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Adam Chernichaw

Partner

Adam is US Head of IP, Tech Transactions, Licensing & Data Privacy. His practice is deal-focused.

He is highly regarded by both clients and adversaries alike, as a business and results oriented negotiator who facilitates and structures complex (and often innovative and transformative) commercial transactions to help clients execute their strategic goals.

Adam advises clients across a diverse number of industry sectors including financial services, Web3 and digital assets, social media, life sciences, food services, telecommunications, sports, hospitality and entertainment. Adam has had a particular focus in the financial technology (fintech) and digital assets sectors (including blockchain platforms and NFTs), representing buy-side and sell-side institutions, users of fintech products and services, and companies seeking strategic alliances and product integrations. 
 
Adam’s practice been at the forefront of innovation and he oftentimes finds himself working for clients that are adopting or collaborating with others to create and launch game-changing new and innovative technologies. He has extensive experience working on deals in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space, digital transformations, information technology and business process outsourcings, system integrations, cloud and "as a service" offerings, payment processing services (including BIN Sponsorship arrangements, P2P payments systems, and other payment services), mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures.


Experience

Representative matters

 A financial institution in the outsourcing of its global email, electronic messaging and records management system.

A global social media platform in connection with various payments matters and in the development of a new blockchain and stablecoin.

A number of clients in developing their enterprise-wide AI governance and contractual frameworks.

A global messaging platform in connection with various international payments matters, including a large scale technology, commerce and product integration deal associated with a multibillion dollar investment in a company facilitating the creation of an online retail marketplace.

Published Work

  • "Crypto-tunities: Transaction strategies in the challenging crypto markets", Allen & Overy update, July 13, 2022
  • "Oh no, where's my crypto? What happens to crypto assets when a custodian fails", Allen & Overy update, June 23, 2022
  • Chernichaw, Petrasic, Shukla and Bronfrieund (2018) “The Year of Blockchain: Global Legal Framework Begins to take Form”, SA Financial Regulation Journal.
  • Chernichaw (2017), Introduction and Contributing Author for “Chambers 2017 Legal Developments in the Global FinTech Sector Guide"

Speaking Engagements

  • Mainstage Keynote discussion with Catherine Porter, VP of Global Partnerships at Meta Financial Technologies, “The Future of Financial Services Within Web3”, Fintech Nexus USA, June 2022
  • Moderator, "Innovation through Partnerships and Collaboration”, Fintech Week Tel-Aviv, March, 2022. Panel member, “Lessons Learned from Failed IT Projects”, International Technology Law Association Webinar, May 27, 2020
  • Panel member, “Risk Management Issues and Challenges Around Growth Strategies”, AON Consulting Industry Symposium, June 13, 2017.
  • Speaker, “New Developments in Software Law”, International Bar Association Annual Conference, September 2016.

Leadership Positions And Professional Affiliations

  • Member, Law360 Fintech Editorial Board, 2022
  • Adam serves his community as a volunteer firefighter.
Recognition
Adam's experience and demeanour sets him high above most people in his field. His knowledge is wide and current.
Chambers Fintech 2023
He has become a well trusted member of our team, I have been impressed with the manner in which he keeps up with trends in such new territory.
Chambers Fintech 2023

Awards

Ranked Lawyer, FinTech Legal: Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies - USA Chambers Fintech, 2021-2023

Ranked Lawyer, Nationwide Technology, Chambers USA 2021-2022

Ranked Lawyer, Nationwide Outsourcing, Chambers USA 2022

IAM Patent 1000, 2012-2022

Band 1 – Chambers USA Fintech, 2024, Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies

Band 3 – Chambers USA New York 2023, Technology

Qualifications

Admissions

Registered Foreign Lawyer, England and Wales, 2024

Admitted: Bar of the State of New York, 1996

US District Court for the Southern District of New York

US District Court for the Eastern District of New York

Academic

JD, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, 1995

BA, State University of New York at Albany, 1991

Disclaimer
A&O Shearman was formed on May 1, 2024 by the combination of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Allen & Overy LLP and their respective affiliates (the legacy firms). Any matters referred to above may include matters undertaken by one or more of the legacy firms rather than A&O Shearman.