Welcome to My Substack: Exploring Law, Technology, and Disruptive Innovation
Finding Clarity in Chaos: Navigating the Next Frontier of Law and Innovation
1. Why This, Why Now?
Hello and welcome! I’m excited to launch this Substack as a platform for sharing insights and sparking discussion about the intersection of law, technology, and disruptive innovation. Every day, we witness the accelerating pace of technological advancements—artificial intelligence, blockchain, biotechnology, and more—and the question is no longer if these innovations will transform our world, but how we choose to navigate and shape this transformation.
As an attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how emerging technologies can create both opportunities and obstacles. Legal systems are often playing catch-up, legislators debate new regulations, and businesses grapple with learning—sometimes the hard way—how to innovate responsibly. I’m creating this space now because it’s never been more crucial for us to understand where technology, law, and policy collide. By exploring these intersecting domains, we can better anticipate changes, stay ahead of compliance challenges, and harness innovation for the common good.
2. What Kind of Community Are We Building Here?
Substack isn’t just a place for articles; it’s a place for community. I want this to be your go-to hub for productive, enlightening discussions on topics that matter—whether it’s navigating new tech regulations, analyzing court decisions impacting innovation, or pondering how cutting-edge research might reshape industries. Here’s a snapshot of who might find value in this space:
Tech Enthusiasts & Innovators: Explore how emerging technologies intersect with legal frameworks and learn about ethical design principles.
Legal Practitioners & Policy Experts: Stay informed on new regulations, high-stakes court cases, and legislative proposals that could set the tone for decades to come.
Curious Minds: Whether you’re new to these issues or seeking a deeper understanding, join us for thoughtful explorations into the latest and most pressing topics at the junction of law, technology, and disruptive innovation.
3. Frequency and Content
Weekly Insights: At least once a week, you’ll receive a concise, informative post analyzing a pressing issue—such as a major AI policy update, a key court ruling on tech matters, or a noteworthy legislative shift.
Community Engagement: In addition to regular articles, I encourage discussion in the comments. I want to foster a healthy exchange of ideas where all perspectives are heard and respected.
What You Can Expect
Legal & Policy Updates: Readable summaries of new regulations, court decisions, and compliance requirements that stand to shape the future of technology.
Ethical & Social Considerations: Articles exploring data privacy, algorithmic bias, and intellectual property challenges—among other critical topics in the tech realm.
Future-Focused Discussion: Thoughtful commentary on how disruptive innovations might impact industries, governance, and daily life, with a focus on finding beneficial paths forward.
4. Why Subscribe?
Timely, Accessible Content
Stay informed on emerging trends without wading through dense legal jargon.
Join a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about the future of law and technology.
Meaningful Engagement
Participate in lively discussions through comments and occasional polls.
Share your own insights and experiences, helping others learn from your perspectives.
5. Looking Ahead
In the coming weeks, I’ll be exploring topics like:
Chaotic areas of regulatory uncertainty, such as college athletics in the NIL era.
Global Digital Assets and AI Regulation: How different countries are tackling digital assets and artificial intelligence as well as the implications for businesses and consumers.
Blockchain & Smart Contracts: The promise (and pitfalls) of decentralized systems and the legal complexities they introduce.
Digital Rights & Online Speech: Balancing freedom of expression with emerging considerations around platform governance and liability.
Thank You for Joining Me
I’m grateful you’ve chosen to start this journey with me. By subscribing, you’ll be part of a community that’s passionate about understanding and shaping the laws and policies that define our technological future. I look forward to our discussions, your feedback, and the collective insights we can uncover together.
If you have questions or topics you’d like to see covered, drop a note in the comments below.
—David McCarville
If you enjoy these explorations of law, technology, and disruptive innovation, consider subscribing to stay informed and join the conversation.
