Two former Manhattan federal prosecutors have launched Treanor Devlin Brown, a New York-based boutique specialising in white-collar defence and cryptocurrency litigation. Led by Tim Treanor, previously of Sidley Austin, and Arlo Devlin‑Brown, former chief of Manhattan’s public corruption unit, the firm marks a strategic shift in response to a perceived easing of federal enforcement under the Trump administration.
By offering services on both the defence and plaintiff side, the founders aim to address a burgeoning legal gap. Treanor remarked, “If the government doesn’t appear to be allocating the resources, the victims of that fraud scheme are going to want to do something.” This signals a proactive approach, filling a vacuum left by reduced public oversight.
The move reflects broader industry trends: as federal enforcement of white-collar and crypto crime appears to be in retreat, private actors and firms are stepping in to pursue justice and compensation. Large law firms have historically dominated this space, but nimble boutique outfits like this one may offer more targeted and agile representation for clients navigating fraud, digital asset disputes, or regulatory lapses.
For businesses and individuals affected by crypto-related wrongdoing, this new entrant might offer a compelling mix of prosecution expertise and litigation readiness. The founders’ government backgrounds, notably Devlin‑Brown’s nine years at Covington & Burling and Treanor’s supervision experience in the U.S. Attorney’s office, suggest substantial credibility and operational insight.
This strategic positioning could make Treanor Devlin Brown an appealing option for clients seeking authoritative representation outside traditional large-firm models. As regulatory attention towards crypto remains unpredictable, the firm is well‑placed to serve clients needing robust counsel in an evolving enforcement landscape.
