CS7: From Big Law to Crypto Policy | Jonathan "Birdnals" Schmalfeld

<p>This episode was recorded live at <a href="https://consensus2026.coindesk.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Consensus Miami 2026</a>.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-schmalfeld-51ba4a49" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Jonathan Schmalfeld</a> — known as &#39;Birdnals&#39; across Crypto Twitter — is Policy Director at <a href="https://digitalchamber.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">The Digital Chamber</a>. He came up doing soft IP litigation, got into crypto around 2015, and eventually turned what he was doing for fun into his full-time work.</p><p>We cover the NFT IP moment, what it takes to be a real Web3 lawyer, the knowledge-sharing culture that makes this community unique, and how he went from associate at a major law firm to advocating for the industry in front of Congress and regulators.</p><p>---</p><p>This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://first-read.com/signup?ref=BEYOND2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">FirstRead </a>(use BYNDTHECODE10 for 10% off).</p><p><br></p><p>This show is hosted by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ijhammer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Yitzy Hammer</a>. </p><p><br></p><p>Make sure to &#39;follow&#39; us and click the &quot;alert&quot; button so you don&#39;t miss any future episodes. </p><p><br></p><p>Check out our new website: www.beyondthecode.fm</p>