International law firm McDermott Will & Emery has added fintech lawyer and thought leader, Lee Schneider, as a partner in the firm’s Financial Institutions Advisory Practice Group.

Schneider will be based in the firm’s New York office and leads a team including partner Lilya Tessler and associate Verity A. Van Tassel Richards.

Schneider most recently served as head of Debevoise & Plimpton’s Broker-Dealer and Fintech practices. He is a recognized Fintech attorney and regularly assists financial services and other firms in token offerings associated with blockchain projects. He is the author of Coinbase’s widely read guidance: A Securities Law Framework for Blockchain Tokens.

“Our clients share our firm’s passion for innovation and we’re excited to help them capitalize on the opportunities that blockchain presents in FinTech and beyond,” said Firm Chair Ira J. Coleman. “Lee and his team’s widely respected capabilities align with McDermott’s commitment to be indispensable to clients by delivering high-value, growth-oriented services in today’s evolving marketplace.”

The new McDermott attorneys bring a strong background in broker-dealer regulation, advising clients on operations of broker-dealers and alternative trading systems, SEC and FINRA inquiries, cross border regulatory issues, and the structuring and development of policies and procedures for companies in their start-up phase.

McDermott Will & Emery is an international law firm with a diversified business practice.