In the evolving world of digital assets, James Rathmell’s work has consistently focused on the intersection of law, business, and technology. James holds both a JD from Stanford Law School and an MBA from Stanford GSB. According to Joey Gutierrez, MA Edu ’12, MBA ’19, James’s journey into cryptocurrency began during his time at the GSB, where he was a teaching assistant for a crypto class and “set a goal to use his legal and business skill sets to further the development of the crypto space.”
After graduating from the GSB as an Arjay Miller Scholar, James honed his legal expertise at Cooley LLP in San Francisco, advising a range of clients from venture capital firms to public companies on everything from capital markets offerings to corporate governance. His early immersion in Cooley’s crypto working group foreshadowed his future path, eventually leading him to Andreessen Horowitz, a venture capital firm that backs technology-focused entrepreneurs. In his role as Crypto Counsel, James worked closely on the company’s legal, regulatory, and policy strategy.
Since 2022, James has served as General Counsel at Haun Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in frontier and decentralized technologies, including digital assets like cryptocurrency. “James has become a thought leader in the crypto space, engaging heavily with the government to advise on optimal crypto policy,” notes Valerie Shen, MBA ’19. In May 2025, James testified before the House Financial Services and Agriculture Committees, stressing the urgency of creating a blueprint for American innovation in digital assets. He emphasized the need to “give everyone, from developers to investors to users to regulators, a shared understanding of how these systems work.” James’s work highlights the critical importance of U.S. leadership in the web3 space. “James hasn’t wavered in his conviction to improve our systems for exchanging value and information via new technologies,” praises Joey. “Whether he is in Washington, D.C., helping to shape regulatory policy, making investments, or supporting portfolio companies with legal and business issues, he embodies the focus, excellence, and drive required to change lives, organizations, and the world.”
