Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain: What are they and how can lawyers get involved?
On February 8, the Strauss Center welcomed Sina Kian, a Strauss Technology, Security, and Global Affairs Fellow and UT Austin Adjunct Professor, for a talk on “Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain: What are they and how can lawyers get involved?” Professor Kian is also VP of Strategy at blockchain startup Aleo and former law clerk to Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts. The talk was moderated by Strauss’ Deputy Director Adam Klein.
Professor Kian began the talk by defining many key concepts such as the blockchain, the importance of decentralization, and bitcoin. With almost unlimited potential for innovation and the crescent capability to disrupt industries such as banking, finance, music, and sports, it is clear why many aspiring lawyers would want to gain knowledge in this area.
Professor Kian made it clear that lawyers can provide two essential services within this crypto community. They can help organizations understand the role of cryptocurrencies under existing laws, or they can help policymakers develop a framework that gives room for innovation, while also protecting consumers and investors. He finished the talk by recommending students learn the basic technical aspects of the cryptocurrency space and becoming familiar with laws and regulations related to DAOs, and securities, among others.
Biography
Sina Kian is VP of Strategy at Aleo, a startup building a decentralized blockchain that uses cryptography to provide significantly enhanced data security and privacy capabilities. Sina’s background is in law, policy, and finance. He graduated from Stanford Law School and clerked on the D.C. Circuit for Judge Thomas B. Griffith and Judge David S. Tatel, and on the Supreme Court for Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. Sina then practiced law at WilmerHale, where he worked on appellate litigation in federal courts around the country, including the Supreme Court, and with the Strategic Response Group, a bipartisan group that assists clients in navigating multifaceted challenges with legal, public policy, and media dimensions. Following his time at WilmerHale, he transitioned to an investing role, working as a Vice President at Blackstone, and then as a Director at Kennedy Lewis, where he led investments in technology across sectors. Sina has also served as an advisor at the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, and currently serves as an advisor to SentiLink, a company that provides identity verification and fraud prevention services. He is a Term Member on the Council of Foreign Relations.