From The Bar To Blockchain: Why Lawyers Should Consider Joining The Blockchain Industry | Above the Law (abovethelaw.com)
The blockchain industry is a great choice for any lawyer willing to make a bold move.
By OLGA V. MACK

At this point, you’ve definitely heard of 
blockchain (or Bitcoin or cryptocurrency, blockchain’s most famous applications). But have you considered how you could integrate it into your career?

It’s easy to be intimidated by 
blockchain, but it’s a relatively simple idea. Blockchain simply refers to a digitized economic ledger where information blocks are connected to each other in chains through cryptography. It can be used to record a wide variety of information, especially financial and economic information.

The information is held on a universally accessible register that is regularly updated and is considered incorruptible. The development of blockchain technology was originally to cater to the use of the Bitcoin cryptocurrency, but its applications are expanding to nearly every field. This exciting new industry can offer you a chance to completely change your career and become a leader in this unexplored territory.

   Relatively Easy Entry
Blockchain and smart contract experts are extremely rare, despite the high demand for these professionals in the industry. With a little practice and experience, you can easily enter the industry and become extremely successful.

The relative newness of the technology means that the industry is not already saturated with professionals who are adept at handling blockchain and 
smart contracts. In addition, becoming an expert is quite easy in this industry as it is still in its developing stages and is not yet too complex for a determined person to master.

In fact, you can help shape and even lead its development. Finally, the industry is  relatively easy to enter, as it does not have any legal requirements such as licenses or certifications for you to become an expert in the different elements of business.

   Digitized Assets
Digital assets are now common, especially with the role of the internet in our daily lives. The information collected from our browsing and social media is an extremely important aspect of the advertising industry. Blockchain technology is a great asset for handling these types of digital assets as it allows for the distribution of digital information. In fact, it is actually the structure of a new form of internet. This is the future of technology and you definitely do not want to be left out when this industry blows up.


   It Pays
The lack of professionals in the industry means that the existing experts receive great remunerations. Already, professionals who are in this industry are paid much higher than those still using the typical financial structures. If you are considering entering this industry, then you can look forward to a great salary. This is probably the most compelling reason why you should enter these industries. As you become an expert, you can expect your salary to continue to increase. More jobs but few workers allows you to negotiate great salaries.


   It Is a Brave New World
Blockchain technology has revolutionized the internet in ways that are likely to have some major economic benefits. Originally created to deal with online currencies, blockchain technology has completely changed the way economic and financial transactions are conducted today. This technology has also changed how information is handled, therefore opening up opportunities in dealing with digital data.  

A perceptive lawyer can take advantage of this and explore these new benefits. After becoming an expert, you can become a leader in an unexplored industry, which can be very financially rewarding. For individuals with an interest in new technologies, then the blockchain industry is definitely the industry for you.


   Long-Term Industry
The blockchain and smart contracts industry is likely to last a very long time and will only expand in use. The technology is based on similar concepts as those that support the internet, meaning that it has the potential of surviving for many years. The internet has been around for at least 30 years, with new uses being identified every day.

This industry is likely to provide you with lasting work for numerous years to come. Being an early entrant can place you in the perfect position to take advantage of any opportunities that arise in this relatively new industry, and the fact that the industry is diversified means that you can get opportunities for a long time.


   Increased Flexibility
The blockchain industry is extremely flexible and easy to adapt. The information blocks are not stored in one central area and are not easy to manipulate. In addition, the technology can be adapted to numerous industries therefore making it a very flexible industry. For you, the flexibility stems from the fact that you can work anywhere and with anyone through this technology. This is in line with the global work trend of working online and can allow you to select when and how you will work. Private businesses are also now using the technology making it even more flexible in use.


   Diverse Work Opportunities
The industry has many exciting employment opportunities for interested individuals. Numerous new companies in the industry require staff to handle the high demand for these businesses. Staff in marketing, law, finance, and information technology are in high demand in the blockchain industry. In addition, individuals capable of solving arising issues or identifying new opportunities are highly sought after.

As a lawyer, your talents cannot lack a home within the blockchain technology industry.Although it can be an intimidating idea to switch from a legal career to an entirely new industry, the blockchain industry is a great choice for any lawyer willing to make a bold move.

The brave attorneys who transition to the blockchain industry now, while it’s still relatively new, will be rewarded with exciting work opportunities, relatively high compensation, and the chance to truly be a part of something incredible. 


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Olga V. Mack is a blockchain strategist, public speaker, and adjunct professor at Berkeley Law. She is Vice President of Strategy at Quantstamp, the first decentralized security auditing blockchain platform. Most recently, she served as General Counsel at ClearSlide
 and she has held legal and operational roles at Visa, Zoosk, Pacific Art League, Wilson Sonsini, and Yahoo. 

Olga founded the 
Women Serve on Boards movement that advocates for women to serve on the corporate boards of Fortune 500 companies. You can email Olga at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @olgavmack.
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    Francisco Gimeno - BC Analyst Blockchain as a tool will be enmeshed into many sectors, thus lawyers will have to understand very well the consequences of this new technology all around. This profession will definitely evolve as has evolved with every new technology and industrial revolution.