Articles and Presentations
Author, “Treasury Suspends Enforcement of Corporate Transparency Act & Proposes Narrowed Scope,” Greater Phoenix InBusiness, March 6, 2025
Co-Author, “NIL Agents: The Good, the Bad, and the Unregulated,” Fennemore Blog, March 4, 2025
Author, “Considerations for Arizona businesses as the U.S. signals potential shift toward AI-based digital assets,” Phoenix Business Journal, March 1, 2025
Co-Author, “A patchwork of name, image and likeness agent regulations leaves student-athletes largely unprotected,” Phoenix Business Journal, March 1, 2025
Author, “Lessons From Developing A CTA Compliance Application,” Law360, February 12, 2025
Author, “The New Administration’s Impact on AI and Digital Assets,” Greater Phoenix InBusiness, February 2025
Presenter, “The 2025 Forecast for the Legislative Session,” Arizona Corporation Commission, January 31, 2025.
Presenter, “The World of AI: Benefits and Perils for General Counsel,” Arizona Corporation Commission, January 31, 2025.
Author, “Lessons from Developing A CTA Compliance Application,” Law360, January 27, 2025
Author, “Trump’s impact on AI and digital assets: What business owners need to know,” AZ Big Media, January 14, 2025
Author, “Trump’s impact on AI and digital assets: What business owners need to know,” Arizona Capitol Times, January 13, 2025
Author, “What Arizona businesses should know about the incoming administration’s impact on AI and digital assets,” Daily Independent, January 9, 2025
Quoted, “For small business owners in Arizona and elsewhere, Jan. 1 disclosure rule not in effect,” AZ Central, December 20, 2024
Moderator, “Innovation at Small and Mid-Sized Law Firms,” The Legal Tech Fund Summit, December 2024
Presenter, “DEFI, Stable Coins and NFTs, Blockchain and Patents,” Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies Law & Policy Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, November 5, 2024
Presenter, “Hadera AI Working Group: AI, Smart Contracts and Digital Assets,” November 5, 2024
Presenter, “Supply Chains, Blockchains and Real Estate,” Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies Law & Policy Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, October 22, 2024
Presenter, “Smart Contracts, Blockchains and AI,” Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies Law & Policy Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, October 8, 2024
Presenter, “Bitcoin – A Case Study,” Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies Law & Policy Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, September 10, 2024
Presenter, “The Ethics of AI in Legal Practice,” Second Western Agricultural & Environmental Law Conference, June 14, 2024
Panelist, “SCG Legal – AI Working Group. AI and Ethics panel discussion,” May 23, 2024
Presenter, “LegalTech Boston: AI, Legal Work Remix and Alternative Fee Arrangements,” May 17, 2024
Author, “As March Madness concludes, athletes and businesses looking for NIL deals should consider these legal risks,” Phoenix Business Journal, April 4, 2024
Author, “Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) Compensation for Student Athletes,” Arizona Attorney Magazine, April 4, 2024
Presenter, “AI Legal Tech for In House Counsel,” March 19, 2024
Presenter, “CLE: Litigation update: Name, Image and Likeness & NCAA,” March 7, 2024
Presenter, “Digital Assets, AI And Technology solutions for Trusts and Estates,” January 16, 2024
Author, “Corporate Transparency Act takes aim at financial crime,” Capitol Times, January 12, 2024
Author, “Considerations for Business and Student Athletes – Negotiating Name Image and Likeness Deals,” NIL Deals, January 4, 2024
Author, “What You Need to Know About Corporate Transparency Act,” Phoenix Business Journal and Horizon, January 2, 2024
Author, “Corporate Transparency Act to Enhance Economic Transparency in Business,” Arizona PBS, January 2, 2024
Author, “Fennemore exec down new Corporate Transparency Act requirements,” Phoenix Business Journal, January 2, 2024
Author, “How to prepare for implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act on Jan. 1,” AZ Big Media, December 20, 2023
Featuring, “Student Athletes and Getting Paid for Their Name,” New At 3, November 9, 2023
Featuring, “Blockchain Beyond Business: A Look at ASU’S Relationship with Cybersecurity Technology,” The State Press, March 21, 2023
