New America is offering a Short-Term Legal Research Fellowships with Blockchain Trust Accelerator (BTA). Blockchain technology is emerging at a time when broken systems, a lack of trust, and bureaucratic dysfunction are preventing civil society leaders from achieving their objectives. Established in 2016, the Blockchain Trust Accelerator (BTA) at New America brings together governments, technologists, international civil society organizations, and philanthropists to build blockchain pilots that benefit society. BTA research and projects help organizations and institutions increase accountability, ensure transparency, create opportunity, and build trust in core institutions.
The BTA is undertaking a new research project to document the status of legal and regulatory frameworks around the world regarding donations of cryptocurrencies to non-governmental organizations (NGOs). While the potential for crypto funds to help organizations is significant, legal and regulatory frameworks that govern how cryptocurrency donations should be treated have not kept pace with the growth of crypto and the uses of blockchain in philanthropy. Initial research will focus on several countries with more developed regulatory architecture.
New America is looking for law students with some knowledge of blockchain and cryptocurrencies to assist in this research project. The BTA will provide a structured set of research questions and a playbook for theresearch. Ideal candidates will have conducted legal research and be familiar with tools like WestLaw and Lexis-Nexis. Additionally, candidates must have a keen attention to detail and a self-starter mentality. Skills necessary for success include legal research, writing, data management, good communication skills, and teamwork.
Address: New America, 740 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
Dates: September 2019 – January 2020. The report will be published in January 2020.
Hours/Compensation: Flexible. Would prefer a minimum of 10 hours a week. A small stipend is available.
Please send your resume to price@newamerica.org with a cover email addressing your legal research experience and blockchain/cryptocurrency interest and knowledge.