Grant P. Fondo

Redwood City

Grant P. Fondo is a partner at Goodwin and co-chair of the firm's digital currency and blockchain technology practice.

His experience as a federal prosecutor, combined with his role in the firm's securities litigation and white-collar defense group, gives him a unique perspective in handling sophisticated legal issues, especially those involving new and emerging technologies like cryptocurrency and blockchain.

Fondo's accomplishments include representing Kraken, a large U.S.-based digital currency exchange, in response to a John Doe Summons from the IRS. He successfully contested the IRS's extensive requests for user information, setting a significant precedent that limits the scope of information the IRS can obtain through such summons.

In another high-profile case, Fondo represented a physician charged with defrauding Medicare. This case was notable for its successful outcome, where all charges against the defendants were dismissed. The collaborative efforts with other defense counsel and strategic decision-making during the trial were key factors in this victory, showcasing Fondo's ability to work effectively in high-stakes, complex litigation environments.

"Any time you have to work with another set of defense counsel, there can be challenges," Fondo said. "These challenges can be fact-driven, client-driven and ego-driven. At trial, this can play out in a lot of different ways. In USA v. Mogasbe, et al., we had two other sets of defense counsel that we had not previously worked with. To everyone's credit, we set aside those challenges and worked together as a team. It took time, but everyone earned each other's trust and respect. Not only did it result in a stronger defense presentation, but it made the case a lot more fun. And I personally learned a lot from the other lawyers."

In terms of industry trends, Fondo said, "I think we are seeing more and more financial institutions under close scrutiny. That is typical in downward economic times, and I believe we will continue to see this scrutiny for the next 12-24 months."

Fondo is deeply committed to pro bono work and community service and is a Criminal Justice Act panelist and former pro bono chair for Goodwin's California offices. His involvement in the Government of Bermuda's Global Fintech Advisory Board underscores his experience in blockchain technology.

He also cofounded and edits Goodwin's Digital Currency & Blockchain Perspectives blog and is a frequent writer and speaker on blockchain, cryptocurrency, SEC enforcement and white-collar litigation topics.