Gabriel Khoury ‘21

Biography

Mr. Gabriel Khoury holds the position of Blockchain and Fintech Attorney at Paul Hastings LLP, where he specializes in securities law and money transmission law. Within this capacity, his primary focus lies in evaluating new blockchain products to ensure compliance with federal securities law. In the realm of money transmission, Mr. Khoury aids clients in obtaining licenses and ensuring adherence to the intricate requirements set forth by individual states.

While at the Washington College of Law, Mr. Khoury gained valuable experience through internships at a patent law firm, a trademark law firm, the Federal Communications Commission, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These experiences provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the evolving legal landscape surrounding cryptocurrency and other technologies.  

Furthermore, Mr. Khoury served as a Senior Patent Editor for the Intellectual Property Law Brief at Washington College of Law and as a Staff Editor for the Georgetown Law Technology Review. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 2021 after completing his first year of law school at the Washington College of Law. He holds a B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh in Religious Studies, where he minored in National Security and Political Science.

How did your interest in IP at law school translate to the work you do now?

My inclination towards IP law primarily stemmed from my interest in sports law. However, it was during my internships that I was first introduced to the nuances of trademark law. Maintaining an open-minded approach, I conscientiously endeavored to explore various avenues within the realms of IP and technology.

During my tenure at law school, I observed the growth of cryptocurrency as a rapidly evolving area of legal practice. Recognizing the potential demand for attorneys with specialized knowledge in this domain upon graduation, I strategically oriented my studies and professional branding towards crypto law. This foresight has proven to be beneficial in my current practice. I dedicated myself to this field and crafted my professional persona as a law student with a specialized focus on cryptocurrency. My advice for law students is to observe the market, and if there is a new area of the law that interests you, do all that you can to learn it, and it will pay off. Students should recognize that many fields overlap. In fact, some of our crypto clients are in the sports industry! 

What led you into transactional work vs litigation?

I knew that I was never interested in litigation. These are very different areas of the law. Nonetheless, I did explore litigation early on in my law school career solely to confirm that it was not for me. I advise transactional focused students to keep an open mind and do the same.

Can you speak more about the law school classes and experiences which you remember as valuable?

The experiential learning opportunities afforded to me through internships, externships, and clinical experiences were invaluable in my journey toward becoming a proficient transactional lawyer. Engaging directly with clients in real-world settings enabled me to hone essential skills and refine my understanding of legal practice.

Additionally, I was granted the opportunity to be a research assistant for a former IP law professor at WCL. This was a crucial moment in my development as a lawyer, as that professor also served as a mentor and helped guide me though the field of IP law.

Throughout my academic tenure, I actively pursued internships, externships, or clinical placements during every semester from 1L spring semester onward. I firmly believe that this hands-on approach was instrumental in preparing me for the rigors of legal practice. While classroom instruction undoubtedly plays a crucial role, I would wholeheartedly advocate for aspiring lawyers to seize every opportunity to intern extensively throughout their law school tenure, particularly in areas not covered by offered coursework. These practical experiences are indispensable in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, equipping aspiring lawyers with the requisite skills for success in their legal careers.

How did you navigate the space of big law and these internships as a law student?

Participating in events such as DC Fintech Week presents an invaluable opportunity for law students to establish a presence and cultivate connections within the FinTech sphere. Leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, I actively engaged with numerous legal professionals. I encourage students to proactively seek mentorship from established practitioners, identifying individuals whose career trajectories resonate with their aspirations. Furthermore, my contributions to legal publications, including at WCL’s IP brief, bolstered my visibility among lawyers.

As a first-generation law student navigating unfamiliar terrain, I initially lacked direct access to legal networks and often found myself seeking guidance from practicing attorneys. This process enabled me to acquire comprehensive insights into the intricacies of law firms and deepen my understanding of the legal profession.

Where do you see your career ahead and what are your professional goals?

My ultimate goal is to become a law firm partner. I am particularly drawn to the dynamic environment of a law firm, where I have the privilege of guiding clients through intricate regulatory landscapes. I derive immense satisfaction from my work and am excited when clients unveil innovative products and technologies to my team. In particular, the fintech sector holds tremendous promise, and I wholeheartedly advocate for any law student intrigued by this field to explore its opportunities.