How Rodrigo Seira's Departure Reflects Shifts in Crypto Legal Leadership

Rodrigo Seira, who served as special counsel at the cryptocurrency-focused venture capital firm Paradigm, has recently rejoined Cooley LLP, a prominent law firm where he previously worked as outside counsel. This move marks a significant transition for Seira in his career focused on blockchain and cryptocurrency legal matters, coming after he spent approximately two and a half years developing policy frameworks at Paradigm.

Rodrigo Seira’s Professional Journey in Digital Assets

Before taking on his role at Paradigm, Seira—a Harvard Law School graduate—provided legal guidance to crypto investors and entrepreneurs at Cooley LLP. The legal professional also co-founded DLX Law, a boutique law firm specializing in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency issues. His decision to return to Cooley represents a continuation of his influence in shaping how the crypto industry engages with legal and regulatory frameworks.

Building Paradigm’s Policy Lab: A Key Initiative

During his tenure at Paradigm, Rodrigo Seira played a central role in establishing the Policy Lab, an initiative designed to foster crypto innovation and inform U.S. lawmaking. The Policy Lab functioned as a collaborative hub bringing together academics, policy specialists, legal experts, and technologists to research and address regulatory challenges affecting the cryptocurrency sector. This work positioned Paradigm as an active participant in the policy conversation surrounding digital assets rather than solely a capital provider.

Separately, the investment firm was reportedly seeking to raise between $750 and $850 million for a new fund last month, indicating continued growth and confidence in the crypto venture space despite ongoing market challenges.

Broader Industry Developments

The crypto sector has faced renewed pressure recently, with lending platforms experiencing significant operational challenges. Blockfills, a Chicago-based crypto lending platform that handled over $60 billion in trading volume during 2025, saw its co-founder and CEO step down amid market stress. The platform subsequently froze deposits and withdrawals on February 11, with reports suggesting that some clients were advised to move their assets before the freeze took effect. The firm is reportedly exploring strategic options, including finding a buyer.

These movements in both personnel and institutional stability underscore the evolving nature of the cryptocurrency industry as it matures and faces increasing scrutiny from regulators and market pressures.