Who Is Sarah Netburn? Industry Execs Hail Nomination To District Court

United States Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn got nominated as District Judge and received widespread support from the crypto community.
By David Pokima
Updated: 28 May, 2025 | 01:26:22 PM GMT
Ripple Could Defeat the SEC If This Happens

United States Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn was nominated as the District Judge in the Southern District of New York. The news has sparked wide support from many within the crypto community describing it as well deserved.

Judge Sarah Netburn is known around crypto circles for the Ripple-SEC case. The SEC has continued its regulatory onslaught on the cryptocurrency market springing up a series of lawsuits. While crypto enthusiasts criticize the SEC’s approach, they look to the judiciary for clear rules and vindication.

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Judge Sarah Netburn

The United States Magistrate Judge was sworn in on August 16, 2012. Before that, she served as Chief Counsel to the Office of Pro Se Litigation in the Southern District of New York. Sarah Netburn graduated from the Los Angeles Law School.

She started life outside university as a clerk for the Hon. Harry Pregerson at the United States Court of Appeal for the Ninth Circuit. Sarah Netburn was a civil rights and commercial lawyer at Emery Celli Brinckerhoff & Abady LLP and also a board member at The Fortune Society.

Netburn is a member of the Federal Bar Council Public Service Committee. She also received the Legal Aid Society’s Pro Bono Publico Award in 2004 and 2005.

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Coinbase CLO Laud Nomination

Among the notable comments from the crypto community was Paul Grewal, Coinbase’ Chief Legal Officer. He noted that the judge has put in a master class for crypto and others stressing the need for talented judges.

Congratulations to SDNY U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn on her nomination to serve as a U.S. District Judge on that same court. She has put on a master class for crypto and others on why talented judges matter so much to the administration of justice.”

Similarly, Bill Morgan, a pro-XRP lawyer, wrote that the nomination was well deserved and thoroughly warranted. Some crypto enthusiasts joked about the SEC facing Sarah Netburn in a higher court.

Also Read: Solana Slides 9% Amid Market Downturn: Here’s Why

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David Pokima
David is a finance news contributor with 4 years of experience in Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrencies. He is interested in learning about emerging technologies and has an eye for breaking news. Staying updated with trends, David reported in several niches including regulation, partnerships, crypto assets, stocks, NFTs, etc. Away from the financial markets, David goes cycling and horse riding.
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