Adam Chernichaw > A&O Shearman > New York, United States > Lawyer Profile

A&O Shearman
1221 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK, NY 10020
NEW YORK
United States

Work Department

M&A

Position

Partner

Career

At A&O Shearman, Adam is US Head of IP, Tech Transactions, Licensing & Data Privacy. His practice is deal-focused.

He is highly regarded by both clients and adversaries alike, as a business and results oriented negotiator who facilitates and structures complex (and often innovative and transformative) commercial transactions to help clients execute their strategic goals.

Adam advises clients across a diverse number of industry sectors including financial services, Web3 and digital assets, social media, life sciences, food services, telecommunications, sports, hospitality and entertainment. Adam has had a particular focus in the financial technology (fintech) and digital assets sectors (including blockchain platforms and NFTs), representing buy-side and sell-side institutions, users of fintech products and services, and companies seeking strategic alliances and product integrations.

Adam’s practice been at the forefront of innovation and he oftentimes finds himself working for clients that are adopting or collaborating with others to create and launch game-changing new and innovative technologies. He has extensive experience working on deals in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space, digital transformations, information technology and business process outsourcings, system integrations, cloud and “as a service” offerings, payment processing services (including BIN Sponsorship arrangements, P2P payments systems, and other payment services), mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures.

Lawyer Rankings

United States > Media, technology and telecoms > Outsourcing

Working across several sectors, the team at A&O Shearman represents both buy- and sell-side clients on a range of complex outsourcing and procurement transactions. Advising both startups and Fortune 500 companies alike, the firm covers various tech-related agreements, including cloud computing, the implementation of ERP solutions, and software licensing agreements. The offering is jointly led by New York-based Adam Chernichaw, who concentrates on ITO and BPO transactions as well as cloud and SaaS arrangements, and Silicon Valley’s Daren Orzechowski, who focuses on IP strategy work and digitalization projects in various tech industries. Alex Touma, based in San Francisco, handles transactions involving tech licensing, gaming, and software.

United States > Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions

In the technology transactions arena, A&O Shearman has a robust record of advising on both traditional and emerging technologies, including NFT transactions, cryptocurrency projects, and the procurement of a wide range of tech products and services. The team houses an impressive array of clients, including the likes of Google, TikTok, and Meta Platforms, and is spearheaded by Silicon Valley-based Daren Orzechowski, who concentrates on cloud-based solutions, supply chain issues for devices, and corporate transactions related to IT and digitalization. In New York, Adam Chernichaw is a go-to for projects related to fintech and payments, while San Francisco-based Alex Touma is well-versed in tech licensing, cryptocurrency services, and SaaS agreements.

United States > Finance > Fintech

Noted for its capabilities in financial services regulatory matters and technology transactions, A&O Shearman is a strong choice for trade bodies on blockchain and cryptocurrency issues. In New York, Adam Chernichaw often advises users of fintech products and services on strategic alliances and product integrations, while Dario de Martino is well-equipped to assist clients on blockchain licensing, smart contracts, and tokenization. Based in San Francisco, Alex Touma handles the integration of financial and web3 services on card network services, global platforms, and stored value products. Operating out of Washington DC, Todd Beauchamp  arrived to the team from Latham & Watkins LLP in March 2023, leading the firm’s payments practice, and counts traditional financial institutions on his client roster. Other new arrivals to the team include Helen Christakos who joined the team from Fenwick & West LLP in April 2023.