On June 23, 2025, two former federal prosecutors from New York, Tim Treanor (ex-Sidley Austin white‑collar chief) and Arlo Devlin‑Brown (former lead of the public corruption unit, Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s office), launched Treanor Devlin Brown, a boutique legal practice focusing on cryptocurrency defense and litigation.
The firm intends to handle both defense and plaintiff-side cases related to crypto fraud, compliance, and regulatory violations—stepping in as federal enforcement resources contract dramatically.
“If the government doesn’t appear to be allocating the resources, the victims of that fraud scheme are going to want to do something,” said Treanor, highlighting a growing demand for private enforcement.
Why This Matters
1. Federal Enforcement is Scaling Back
Under recent U.S. administrations—especially post-Trump—federal efforts to pursue white-collar and crypto-related crimes have slowed. This marks a clear void in accountability, allowing bad actors to operate with less fear of prosecution. Now, victims and whistleblowers have an alternative through private legal action.
2. Crypto Cases Demand Specialized Expertise
Crypto fraud, hacks, and insolvencies (e.g., FTX collapse) involve nuances in blockchain tracing, cross-border asset recovery, and decentralized finance governance. Treanor and Devlin‑Brown bring extensive federal trial experience—ideal for navigating such complex cases.
3. High Stakes for Users & Exchanges
Crypto Executives: Board members and developers could be held civilly liable if internal controls or disclosures fail standards
Investors & Retail Users: Those affected by hacking, scams, or poorly managed tokens may now pursue civil claims.
Exchanges & DeFi Platforms: These firms can face class‑action suits for platform failures, misleading marketing, or compliance lapses.
If you’re involved in crypto—trader, developer, or project owner—this is a wake-up call. Prioritize:
- Legal readiness and compliance
- Self-custody and asset security
- Awareness of emerging litigation trends
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Final Takeaway
The rise of crypto-focused law firms led by former U.S. prosecutors is more than a headline—it’s a sign of institutional maturation. As federal enforcement cools, private legal solutions are taking the lead, offering both protection and accountability.