Blockchain, Cryptocurrency and Smart Contracts

Overview of Blockchain, Cryptocurrency and Smart Contracts

Blockchain, cryptocurrency, and smart contracts are reshaping how transactions are recorded, executed, and enforced — and legal professionals are increasingly called upon to advise clients operating in this space. This course provides a grounded introduction to how these technologies work at a functional level, paired with an examination of the legal and regulatory landscape that governs them across sectors including finance, insurance, and healthcare. Drawing on the perspectives of both attorneys and cybersecurity professionals, participants gain a practical foundation for identifying compliance obligations, assessing contractual implications, and counseling clients on risks and opportunities. The course is designed to equip legal, business, and security professionals with the knowledge needed to engage confidently with blockchain-related matters in advisory, transactional, and regulatory contexts.

What you’ll learn in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency and Smart Contracts

• Explain how blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, and smart contracts function at a level sufficient for legal and business advisory work
• Identify the primary regulatory frameworks and compliance obligations that apply to blockchain-based activities in key industries
• Distinguish between the legal characteristics of smart contracts and traditional contracts, including enforceability considerations
• Recognize the legal risks and due-diligence questions that arise in transactions involving digital assets or blockchain infrastructure
• Apply a structured framework for advising clients on compliance and governance matters related to cryptocurrency and distributed ledger technology
• Navigate cross-jurisdictional considerations when blockchain activities intersect with multiple regulatory regimes

Curriculum

1. 1. The Attorney's Guide to the Basics of Blockchain

   This lesson will introduce cryptocurrencies and highlight the broad range of legal issues raised by various applications of this technology and the legal and regulatory responses to date. As cryptocurrencies and related digital currencies and assets become more commonly and securely exchanged, lawyers are seeking information on how to advise their clients and stay abreast of the latest legal trends. The experts discuss virtual currency law and introduce the most relevant issues and practical solutions, including Blockchain, the growth of cryptocurrencies, role of digital currencies in financial transactions, real world uses, and blockchain regulations. Topics discussed in this lesson: 1. Introduction to Blockchain 2. The Relationship between Blockchain and Cryptocurrency 3. Current Stat

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2. 2. Understanding Smart Contracts

   This lesson provides an introduction to smart contracts and blockchain. In a time when rampant concerns over data governance and consumer privacy have profoundly impacted legal operations and client service, the ability of blockchain technology to help improve compliance, security, and accessibility, has been in high demand. This panel of experts discuss how smart contracts can increase efficiency, save time and reduce costs, as well as discuss their limitations and the associated legal issues. Additionally, you will learn how smart contracts use computer code and coding basics, as well as how to design and navigate a smart contract in professional practice. Topics discussed in this lesson: 1. Smart Contracts & Blockchain 2. Uses of a Smart Contract 3. Legal Implications and Concerns for

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3. 3. So You Want to Talk About Blockchain Laws and Regulations

   This lesson will introduce cryptocurrencies and highlight the broad range of legal issues raised by various applications of this technology and the legal and regulatory responses to date. As cryptocurrencies and related digital currencies and assets become more commonly and securely exchanged, lawyers are seeking information on how to advise their clients and stay abreast of the latest legal trends. The expert panelists will discuss virtual currency law and introduce the most relevant issues and practical solutions, including Blockchain, distributed ledger, the growth of cryptocurrencies, and the role of digital currencies in financial transactions. Topics discussed in this lesson: 1. Introduction to Cryptocurrency 2. Application of Cryptocurrency in the Legal Industries 3. How Lawyers Can

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4. 4. Humpty Dumpty Sat on the Wall: Cryptocurrency, Money Laundering, and Smart Contracts All Might Take a Great Fall

   This lesson provides a primer on money laundering with cryptocurrency, how regulators, lawyers and law enforcement play a role in this arena, and how smart contracts are becoming a tool for bad actors. The use of cryptocurrency and smart contracts is steadily growing. As such, lawyers must ensure that they are aware of the pros and cons of their use in order to adequately advise their clients. This is a vital area and lawyers who decide to advise clients on cryptocurrency-related issues should ensure their base of knowledge is up to date. This knowledge will allow you to provide prompt referrals to technical experts, criminal defense attorneys, tax attorneys, business transactional attorneys, and consultants with specialized knowledge in this field. The highly experienced panelists discus

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5. 5. Review of Regulations of Bitcoin and Blockchain in the United States and Abroad

   This lesson will introduce cryptocurrencies and highlight the broad range of legal issues raised by various applications of this technology and the legal and regulatory responses to date. As cryptocurrencies and related digital currencies and assets become more commonly and securely exchanged, lawyers are seeking information on how to advise their clients and stay abreast of the latest legal trends. You will be provided an opportunity to hear experts discuss virtual currency law and will introduce the most relevant issues and practical solutions, including Blockchain, distributed ledger, the growth of cryptocurrencies, and the role of digital currencies in financial transactions. Topics discussed in this lesson: 1. Analysis of how the US and other nations are regulating Bitcoin and Block

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