header-logo header-logo

Blockchain for law firms

04 May 2018 / Dan Taylor
Issue: 7791 / Categories: Features , Profession , Technology
printer mail-detail
nlj_7791_taylor

Dan Taylor explores the potential of Blockchain, & urges lawyers to join bankers & industry chiefs in embracing this technology

  • Blockchain could be used to make law firms more secure.

Cryptocurrency has burst into the public eye, primarily thanks to Bitcoin’s volatility that saw it reach highs of $20,000 (£14, 350) per coin in mid-December. However, what often goes unnoticed is the Blockchain technology which powers and documents each transaction that uses the digital currency.

Blockchain is a unique way in which data can be recorded and is one of the most promising technological developments to have emerged in recent times. Blockchain is sometimes referred to as a distributed ledger as the data is distributed throughout a computer network. It is deemed to be highly beneficial to industries that need to keep data secure.

How it works

Blockchain works by linking each new data entry to the previous one before it, thus creating a ‘chain’. Each new data entry is first verified by a node (a computer connected to the blockchain

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Gilson Gray—Linda Pope

Gilson Gray—Linda Pope

Partner joins family law team inLondon

Jackson Lees Group—five promotions

Jackson Lees Group—five promotions

Private client division announces five new partners

Taylor Wessing—Max Millington

Taylor Wessing—Max Millington

Banking and finance team welcomes partner in London

NEWS
The landmark Supreme Court’s decision in Johnson v FirstRand Bank Ltd—along with Rukhadze v Recovery Partners—redefine fiduciary duties in commercial fraud. Writing in NLJ this week, Mary Young of Kingsley Napley analyses the implications of the rulings
Barristers Ben Keith of 5 St Andrew’s Hill and Rhys Davies of Temple Garden Chambers use the arrest of Simon Leviev—the so-called Tinder Swindler—to explore the realities of Interpol red notices, in this week's NLJ
Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys [2025] has upended assumptions about who may conduct litigation, warn Kevin Latham and Fraser Barnstaple of Kings Chambers in this week's NLJ. But is it as catastrophic as first feared?
Lord Sales has been appointed to become the Deputy President of the Supreme Court after Lord Hodge retires at the end of the year
Limited liability partnerships (LLPs) are reportedly in the firing line in Chancellor Rachel Reeves upcoming Autumn budget
back-to-top-scroll