, Pillsbury counsels clients on global business, regulatory and litigation matters. We work in multidisciplinary teams that allow us to understand our clients' objectives, anticipate trends and bring a 360-degree perspective to complex business and legal issues—helping clients to take greater advantage of new opportunities, meet and exceed their objectives and better mitigate risk. This collaborative work style helps produce the results our clients seek.

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