David L. Hirsch Partner

In addition to his extensive work in securities enforcement, Dave is a trusted adviser to clients on emerging issues related to cybersecurity and crypto assets. He provides comprehensive counsel on the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape surrounding digital assets, blockchain technology and cybersecurity risks. His ability to anticipate and respond to regulatory developments allows clients to stay ahead of potential challenges and capitalize on new opportunities in these dynamic fields.

Dave’s multidisciplinary approach ensures that his clients receive well-rounded guidance, whether they face enforcement actions, seek to implement robust compliance programs or navigate the complexities of digital transformation.

Prior to joining McGuireWoods, Dave served as the head of one of the SEC’s largest and most prolific dedicated enforcement units, playing a pivotal role expanding the Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit’s capabilities and responsibilities, substantially increasing its headcount and broadening its scope. He oversaw the SEC’s cyber and crypto investigations from inception to resolution, including pioneering cases, landmark settlements, and fiercely contested litigation against well-funded and expertly represented defendants.

Dave was instrumental in shaping and recommending the SEC’s cyber enforcement priorities and worked closely with other agency offices and divisions on rulemakings and proposals related to cybersecurity, such as the recently enacted Public Issuer Disclosure Rule. A leading voice in the SEC’s approach to crypto regulation, he guided the agency’s enforcement actions concerning registration obligations across a spectrum of crypto asset activities, including token sales, tokenized assets, NFTs, staking services, lending services, and the operations of intermediaries like purported DeFi entities and services.

As counsel to Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw, Dave reviewed and advised on effectively all enforcement recommendations before the commission and worked on a variety of policy and rulemaking proposals. In that role he worked with SEC leadership across multiple offices and divisions and met frequently with market participants, advocates, media and legislative staff.

In addition to these responsibilities, Dave led investigations into emerging technologies, including smart contract exploits and decentralized protocols such as DAOs, making critical recommendations on case management and litigation strategy.

Beyond enforcement, Dave is a thought leader who devoted considerable time to public messaging on the SEC’s policies and practices regarding cybersecurity and crypto assets, delivering keynote speeches at major industry events and contributing to key legal publications on these topics. His reputation as a thought leader is further evidenced by his participation in industry panels and his contributions to key legal publications, where he shares his experience on the intersection of securities regulation, cybersecurity and cryptocurrency.