Usman Sheikh, General Attorney in the United States
Dedicated general attorney.
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Quick answer
Usman Sheikh is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on General.
- Based in
- Toronto, ONTARIO
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- General
- Handles General matters from Toronto, ONTARIO.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — FinTech Practice (2026).
About Usman Sheikh: Usman Sheikh is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on General.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Usman Sheikh
Usman concentrates on general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Usman handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General cases nationwide
Usman takes general matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Usman agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Usman Sheikh — Attorney of the U.S. general experience
Usman Sheikh is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on General.
Biography
Usman Sheikh is Chair of the Blockchain, AI & Fintech Practice (Canada). He is a Partner in Baker McKenzie's Toronto office, a member of the Firm's Transactional Practice Group and is also a member of the Litigation and Government Enforcement Practice Group. He leads the Firm's blockchain team (consisting of over 150 lawyers) globally, and co-leads the Firm's artificial intelligence (AI) team in North America. A highly regarded thought leader on emerging technology, Usman is often called upon globally by heads of governments, as well as key regulatory and governmental bodies, to provide insight and strategic input on legal and regulatory developments relating to emerging technologies, including FinTech, blockchain technology / digital assets, artificial intelligence (AI), Web2/Web3, quantum computing and the internet of things (IoT).
Usman was named as one of the "Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers" by Canadian Lawyer (2018) and he is the only lawyer in Canada to be ranked Band 1 for FinTech by Chambers for five consecutive years (2020 - 2024). He was also recognized in Toronto Life's The Influentials 2021 list, an annual feature that highlights Toronto's most influential people over the last 12 months.
Author of over 25 legal and academic publications, Usman is set to publish The Law of Blockchain Technology (Thomson Carswell) in 2025.
As a global thought leader on emerging technology and digital transformation, Usman has addressed the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), the Financial Stability Board (FSB), the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). He has also co-lectured with the heads of blockchain for Nasdaq and the TMX, and has also presented to the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) (then, IIROC and the MFDA), the Law Society of Ontario (LSO), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA), and several other regulatory and industry organizations on a range of topics including AI regulatory / legal developments, AI governance frameworks, decentralized finance (DeFi), crypto custody, digital wallets, NFTs, crypto exchanges (crypto asset trading platforms), the metaverse and more. Since 2019, Usman has also been serving as an Adjunct Professor with the University of Toronto (Faculty of Law), teaching a course entitled "Blockchain, Digital Assets, and the Law."
Practice Focus
Usman regularly advises clients on emerging technology matters, including artificial intelligence, blockchain and digital assets, FinTech, quantum computing, Web2/Web3 and internet of things (IoT)-related legal issues, both on corporate and litigation cases. With respect to blockchain mandates, he has provided legal counsel on cutting-edge token sales, NFTs, crypto exchanges and other digital asset trading platforms, blockchain-related mergers & acquisitions and cybersecurity breaches. With respect to artificial intelligence, he has provided advice on AI governance, AI-related disclosures, corporate governance, complex AI product counselling, AI procurement and contracting, AI M&A, data protection and privacy, and the protection of AI-generated works. He has also served as counsel on many of the most prominent and novel litigation matters in Canada involving emerging technologies. Over the year's Usman's clients have included Canada's largest banks and stock exchanges, co-founders of Ethereum, supranational organizations, tech giants, 12 of the largest crypto assets in the world, DeFi protocols, metaverse projects, digital wallet and crypto custody providers, social media platforms, sovereign wealth funds, universities as well as numerous fintech pioneers and innovative start-ups.
How Usman handles general matters
Biography Usman Sheikh is Chair of the Blockchain, AI & Fintech Practice (Canada). He is a Partner in Baker McKenzie's Toronto office, a member of the Firm's Transactional Practice Group and is also a member of the Litigation and Government Enforcement Practice Group. He leads the Firm's blockchain team (consisting of over 150 lawyers) globally, and co-leads the Firm's artificial intelligence…
The kind of cases Usman takes
Usman reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general matters in the United States.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Usman Sheikh
Usman has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — FinTech Practice
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — FinTech Practice (2026).
Locations
Usman Sheikh's office in Toronto
Usman's primary office is at 181 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Usman Sheikh
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Usman Sheikh — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Usman usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Usman charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Usman's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Usman will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a general attorney in your state
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Usman
Usman discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Usman confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Usman's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Usman Sheikh
How much does it cost to hire Usman for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Usman walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Usman offer a free consultation?
Usman charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Usman's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Usman's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in this state typically take?
Simple general matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Usman gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Usman take my case if I'm outside the area?
Usman evaluates matters case by case. If the venue is outside Usman's regular jurisdictions, the intake call will confirm whether direct representation or a referral makes more sense.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Usman?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Usman will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Usman accepting new general clients right now?
Usman's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.