gunnercooke LLP‘s fintech practice advises clients in the crypto and Web3 space, combining deep sector expertise with deal structuring and regulatory insight across M&A transactions, investment documentation, and legal frameworks for DAOs and decentralised projects. The team’s expertise also extends to crypto-native services like payments in BTC, ETH, or USDC. Key figures include partner Kathryn Dodds, who has a specific focus on the crypto and Web3 sectors, frequently advising major decentralised platforms and blockchain-native businesses, and James Burnie, a leading regulatory advisor to firms across the blockchain and fintech sectors, who supports clients navigating legal frameworks for cryptoassets.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘We are in the digital asset space, which is a rapidly evolving area. gunnercooke are able to supply lawyers with the required knowledge and expertise of our industry, combined with expertise in corporate and commercial law.'

  • 'James Burnie is exceptional, with unmatched knowledge of cryptocurrencies and blockchain, demonstrated by his work on regulatory cryptoassets frameworks. His sharp intellect, practical advice, and ability to stay ahead of regulatory trends have been invaluable for our compliance needs. Kathryn Dodds complements this with her expertise in Web3 and corporate structures, notably guiding us through complex transactions with clarity and strategic insight. Both stand out for their hands-on approach, humility, and ability to translate technical and regulatory complexities into clear, business-friendly solutions. Compared to competitors, their deep sector knowledge and client-centric focus make them indispensable partners.'

  • ‘Many of the partners I have interacted with across the firm, have a client focus which is much appreciated.'

  • 'Kathryn Dodds and Mark Langford were invaluable in the negotiation and execution of a company sale that we completed. Their guidance throughout the whole process, start to finish, was crucial to the success of the transaction.’
  • 'Stands out for its deep expertise in digital assets and Web3, particularly in navigating the complex regulatory landscape for our insurance business with a digital assets focus. Their ability to provide tailored, actionable advice on cryptoassets and blockchain sets them apart from other firms, which often lack the same level of specialised knowledge. The team’s proactive approach, combining regulatory insight with commercial understanding, ensures solutions that supercharge our business goals.'
  • 'Many law firms claim to have an in-depth knowledge of blockchain/crypto plus be up to speed with the regulatory landscape. It is simply not true. gunnercooke actually do understand the space and are proactive with their advice. A pleasure to work with.'
  • 'Kathryn Dodds - extremely smart and able to quickly assimilate information. At the forefront of UK legal advisers in crypto and blockchain. A pleasure to work with. James Burnie - one of the early crypto advisers in London when attendees at meetups were counted in their 10s. Immense knowledge plus demonstrable experience.'
  • 'This team blends solid commercial insight with deep technical expertise, delivering very high-quality advice that consistently impresses. They distil complex legal issues into clear, actionable guidance, keeping transactions moving smoothly.'
  • 'Kathryn Dodds and James Burnie share a powerful combination of deep technical fluency and a hands-on, client-first approach.'

Key clients

  • Attestant Limited
  • SushiSwap
  • Native
  • Cavenwell
  • Cathedral Studios / The Bornless
  • Exo Technologies
  • Low Observable Technology (Lo:Tech)
  • Calyptus
  • Factory Labs
  • Helford Capital
  • A number of Web3 firms, including L1s and HNW individuals
  • Flare

Work highlights

Advised Attestant on its acquisition by Bitwise Asset Management.
Worked with Cavenwell to create a platform for launching new cryptoassets projects.
Advised SushiSwap on its DAO legal wrapper and global reorganisation.

Other key lawyers

Kathryn Dodds, James Burnie