Jill M. Williamson
Principal
Overview
Jill Williamson leverages her extensive experience across various areas of law and industries to provide practical and strategic advice on complex and unique issues. Her in-house experience, including senior positions at both a Fortune 100 company and a mid-sized public company, informs her approach to practice, helping entrepreneurs and leaders of established businesses maximize shareholder value growth while minimizing legal risks.
Jill advises and acts as outside general counsel for several companies in the emerging technology industry, including AI, blockchain and cryptocurrency, and esports. She also assists clients with general business and transactional advice, internal investigations, defense against government investigations, and compliance advice in areas such as anti-money laundering, anti-corruption, export compliance, sanctions, securities, data privacy, and risk management.
She has been working with Web3 companies since 2017, bringing her deep industry experience and training to navigate this emerging sector effectively. Jill is highly skilled in legal issues around blockchain technology and compliance with global cryptocurrency laws and regulations.
Jill's legal career began in Washington, D.C., at several AmLaw 100 firms, where she defended clients against global government investigations and provided compliance counseling, compliance interventions, and compliance system design and deployment. Her ability to solve complex problems with practical, smart solutions makes her an invaluable asset to her clients.
Prior to practicing law, Jill served seven years in the U.S. Army as a Russian Linguist, SIGINT operator (Signal Intelligence based on electronic signals and systems used by foreign targets), and an arms control inspector. She was awarded the Army Overseas Service Medal, the National Defense Service Ribbon, the Humanitarian Service Ribbon, the Army Achievement Medal and the Air Assault Badge.
Jill has an enduring commitment to public service and pro bono work, having previously been recognized for her exemplary pro bono service for her work defending Guantanamo detainees. Most recently, she won an appeal for a veteran of the Vietnam war resulting in the award of over $100,000 in owed disability benefits. She is also a volunteer rugby coach, referee, and occasional rugby player, past president of the Pacific Northwest Rugby Union, and past secretary of the US Club Rugby Association and Senior Club Counsel.
Memberships
- Esports Trade Association – Chair, Legal and Regulatory Committee
Speaking Engagements
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"Scrambling for Answers: Navigating Ethics in the Age of Emerging Tech," Porzio's 8th Annual Ethics & Eggs CLE Seminar, 12/05/2024
Media Mentions
- "Porzio Bromberg Kicks Off Tech Team With Gravis Law Atty," Law360, 7/02/2024
- "Porzio, Bromberg & Newman adds principal to lead emerging technology practice expansion," ROI-NJ.com, 7/02/2024
- "Porzio Bromberg Hires Chicago-Based Attorney to Launch New Tech Practice," New Jersey Law Journal, 7/01/2024
Relevant Experience
Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Representative matters include:
- Acting as general counsel for global medical equipment manufacturer
- Advising on the formation of multiple DAOs, include a Wyoming DAO LLC, and a Caymans foundation DAO, and the acquisition of a Marshall Islands DAO
- Acting as general counsel to a U.S.-based stable coin company
- Negotiating digital asset partnership and sponsorship agreements with two Serie A soccer clubs and other sponsor and partner deals
- Defending two former directors of layer 1 blockchain company against allegations of securities fraud in arbitration