Law of Code

Jason Gottlieb (@ohaiom) is a Partner in Morrison Cohen LLP’s Business Litigation Department, and Chair of the White Collar and Regulatory Enforcement practice group. Jason is the principal author of the MoCo Cryptocurrency Litigation Tracker and was named to the National Law Journal‘s inaugural list of Cryptocurrency, Blockchain and Fintech Trailblazers.  Jason regularly advises U.S. and foreign companies on blockchain and cryptocurrency law relating to litigation and regulatory risk issues and has been widely published and quoted in the media for his cryptocurrency and blockchain expertise.  Show highlights  - Jason's introduction to crypto  - Working at a Japanese Internet Service Provider in Tokyo  - Building expertise in crypto-law  - Kleiman v. Wright  - Cryptocurrency litigation tracker  - Indexed Finance Hack: ~$16m of tokens were stolen  - Working with DAOs (50 min-mark) - NFTs & much more.

Sina Kian (@SinaKian1) is Vice President of Strategy at Aleo, a company that is building a decentralized blockchain with significantly enhanced data security and privacy capabilities. He is also an Adjunct Professor at NYU Law School, and a Term Member at the Council on Foreign Relations. Sina received his BA in History at the University of Virginia, and his JD from Stanford Law School. After law school, Sina clerked for Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., on the Supreme Court. Sina practiced law at WilmerHale, later transitioning to an investing role, working as a Vice President at Blackstone, and then to Kennedy Lewis. Show highlights: - His current role at Aleo (aleo.org) - What is Aleo? What problem does this a16z backed startup solve? - Clerking for Justice Roberts on the Supreme Court - Why transition out of law? - Zero-Knowledge Proofs  - Targeting Developers - Finding the perfect mentor & much more. Sina is brilliant and this interview is packed with interesting takeaways.

Nominated as one of Coindesk’s Most Influential People in Blockchain in 2017, Andrew “Drew” Hinkes (@propelforward) is a Partner with K&L Gates, working as part of its National Blockchain and Digital Currency practice.  Drew was appointed as an Adjunct Professor by the NYU Stern Business School and the NYU School of Law, where he co-teaches “Digital Currency, Blockchains, and the Future of the Financial Services Industry.” Drew is also the co-founder and General Counsel of Athena Blockchain, a professional services firm focused on tokenized investment products. Show highlights: Drew's blockchain story His legal practice Cryptolaw at NYU Stern His 2019 paper: Throw away the key, or the key holder? Coercive contempt for lost or forgotten cryptocurrency private keys, or obstinate holders. How courts best prevent the "loss" of private keys 5th amendment response to private key requests Liens against identifiable cryptoassets Rug pulls United States v. Van Buren Time management Legal title and digital assets Drew was a fantastic guest and the episode is a great peek into the mind of one of the best crypto lawyers.  Thanks for listening - If you enjoyed the show, we'd appreciate a review!

Hailey Lennon (@HaileyLennonBTC) is one of the most well-known lawyers in crypto law. Hailey is a shareholder in Anderson Kill’s Technology, Media and Distributed Systems Group.  She is based in California and affiliated with Anderson Kill’s Los Angeles office. Hailey previously spent time as regulatory counsel for various companies in the crypto space, including Coinbase, bitFlyer, and Silvergate Bank. She frequently speaks at major conferences about the laws surrounding cryptocurrencies.  Show highlights:  - When Hailey was introduced to Bitcoin  - Her journey from Law School to Crypto Lawyer  - Playing offense in your career  - Scaling BSA/AML Programs  - Stablecoins & the Biden Administration  - CryptoConnect  - NFTs  - How to improve your public speaking ability You can learn more about Hailey here and follow her on Twitter.  Thanks for listening - If you enjoyed the show, we'd appreciate it if you leave a review!

Evan Thomas (@evanmthomas) is Head of Legal at WealthSimple Crypto, a platform launched by WealthSimple as the first regulated crypto exchange in Canada. Prior to joining Wealthsimple, Evan spent nearly 15 years as a litigator with Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, where he focused on cases involving technology and data. Before his legal career, Evan worked as a software developer and systems/network administrator. Show highlights: - Evan's genesis block - Why Evan left Big Law for crypto - Advice for lawyers considering going "all-in" in crypto - How regulators can work with crypto exchanges to balance innovation with consumer protection - Coinbase Lend - NFTs - Time management as a lawyer - What makes a great lawyer You can find Evan on Twitter @evanmthomas. Thanks for listening - If you enjoyed the show, we'd appreciate a review!

