Cryptocurrency

Navigating A Legal Career In Crypto: Insights From Justin Wales

With years of experience both at a law firm and in-house, Justin shares some invaluable lessons on how to thrive as a lawyer in the crypto world.

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616304In today’s rapidly evolving legal landscape, especially in the niche but growing field of cryptocurrency law, having the right mindset and strategy can make all the difference. Justin Wales, head of legal for the Americas at Crypto.com, brings a unique perspective to this space. With years of experience both at a law firm and in-house, Justin shares some invaluable lessons on how to thrive as a lawyer in the crypto world.

Here are some of the key takeaways from our recent discussion:

1. Embrace Flexibility And Take Risks Early

One of Justin’s most striking pieces of advice is about the importance of flexibility in your career. He emphasizes that being willing to take risks and pivot when necessary is crucial, especially in an area like crypto, where the regulatory landscape and market conditions are constantly changing. Early in his career, Justin made deliberate choices that didn’t always align with the conventional path. He chose to prioritize learning and experience over simply hitting billable hours at his firm. This unconventional approach allowed him to build a broad skill set across various areas of law, including securities, commodities, and regulatory work — all of which are highly relevant to crypto.

For legal professionals considering a career in crypto, Justin’s advice is clear: don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. If you’re stuck in a niche that doesn’t excite you, it’s worth taking a calculated risk to explore other areas. You don’t need to be locked into one specialization for the next 30 years. The field of crypto law rewards those who are adaptable and willing to learn.

2. Become A Lifelong Learner And Engage With The Community

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Justin underscores the importance of continuous learning and engagement with the community as a vital strategy for success in the crypto legal field. Crypto law isn’t static; it’s an interdisciplinary area that spans multiple legal and regulatory frameworks. Whether it’s understanding the nuances of state regulations, securities law, or the latest developments in decentralized finance (DeFi), staying updated is non-negotiable.

But learning doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Justin advises aspiring crypto lawyers to actively participate in the community. This could mean attending industry conferences like Consensus, joining online forums, or simply reaching out to other professionals in the space for coffee chats. The crypto community is remarkably open and collaborative, making it a fertile ground for networking and mentorship. Engaging with others not only expands your knowledge base but also enhances your reputation in the field. You don’t need a long list of credentials to make a mark; genuine curiosity and the willingness to learn can set you apart.

3. Self-Publishing As A Strategic Move

In an unusual yet brilliant move, Justin chose to self-publish his book, “The Crypto Legal Handbook.” This decision wasn’t just about maintaining control over content; it was about making the book accessible and updatable — a crucial consideration in a field that evolves as quickly as crypto. Traditional publishing routes can be slow and expensive, with textbooks often costing hundreds of dollars and becoming outdated almost as soon as they hit the shelves. By self-publishing, Justin ensures that his book remains a living document, reflecting the latest changes in the industry.

For those in legal education or just starting out in their crypto careers, this approach offers a valuable lesson: there are always alternative ways to share knowledge and build a reputation. You don’t have to wait for a traditional publisher to validate your expertise. In the age of digital media, self-publishing can be a powerful tool for both personal branding and community service.

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Final Thoughts: Control Your Career Narrative

Justin’s insights boil down to one powerful message: be proactive in shaping your career. Whether it’s taking risks, building a broad skill set, engaging deeply with your community, or finding innovative ways to share knowledge, there are countless ways to differentiate yourself in the fast-paced world of crypto law.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into this fascinating field, don’t miss my full conversation with Justin Wales on “Notes to My (Legal) Self.” You’ll gain even more insights into how to navigate the challenges and opportunities in the world of crypto, from someone who’s been on the front lines since the early days. Tune in to hear more about the future of law in the age of digital currencies and how you can be at the forefront of this exciting journey.

Olga MackOlga V. Mack is a Fellow at CodeX, The Stanford Center for Legal Informatics, and a Generative AI Editor at law.MIT. Olga embraces legal innovation and had dedicated her career to improving and shaping the future of law. She is convinced that the legal profession will emerge even stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive than before by embracing technology. Olga is also an award-winning general counsel, operations professional, startup advisor, public speaker, adjunct professor, and entrepreneur. She authored Get on Board: Earning Your Ticket to a Corporate Board Seat, Fundamentals of Smart Contract Security, and  Blockchain Value: Transforming Business Models, Society, and Communities. She is working on three books: Visual IQ for Lawyers (ABA 2024), The Rise of Product Lawyers: An Analytical Framework to Systematically Advise Your Clients Throughout the Product Lifecycle (Globe Law and Business 2024), and Legal Operations in the Age of AI and Data (Globe Law and Business 2024). You can follow Olga on LinkedIn and Twitter @olgavmack.

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