The Osgoode Certificate in Blockchains, Smart Contracts and the Law

Faculty

Designed to help lawyers, financial services and business professionals, entrepreneurs, government officials and public administrators better understand the technical underpinnings of blockchain, how it will likely interact with existing legal and financial systems, and what opportunities exist for innovation in blockchain systems.

The certificate bridges a wide gap that exists today between specialist and generalist knowledge in this multidisciplinary field. The certificate is ideal for anyone with a keen interest in blockchain technology.

Spread out over multiple weeks, this one-of-a-kind, focused and practical Certificate, provides an overview of key issues, together with practical strategies from an expert, multi-disciplinary faculty. You will explore the potential of the blockchain industry, as well as the effect of the technology on other industries, enhancing your understanding of blockchain and arming you with the knowledge and insights to incorporate blockchain into your practice and/or business strategy.

Module 1 – The Fundamentals of Blockchains, Smart Contracts and the Law

Get a solid grounding in the legal structure and fundamental principles that are essential foundations for any business or legal professional involved in this rapidly evolving area. Topics include:

• Context and concepts of Blockchains
• Understanding blockchains and distributed ledger ecosystems
• Learn why blockchain stands out
• Understanding the regulatory and legislative frameworks
• Cryptography and blockchain, including their relationship to Bitcoin

Module 2 – Cryptocurrency and Smart Contracts: Understanding the Challenges and Legal issues

Learn the foundations of cryptocurrencies and explore their economic implications. Acknowledged experts – from both a technical and economic perspective – will provide a solid grounding of core concepts, providing an overview of the legal landscape while also highlighting the broad range of legal issues raised by various applications of this technology and the legal and regulatory responses to date.

• Cryptocurrencies, Initial Coin Offerings and Characterizing Blockchain Tokens
• Smart Contracts and Decentralized Applications
• Competently Advising through Blockchain Innovation
• Analyzing the Nature of Blockchain Transactions and Differences in Business Models

PLUS! You will have the opportunity to put what you have learned into practice. All participants will go through the process of creating a smart legal agreement (‘smart contract’).

Faculty

Program Director

• Amy ter Haar, Founder, Global Blockchain Consultants

Faculty includes

• Ana Badour, Partner, McCarthy Tetrault
• Jennifer Farrell, Western University Faculty of Law
• Aaron Grinhaus, Partner, Grinhaus Law Firm
• Joe Guagliardo, Partner, Pepper Hamilton LLP
• Paul Horbal, Partner, Bereskin & Parr
• Peter Hunn, Founder, Clause.io
• Chetan Phull, Founder, SmartBlock Law
• Matt Rappard, Founder, 3 Lefts
• Parna Sabet-Stephenson, Partner, Gowling WLG
• Usman Sheikh, Partner, Gowling WLP
• Josh Stark, Co-founder, L4 Inc.
• Evan Thomas, Associate, Osler LLP
• Blair Wiley, Partner, Osler LLP
• and others

Fees

Fees include attendance, program materials, continental breakfast, lunch and refreshments for each of the 8 days of the program. The price does not include accommodations. Please inquire about group discounts and financial assistance. Fees paid by individuals are eligible for a tuition tax credit. Dress is business casual.

Program Changes

We will make every effort to present the certificate program as advertised, but it may be necessary to change the dates, location, speakers or content with little or no notice. In the event of program cancellation, York University and Osgoode Hall Law School’s liability is limited to reimbursement of paid fees.

Certificate of Program Completion

You will receive an Osgoode Certificate upon successful completion of the program. 

Substitutions, Cancellations and Refunds

Substitution of registrants is permitted at any time. If you are unable to find a substitute, a full refund is available if a cancellation request is received in writing 21 days prior to the program date. If a cancellation request is made with less than 21 days notice, a $150 administration fee will apply. No other refund is available.

Technical Support

In the event you experience technical difficulties, please contact opdsupport@osgoode.yorku.ca for assistance.

FAQs

Have questions? Read our FAQs.

Program Details

Questions on program registration?
Please contact the Registration Team at osgoodepd@osgoode.yorku.ca

Questions on the program content?
Please contact the Program Lawyer:
Amy ter Haar at aterhaar@osgoode.yorku.ca