Law of Code

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!

Any Obando, Associate at Cozen O'Connor, practices intellectual property law and has a great understanding of NFTs. In this episode, Any explains what NFTs are, what businesses will benefit from NFTs, IP associated with NBA Top Shots, and what legal rights NFT holders are entitled to.  This interview is an excellent primer on the laws surrounding NFTs, as Any is very knowledgeable in this space. I recommend anyone interested in NFTs use this podcast as an all-encompassing introduction. Show highlights: - When Any first learned of blockchain technology - What is an NFT? - The novel benefits NFTs offer when compared to Web 2 digital assets - IP rights associated with NBA Top Shots - Storing NFTs in digital wallets - Legislation impacting NFTs - Advice Any wishes she knew before beginning her legal career You can view Any's profile here or follow her on LinkedIn. Here's the primer on NFTs we discussed. Thanks for listening - If you enjoyed the show, we'd appreciate it if you leave a review!

James McCall, Legal Engineer at LexDAO, is building Farmapper LLC, a platform putting agriculture online through the blockchain. James does not currently represent legal clients but has a dual major finance/accounting undergraduate degree and a JD law degree. He has experience originating and servicing a large commercial loan portfolio for various lending institutions to finance agricultural real estate. We spoke about all things LEX Dao and blockchain law. Show highlights: - Transitioning from Lawyer to Legal Engineer - How lawyers can learn to code - Why lawyers should join LexDAO - How new members can thrive in LexDAO - What projects the lawyers/engineers at LexDAO are building - Helpful habits for young professionals You can find James on Twitter (@mccallios), where he talks NFTs, DeFi, and all things crypto. You also can find LexDAO on Twitter (lex_dao) Thanks for listening - If you enjoyed the show, we'd appreciate it if you leave a review!

Ross Campbell, Legal Engineer at LexDAO and co-founder of OpenEsquire, discusses building in the legal engineering space, the best use cases for DAOs, and why he's helping build OpenEsquire. This interview is packed with takeaways, and Ross continues to amaze me with his knowledge of this space (I am out of my league - I began studying immediately after our conversation). Highly recommend any lawyer interested in blockchain technology use this podcast to learn from Ross. Show highlights: - How to avoid being "coded out of a job" - Transitioning from Big Law to Legal Engineer - Building OpenEsquire (an LLC DAO)  - Forming LexDAO and working with DAOs - Why DAOs are easily attackable and best strategies for DAO consensus - The importance of private law concepts for DAOs - Why trusts should use DAOs & how Bar Associations can benefit from operating as a DAO  Thanks for listening - If you enjoyed the show, we'd appreciate it if you leave a review!