Legal Process
From Enquiry to Engaged Legal Counsel.
The Law Office of David S. Harris provides legal solutions and consultation to eligible clients considering the acquisition of XAU₮ and USDT, including cross-border matters on a case-by-case basis. This page describes the firm's legal intake process. The firm does not issue, sell, custody, redeem, or execute transactions in digital assets, and an enquiry does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Overview
A Measured Legal Engagement.
For clients considering the acquisition of digital assets such as tokenized gold and USDT, the legal questions can be complex. The following four steps describe a measured legal process the Law Office of David S. Harris follows, from initial enquiry to engaged representation, before any client-controlled transaction decision is made.
Each step is about informed legal guidance, not execution. We help frame the legal questions; you make the transaction decisions, which remain entirely your own.
Conflicts and Eligibility Review
The process begins when you submit an enquiry. The Law Office of David S. Harris conducts a preliminary conflicts review and an eligibility assessment to determine whether the firm can accept the matter. No attorney-client relationship is formed at this stage.
During this step, the firm considers whether your objectives, the relevant assets, and the jurisdictions involved are matters it can lawfully and appropriately address. Information shared in an enquiry is treated confidentially but does not, by itself, create an engagement.
Key questions include: Is the matter one the firm can take on? Are there any conflicts that would prevent representation? Is the client an eligible private client or institution? Is representation in the relevant jurisdiction permitted by applicable law?
Jurisdictional Assessment
Where the matter proceeds, the firm assesses the jurisdictional considerations relevant to your circumstances. International and cross-border matters are considered on a case-by-case basis and only where permitted by applicable law and where the firm is authorized to act.
This includes reviewing the legal treatment of the assets and any contemplated transaction in the relevant jurisdictions, regulatory considerations, and documentation requirements. The firm does not guarantee any particular outcome, approval, or access, and may determine that a matter cannot be taken on.
Key questions include: Which jurisdictions are involved? How are the assets and any contemplated transaction treated there? Are there regulatory restrictions to consider? Can the firm lawfully provide the requested legal services?
Written Engagement
An attorney-client relationship, and the scope of legal services, arise only after the firm completes its review and the parties sign a written engagement agreement. Until that agreement is in place, no legal advice is provided and no representation exists.
The engagement letter sets out the agreed scope of work, fees, and the terms of the representation. It defines what the firm will and will not do. The firm does not issue, sell, custody, redeem, or execute transactions in any digital asset, and the engagement covers legal consultation and coordination, not transaction execution.
Key questions include: What is the agreed scope of legal services? What fees apply? What are the firm's responsibilities and limits? What third parties, if any, will be involved in coordination?
Legal Work and Client-Controlled Decisions
Under the engagement, the Law Office of David S. Harris performs the agreed legal work, which may include drafting or reviewing documentation, advising on jurisdictional considerations, and coordinating with third parties such as exchanges, custodians, or other advisors where appropriate. The firm does not recommend specific products or strategies and does not execute transactions.
Any decision to acquire, hold, or transact in digital assets remains entirely yours and is made independently. You should also consider consulting other qualified advisors, including tax and financial advisors familiar with your circumstances. Digital assets carry material risk and may result in total loss.
Key questions include: What legal work has been agreed? What third-party coordination is involved? What risks do I understand and accept? Have I consulted other professional advisors? Is any contemplated action legal and appropriate in my jurisdiction?
Before you proceed
Review Checklist.
Use this checklist as a starting point for your own diligence. It is not exhaustive and is not legal advice.
Reviewed official issuer documentation
Terms of service, disclosures, whitepapers, and any published reports have been read in full.
Understood the asset structure
I know what the token represents, who the issuer is, and how the mechanism is intended to work.
Assessed all material risks
I understand the market, issuer, smart contract, wallet, platform, regulatory, and network risks involved.
Chosen a storage approach
I have decided how assets will be held and understand the risks of that custody model.
Verified jurisdictional legality
I have confirmed that holding or transacting in the asset is legal and appropriate in my jurisdiction.
Consulted professional advisors
I have sought advice from qualified legal, tax, and financial advisors familiar with my circumstances.
Determined an amount I can lose
I am only committing funds I can afford to lose entirely, with no expectation of recovery.
Confirmed network and transfer details
I know the correct blockchain network and recipient address before initiating any transfer.
Continue exploring
Where to Go Next.
Use these resources to deepen your understanding before making any decision.
Ready to talk
Request a Confidential Legal Consultation.
If you are an eligible private client or institution considering the acquisition of XAU₮ or USDT, the Law Office of David S. Harris welcomes your enquiry. An enquiry is a consultation request only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.