An essential introduction to digital assets and related technologies for Illinois attorneys, including conducting investigations, enforcing judgments, and navigating current and forthcoming regulations.
With millions of dollars already being traded, and more regulations and investment at state and federal levels on the horizon, this primer is an essential introduction to the burgeoning landscape of digital assets and the technologies that enable them. Blockchain technologies evolve quickly, so it is now more essential than ever that attorneys have a starting point for enforcing judgments, discovering digital assets through investigations, and maintaining an awareness of current and potential regulations impacting the practice of law in relation to digital assets. In the absence of official guidance for Illinois attorneys, the authors review ethics opinions from other jurisdictions and interpret statements from local agencies, such as the IDFPR, to provide up-to-date practice guidance. Staying apprised of such technologies makes prudent business sense and upholds ethical obligations to clients. RPC 1.1, comment 8, specifies that knowing “the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology” contributes to an attorney’s ability to “provide competent representation to a client.” Digital assets have quickly gained relevance in the practice of law, and this essential guide provides an excellent starting point for upholding these duties for clients.
Chapter 1 — Introduction to Digital Assets, Cryptocurrencies, and Blockchain Technologies
George T. Dowd III, G. Dowd Law LLC, Chicago
Chapter 2 — Regulations
George T. Dowd III, G. Dowd Law LLC, Chicago, J. Michael Bresnahan Jr., Foley & Lardner LLP, Chicago, Michael D. Frisch, Croke Fairchild Morgan & Beres LLC, Chicago
Chapter 3 — Digital Assets and the Practice of Law
George T. Dowd III, G. Dowd Law LLC, Chicago, Michael D. Frisch, Croke Fairchild Morgan & Beres LLC, Chicago, Jonathan Merel, The Law Offices of Jonathan Merel
