Season 8, Episode 10: Don't Specialize: Career Advice From A Top Crypto Lawyer (with Justin Wales)

Notes To My (Legal) Self

Join us for an engaging episode of Notes to my (Legal) Self featuring the formidable Justin Wales, Head of Legal for the Americas at Crypto.com. Dive deep into the world of crypto law and discover a path less traveled in the legal profession.

Justin Wales, one of the nation’s top crypto lawyers, shares his unique journey in the legal landscape, focusing on the revolutionary world of crypto, DeFi, and NFTs. Having recently authored "The Crypto Legal Handbook," Justin is here to dismantle traditional career paths and offer fresh perspectives for law students and seasoned professionals.

In this session, you'll gain insights into the challenges and opportunities within the crypto legal framework. Justin discusses the importance of carving out a niche in decentralized technologies and shares strategies for building a fulfilling career that defies conventional specialization.

This session is more than just a conversation; it's a chance to engage directly with a leader in legal innovation. Bring your questions, share your views, and network with like-minded professionals. Consider questions like: What pivotal experiences shaped your career path? How can legal professionals pivot their careers towards emerging technologies like crypto? How can breaking the specialization barrier in law lead to greater job satisfaction?

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a pioneer in crypto law and gain valuable insights that could transform your legal career. Tune in for a fun, educational, and inspiring discussion that promises to broaden your horizons and spark new ideas.

In this episode, Justin Wales takes you on a fascinating journey through his career in the legal field, emphasizing his unique path that defies traditional specialization. He introduces himself as a self-proclaimed "degenerate" with a passion for crypto since law school, which set the stage for his unconventional career trajectory. Justin explains the genesis of his book, "The Crypto Legal Handbook," which began as a collection of resources to help budding crypto enthusiasts and evolved into a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in the field.

He shares the challenges of self-publishing, the importance of making educational resources accessible and affordable, and the benefits of maintaining an updatable digital presence to keep readers informed. Justin's approach to law is refreshingly candid, prioritizing practical knowledge and the broad application of legal principles across various domains.

The conversation also touches on the pitfalls of over-specialization in law, advocating for a more holistic approach to legal practice that can adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of technology and regulation. Justin's story is a testament to the power of taking risks, seeking mentorship, and continually adapting to new challenges.

1. Holistic Legal Education: Understand the value of broadening your legal knowledge beyond a single specialization to remain adaptable and relevant in a rapidly evolving field like crypto law.
2. Practical Insights: Gain practical advice on how to navigate state and federal regulations in the crypto space, emphasizing the importance of being legally ambidextrous.
3. Career Flexibility: Learn how to actively shape your career path by taking calculated risks, seeking out mentors, and being open to blowing things up and starting anew when necessary.
4. Community and Networking: Discover the importance of networking within the crypto community, both online and in person, to stay informed and connected with industry developments.
5. Accessible Resources: Appreciate the benefits of self-publishing and maintaining updatable resources that can adapt to the fast-paced changes in technology and regulation.

Tune in to this episode for a wealth of knowledge from a leader in crypto law, and walk away with actionable insights that can help you build a dynamic and fulfilling legal career.