Press Room

NEW YORK – March 31, 2014 – Bitcoin Foundation’s Patrick Murck is among America’s Outstanding General Counsel, announced by ALM’s The National Law Journal in today’s issue and online atwww.nationallawjournal.com. Murck has appeared before numerous agencies and a Senate hearing to defend the burgeoning digital currency’s legitimacy.

All of the honorees have “mastered the multitude of skills demanded of today’s in-house counsel,” wrote Leigh Jones, senior editor of The National Law Journal. “These attorneys, who head legal departments at some of the most important companies and organizations in the world, serve as models inside their companies and out in their communities.” They represent a wide range of organizations, including tech startups, government agencies, agriculture giants, entertainment corporations and community nonprofits.

Also among America’s Outstanding General Counsel are:

• Whole Foods Market Inc.’s Roberta Lang. The GC and global vice president of legal affairs juggles a full plate of regulatory, contract and employment work at the growing chain.
• Facebook Inc.’s Colin Stretch. As the definitive social network celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, its general counsel is making sure it endures for decades to come.
• McDonald’s Corp.’s Gloria Santona. The fast-food giant’s chief legal officer manages to champion diversity and pro bono while running a worldwide legal department.

In selecting honorees, the editors’ criteria included excellence in obtaining legal results, closing big deals, innovating department operations, serving as leaders in the profession, promoting diversity and inclusion, and encouraging pro bono contributions during the last five years.

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