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Technically Legal - A Legal Technology and Innovation PodcastAuthor: Percipient - Chad Main
Technically Legal is a legal tech podcast exploring how technology is transforming the legal landscape. Each episode features insightful interviews with legal innovators, tech pioneers, and forward-thinking educators who are leading this change. Our guests share their experiences and insights on how technology is reshaping legal operations, revolutionizing law firm practice, and driving the growth of innovative legal tech companies. We also explore the broader implication of technology on everyone involved in the legal system, from practitioners to clients. The podcast is hosted by Chad Main, an attorney and founder of Percipient, a tech-enabled legal services provider. Chad launched Percipient on the belief that when technology is leveraged correctly, it makes legal teams more effective. Technically Legal Podcast is an ABA Web 100 Best Law Podcasts Honoree. Language: en Genres: News, Tech News, Technology Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Ayana Dow on Updating Crypto Regulation and Preserving the Freedom to Build (Senior Counsel, Defi Education Fund)
Thursday, 16 April, 2026
Ayana Dow, Senior Counsel at the DeFi Education Fund (DEF) shares her unique career trajectory from Big Law and Capitol Hill to the forefront of decentralized finance policy. The discussion centers on the critical need for regulatory clarity in crypto, the distinction between decentralized protocols and centralized entities, and the ongoing efforts to educate lawmakers on blockchain technology. Key takeaways include an analysis of how current market structure bills might shift oversight to the CFTC and the importance of protecting software developers to ensure the continued innovation of DeFi systems. Episode Highlights From Big Law to D.C. Policy: Dow discusses her transition from traditional M&A and regulatory work to policy-focused roles. Experience on the Hill: Insights from Dow's time as a policy fellow for Congressman Jim Clyburn and her internship at the CFTC. The Tennis Connection: How the real-time problem-solving skills learned as a collegiate tennis player apply to navigating shifting SEC guidance. The Crypto "Genesis Block": Why the potential for financial inclusion and "debanking" issues drew Dow to the crypto industry. Mission of the DeFi Education Fund: An overview of DEF's role as a nonpartisan advocacy group focused on sound policy and judicial education. Law Firm vs. In-House Policy: The structural challenges of conducting long-term policy work within the billable hour model of a traditional law firm. Why Focus on Developers?: Understanding why the DeFi Education Fund prioritizes the protection of software developers over specific tokens or protocols. Market Structure & Regulatory Harmonization: A breakdown of recent SEC and CFTC guidance and the future of congressional legislation. The Impact of Chevron Deference: Discussion on how the removal of Chevron deference changes how agencies and judges interpret financial laws. Resources Mentioned DEF's Myth v. Fact Sheet on the BRCA (Link) A DEF blog post on the Promoting Innovation in Blockchain Development Act of 2026 A DEF Letter to the SEC in response to Citadel Securities











