Valya is an experienced senior associate in the commercial dispute resolution team in London, having successfully represented clients in a wide range of complex, high-value, cross-border disputes across a number of commercial and business sectors, including technology disputes, financial services, company disputes and civil fraud. A member of the firm’s international trade and commerce group, and its North America group, Valya has expertise in complex and high-value international litigation and arbitration.
She also specialises in blockchain related disputes (including those related to cryptocurrencies and NFTs), holding a professional qualification in blockchain law, regulation and policy from the Institute of the Future at the University of Nicosia. Valya is a key member of the firm’s digital assets and cyber security group and is involved in a wide range of firmwide initiatives in connection with Web 3, the metaverse, and blockchain.
Valya has participated in conferences, panel discussions and debates in relation to blockchain, NFTs and crypto assets, including: a ‘Tech on FIRE (Fraud, Insolvency, Recovery and Enforcement)’ panel discussing how the use of traditional litigation tools/procedure can be adapted to 21st century FIRE tech disputes; an NFT minting event panel (Women in Blockchain Talks) discussing the risks and opportunities associated with the use of NFTs; and ‘Open Source Software Developers: Good Samaritans or Baiters of Guinea Pigs?’, in January 2023. She is an editorial committee member of the Tech Disputes Network, as well as a member of Tech London Advocates, CFAAR and AIJA.