Mishcon de Reya
The UK's most specialist blockchain legal practice — crypto-native within a full-service firm
Quick Facts
- Best For
- UK-centric crypto legal work, asset recovery, FCA navigation, and HNW crypto estate planning
- Pricing
- UK full-service firm rates — competitive relative to US BigLaw
Overview
Mishcon de Reya's Blockchain Group is widely regarded as the most specialist and longest-established crypto legal practice within a UK full-service firm. The group handles the full spectrum of blockchain legal work — from token issuance and exchange regulation to asset recovery and NFT IP disputes — and has been involved in landmark UK crypto cases including major blockchain asset tracing litigation. Their integration with Mishcon's broader practice areas (litigation, real estate, private client) makes them uniquely suited for high-net-worth individuals and family offices navigating crypto legal complexity.
Focus Areas
Who They Work With
Notable Work
Landmark UK crypto asset tracing and recovery litigation; FCA compliance programmes for major exchange operators; NFT IP dispute resolution.
Key Contacts
- Jonathan Spearing
- Joanna Bailey
Office Locations
Frequently Asked Questions about Mishcon de Reya
What makes Mishcon de Reya's blockchain practice distinctive in the UK?
Mishcon de Reya's Blockchain Group is the most specialist and longest-established crypto legal practice within a UK full-service firm — handling everything from token issuance and FCA compliance to blockchain asset tracing litigation and NFT IP disputes. Its integration with Mishcon's litigation, real estate, and private client practices makes it uniquely suited for high-net-worth individuals and family offices, not just institutional crypto businesses.
Does Mishcon de Reya handle FCA compliance and exchange licensing?
Yes — FCA compliance and exchange licensing are core areas for Mishcon's Blockchain Group. The firm has designed FCA compliance programmes for major exchange operators and advises on the full UK regulatory stack for crypto businesses, including the FCA's financial promotions regime, registration requirements, and the evolving UK crypto asset regulatory framework.
Who are the key contacts in the Mishcon blockchain group?
Jonathan Spearing and Joanna Bailey are the firm's lead blockchain practitioners. Mishcon is headquartered in London with offices in Singapore and New York, covering UK-centric matters with international dimensions — particularly relevant for projects with UK and Asian operations simultaneously.
How does Mishcon de Reya's pricing compare to US BigLaw?
Mishcon de Reya charges UK full-service firm rates, which are generally competitive relative to comparable US BigLaw firms. This makes it an attractive option for UK and European crypto businesses that want full-service capability without New York pricing — particularly for FCA work, asset recovery, and private client crypto matters where a UK firm is the natural choice anyway.
Does Mishcon handle crypto asset recovery and tracing cases?
Yes — Mishcon de Reya has been involved in landmark UK crypto asset tracing and recovery litigation. This includes on-chain forensic analysis combined with legal proceedings to freeze and recover stolen or misappropriated digital assets. This is an area where Mishcon has built one of the strongest UK track records, including obtaining freezing injunctions relating to digital assets.
Can HNW individuals use Mishcon de Reya for crypto estate planning?
Yes — crypto estate planning and private client advisory is a genuine speciality at Mishcon, enabled by the firm's strong private client practice alongside its blockchain expertise. This includes structuring digital asset holdings within estates, advising executors on crypto wealth, and planning for the inheritance of private keys and wallet access — an area most law firms are ill-equipped to handle.
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