Collins Belton (@collins_belton) is one of the brightest minds in crypto law. Collins is the founder and Managing Partner of Brookwood P.C., a boutique transactional practice focused on serving founders, startups and emerging technology companies working on frontier technology, particularly in the digital asset space.  Show highlights:  - NFTs: Dutch auctions vs Vickrey auctions  - Collins Coin?  - Equity in exchange for legal advice  - Fiduciary responsibility in NFTs  - Gaining crypto experience as a young lawyer  - What's next for Collins?  - What makes a great lawyer  - Anime, cooking, and other hobbies.  Collins was so great that we’ve turned the interview into two parts. You can listen to the first part here. Thanks for listening - If you enjoyed the show, we'd appreciate a review!

Collins Belton (@collins_belton) is one of the brightest minds in crypto law. Collins is the founder and Managing Partner of Brookwood P.C., a boutique transactional practice focused on serving founders, startups and emerging technology companies working on frontier technology, particularly in the digital asset space.  Show highlights:  - When Collins was introduced to blockchain technology  - Why Collins founded Brookwood PC  - Coinbase Lend  - The Howey Test & investment contracts  - Gary Gensler reframing the DeFi narrative  - What Collins would do as head of the SEC  - The biggest legal problems in crypto today  Collins was so great that we’ve turned the interview into two parts. Check out our next episode to hear how Collins stays on top of all things crypto, his favorite NFTs, and what's next for Collins after he "retired" from private practice.  Thanks for listening - If you enjoyed the show, we'd appreciate a review!

Eric Richmond, COO at Coinsquare (formerly VP of Legal) and CEO at Tetra Trust, has extensive experience working with and advising startups and blockchain companies. Eric has extensive knowledge of the principles, applications, and current developments affecting blockchains. This interview is an excellent discussion on holding cryptocurrency for large clients, defining crypto as a security, and how to become a great crypto lawyer.  Show highlights: - How Eric built a crypto practice as a young lawyer - Transitioning from private practice to in-house at a crypto exchange - Coinsquare & Tetra Trust - Working with Government actors  - Applying current laws to DeFi - Crypto's "Cannabis" moment - What makes a great lawyer? You can learn more about Tetra Trust here and follow Eric on LinkedIn.  Thanks for listening - If you enjoyed the show, we'd appreciate if you leave a review!

Matthew "Bitcoin" Burgoyne is a Partner at McLeod Law LLP, in Calgary, Canada. Matthew's legal practice involves securities and capital markets, with a focus on blockchain-based digital assets. He has been advising companies in the cryptocurrency space since the summer of 2013, making him one of the first Canadian lawyers to act for cryptocurrency companies in Canada. Matthew was an integral part of McLeod Law’s efforts to accept bitcoin as payment for legal services in the fall of 2013, making McLeod Law the first full-service law firm in Canada to accept bitcoin. His clients in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space include cryptocurrency exchange platforms, cryptocurrency wallet developers, issuers of digital currency (including stablecoins and NFTs), cryptocurrency miners, and cryptocurrency investment funds. Show highlights: - How Matthew first learned of blockchain technology in 2013 - Why he built a legal career with a cryptocurrency focus - How Matthew got his first crypto exchange client - Why crypto startups should bring in outside counsel early - What makes a great lawyer - The importance of publishing articles as a young lawyer You can view Matthew's profile here or follow him on Twitter (@burgoynematt). Thanks for listening - If you enjoyed the show, we'd appreciate it if you leave a review!

Geoff Costeloe is a lawyer and entrepreneur at Lindsey MacCarthy LLP, in Vancouver, Canada. Geoff’s legal practice revolves around estate planning and administration, with a focus on digital assets. Geoff knows crypto inside-out, and this episode is a deep dive into why estate lawyers are so important for holders of crypto and NFTs. We also touched on how blockchain technology will shape the estate planning profession over the next 5-10 years. Geoff was a great guest, is building a one-of-a-kind legal practice, and I’m grateful he took the time to speak with me. Show highlights: - Why it's never too early to begin estate planning - Tax implications of buying/selling digital assets - Why lawyers should join LexDAO - What regulators can do to ensure a thriving crypto economy - Smart contracts and the future of estate planning - Why individuals should work with a lawyer who understands blockchain technology You can find Geoff on Twitter (@gcosteloe), where he talks crypto, estate law, and even some Canadian politics.  Thanks for listening - If you enjoyed the show, we'd appreciate it if you leave a review!