On Demand
Audio
Blockchains: How They Work and Why They Matter
Produced on February 13, 2018
Course Information
Course Description
"Blockchain" – or "general ledger" technology – has been heralded by some as one of the most important and disruptive information technology developments since the internet. Although initially developed as the protocol on which bitcoin runs, the technology has proven to have applications across myriad industries ranging from financial services to supply chain management to licensing. Still in its early stages, the speed of blockchain adoption has been unprecedented.
Join Skadden's Stuart Levi and James Talbot as they discuss the legalities surrounding blockchains like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies. They will provide an overview of blockchains and how they work, as well as address how “private” or “permissioned” blockchains are different, offer examples of potential use cases, and discuss the validity and best practices for the use of smart contracts.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify how blockchains work and the many ways the technology may be used
- Address the differences beyond the various blockchain initiatives
- Assess the role of so-called "smart contracts" and best practices for use
- Discuss the laws that have already be implemented to account for these new technologies
Credit Information
Faculty
Stuart D. Levi
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Stuart D. Levi is co-head of Skadden’s Intellectual Property and Technology Group, and coordinates the firm’s outsourcing and privacy practices. He has a broad and diverse practice that includes outsourcing transactions, technology and intellectual property licensing, privacy and cybersecurity advice, fintech and blockchain matters, branding and distribution agreements, cloud computing agreements, technology transfers, strategic alliances and joint ventures. His background in computer science, data privacy and the information technology industry allows Mr. Levi to understand the technology and business drivers underlying agreements and transactions in these areas.
James S. Talbot
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
James Talbot focuses on transactional matters. His experience includes complex technology development and licensing, intellectual property matters relating to mergers and acquisitions, outsourcing of business practices, information security and privacy projects, as well as Internet domain name matters.
Since joining the firm in 1997, Mr. Talbot has counseled a broad array of clients, both large and small, covering a wide range of businesses. He is a co-editor of the firm’s monthly Privacy and Cybersecurity Update and is a frequent speaker on security, outsourcing, domain names and intellectual property matters.
Reviews
solid program
Fascinating subject very well presented and made followable for those not very cyberly-inclined.
Very clear
I enjoyed finding out exactly what blockchain technology is. This was informative.
I look forward to more like this as this area of law develops
very interesting and informative, presenters were knowledgeable, well-spoken, and efficient - thank you
Very informative - thank you
Good and topical information. Hope to see more on this field.
Very interesting presentation of what the block chain is and how it works.
NEVER UNDERSTOOD BLOCKCHAIN... UNTIL NOW!
Excellent presentation of a difficult topic to conceptualize. This is an eye opener.
Good combination of high-level concepts with practical details and use cases.
Very informative
Good stuff. All attorneys should take this class.
Superb program. Probably the best that I have heard through Lawline.
excellent introduction for beginner
Understandable even to the non tech savvy.
Guys, you did a really good job of explaining this new technology and how it may be used!
very informative
Both Messrs Levi and Talbot were engaging, pragmatic, provided very decent one hour outline of the landscape! Quite helpful
Very helpful. Although this is not my practice area, it is helpful to get an informed introduction to issues that are so frequently in the news. The program made the issues accessible and has me interested in learning more. Glad I picked this session.
Interesting discussion of a complicated topic.
good insight into the topic
Great explanations to simplify a complex concept.
I found the course very useful and insightful.
Important and current topic
Mind-boggling technology!
Great course.
Very interesting
Great presentation simplifying a complicated topic.
Great content, thank you very much!
clearest, simplest explanation of blockchain technology I have come across
Excellent presentation
great presenters; they know their stuff
Outstanding!
excellent
Interesting subject matter - well presented
Fascinating. Best mcle I have taken this year.
Absolutely outstanding presentation
I had no idea. Spent an hour discussing the apparent confluence of IT and law with my daughter who is starting college with interest in computing technology and two lawyer parents. You guys must be having a blast with this practice. Thanks
Excellent.
Very informative, best into a complicated topic
Excellent program for a "first step." I need to learn a lot more about this.
Excellent presentation!
Good graphics and excellent presentation, esp Speaker 1. Helped make the complex accessible.
Best overview of block technology and bitcoin I have seen.
very informative
Excellent speakers
Excellent.
great program
Very nicely done, with good breakdowns of the pertinent tech, relevant analogies and effective use cases
Very informative
Excellent program. Timely, relevant, and easy to follow, given the complex subject matter.
Good start on an interesting topic. More examples of the use of Blockchain would be great as well as the issues related to Personal Jurisdiction with contracts.
Good intro on an emerging topic
Excellent
wow, learned a lot about a term ive been hearing and had no idea what it was. both speakers were great at using analogies to explain complex concepts
very, very good introduction of the concepts
Excellent course!
Excellent!
Super job on a complicated subject.
Great course. Clear and informative.
Excellent presentation and knowledgeable speakers. Explained a difficult topic very well.
Great job and presentation and analogies.
Really interesting subject matter for a CLE.
Cool topic