XRP lawyer John Deaton and Gemini co-founder Tyler Winklevoss have urged crypto firms to stop doing business with law firm Milbank following the hiring of anti-crypto former SEC director Gurbir Grewal. There’s a growing chorus within the crypto industry against Milbank for its controversial hiring of Grewal.
Ex SEC Official Gurbir Grewal Lacks Integrity, Says XRP Lawyer
Prominent XRP lawyer John Deaton has called on the cryptocurrency industry to cut ties with the law firm Milbank. His recent criticism comes as former SEC official Gurbir Grewal, known for his anti-crypto activities, especially in the Ripple lawsuit, will be joining the law firm.
In a post on X platform, Deaton accused Grewal of intentionally harming the industry and lying before Congress when questioned by Representative Warren Davidson, adding, “He lacks integrity. Period”. Deaton’s commentary came in response to Tyler Winklevoss, the co-founder of crypto exchange Gemini, who stated that such hiring of anti-crypto officials should stop soon. In a post on X platform Tyler wrote:
“This has gotta stop. Abusing government power to attack an industry then landing at a white-shoe law firm where you pitch clients at cocktail receptions w/ jetliner views saying, “I can protect you from the guys like me in government, who are doing to you what I did to crypto.””
This is not the first time that there’s growing dissent against former SEC official Gurbir Grewal. Earlier this month, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong issued a stark warning saying that his firm would reject working with other players who are hiring anti-crypto officials.
Armstrong announced that the crypto exchange has decided to immediately end any professional relationships with legal partners who employ such individuals. “It’s an ethics violation in my book to try and unlawfully kill an industry while refusing to publish clear rules,” he said.
Anti-Crypto Legacy of Grewal
As Gurbir Grewal joins Milbank as a partner, let’s understand why XRP lawyer John Deaton has been so outrightly opposing the former SEC official. Before announcing his resignation as the US SEC Director earlier in October, Gurbir Grewal led the agency’s Enforcement Division with a strict approach.
While overseeing more than 100 enforcement actions, Grewal targeted many crypto firms. Under his leadership, the SEC pursued major industry players such as Coinbase, Ripple, and Binance, alleging violations of federal securities laws.
One of the most notable outcomes was the Binance lawsuit, which resulted in a record $4.3 billion fine and the resignation of CEO Changpeng Zhao. Meanwhile, legal battles with Coinbase and Ripple remain ongoing, underscoring the SEC’s aggressive stance during Grewal’s leadership.
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