This week, professional services firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP announced the arrival of financial services partner Mike Katz in its New York office. Most recently overseeing legal, regulatory and policy across deals, strategic advisory and regulation for a venture capital firm in the digital asset space, Katz will help lead the expansion of Manatt’s blockchain capabilities. Katz will also focus on startups, emerging companies and venture investment funds, including cryptocurrency, blockchain, Fintech, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
“Mike’s work across innovation and disruption requires a business-centric approach when navigating legal issues, which reflects Manatt’s own integrated legal and consulting model and makes him an invaluable addition to our clients within the highly regulated and quickly evolving financial services sector,” said Manatt CEO and Managing Partner Donna L. Wilson. “Mike’s unique understanding of the legal and business aspects of decentralized finance, blockchain and AI sectors, as well as the investments and growth opportunities within, will greatly benefit our nationally recognized fintech, blockchain and cryptocurrency capabilities, led by partner Brian Korn, our digital and technology consulting practice led by partner Tom Michael, and our growing venture capital and emerging companies practice, led by partner Richard McDerby.”
Katz acts as a strategic adviser to emerging growth companies and investors across various transactions, from formation through funding and exits. He has served as counsel to tech companies and venture funds by providing legal, strategic and operational guidance. This includes practical advice to management teams and investors to help startups and venture capital funds navigate overlapping corporate and regulatory issues. He has also led the legal and regulatory processes for various equity, crypto, private fund, capital markets and credit investments. He has managed and developed advocacy and public policy strategies for stakeholders across numerous industries. He additionally has notable litigation and investigation experience, including liaising with state and federal regulators on various matters, and brings experience dealing with blockchain bankruptcies and crisis management.