Author, “Legacy Businesses: Setting up baby boomers for success,” Lovin’ Life After 50, November 14, 2022
Featuring, ” Legacy Businesses for 55+,” Arizona PBS, September 27, 2022
Featuring, “The Importance of a Proper Business Exit Strategy,” Next Avenue, September 13, 2022
Author, “How Baby Boomers can set up success in the sale of legacy businesses,” Daily Independent, August 26, 2022
Author, “Setting Baby Boomers up for success in the sale of legacy businesses,” Arizona Digital Free Press, August 2022
Author, “Setting Baby Boomers Up for Success in the Sale of Legacy Businesses,” inBusiness, August 2022
Co-Author, “Experts: Is it OK to pay your employees in Bitcoin?” Daily Independent, June 2, 2022
Co-Author, ” Is it OK to pay employees in Bitcoin?” AZ Big Media, May 26, 2022
Co-Author, “Is it time to start paying your employees in cryptocurrency?” Phoenix Business Journal, May 24, 2022
Author, “My View: Purchasing NFT art and sports memorabilia is the rage — but buyer beware,” Phoenix Business Journal, April 20, 2022
Quoted, “So, you want to take your paycheck in bitcoin?” Morning Brew, March 31, 2022
Interview, “Britney Spears Conservatorship Hearing,” Fox 10 Phoenix, November 18, 2021
Author, “My View: Why Bitcoin is gaining critical legitimacy as new asset class,” November 9, 2021
Interview, “Britney Conservatorship Hearing,” Fox 10 Phoenix, August 19, 2021
Quoted, “Britney Conservatorship Hearing,” Fox 10 Phoenix, June 23, 2021
Interview, “At the Center of a Paradigm Shift,” Fennemore Blog, June 10, 2021
Interview, “Attorney David McCarville speaks about the importance of designating a power of attorney,” Arizona PBS, May 26, 2021
Quoted, “Will Bitcoin Ever Be Accepted Widely as a Form of Payment?” GO Banking Rates, April 29, 2021
Quoted, “Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey’s first tweet sold for $2.9 million on Sunday. The buyer said it’s the Mona Lisa of tweets,” Insider, March 24, 2021
Quoted, “Why Do Enterprise Blockchain Systems Fail? (Exclusive),” E-Crypto News, June 9, 2020
Quoted, “Demystifying Cryptocurrencies: Promise and Potential Lead to Growing Appeal,” Destination CRM, May 29, 2020
Presenter, “Key Blockchain Concepts for Corporate Counsel,” Association of Corporate Counsel, March 12, 2020
Presenter, “The Future of the Practice of Law and Blockchain Technology,” ASU Law School: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Law and Policy, December 2, 2019
Presenter, “Blockchain Technology as a Legal Tool,” Valley Estate Planners, November 21, 2019
Presenter, “Blockchain for Lawyers,” Lawyers Networking Group Continuing Legal Education, October 23, 2019
Presenter, “Supply Chain and Real Estate Applications,” ASU Law School: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Law and Policy, October 21, 2019
Presenter, “Smart Contracts,” ASU Law School: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Law and Policy, September 23, 2019
Presenter, “Bitcoin: A Case Study,” ASU Law School: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Law and Policy, August 26, 2019
Presenter, “Course Overview,” ASU Law School: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Law and Policy, August 21, 2019
Presenter, “Estate Planning Mistakes of the Rich and Famous,” Comerica Bank, August 20, 2019
Presenter, “Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies,” Great West Financial, July 10, 2019
Presenter, “Blockchain: From Digital Currency to Smart Contracts and Beyond,” Arizona State Bar Convention, June 27, 2019
Presenter, “Industrial Hemp Market and Regulatory Overview,” Commerce Bank of Arizona, June 25, 2019
Presenter, “Estate Planning Mistakes of the Rich and Famous,” Pinnacle Peak Luxury Home Tour, June 7, 2019
Presenter, “Estate Planning Mistakes of the Rich and Famous,” Walt Danley Christie’s International Real Estate, April 24, 2019
Presenter, “Pitfalls to Avoid in Estate Planning,” Merrill Lynch, April 9, 2019
Presenter, “Legal Blockchain for Bright Beginners,” ASU Arkfield e-Discovery and Digital Evidence Conference, March 6, 2019
Panelist, “Smart Contracts and Blockchain Subcommittee,” American Bar Association Cyberspace Law Institute and Winter Working Meeting, January 24, 2019
Panelist, “Smart Contracts, Logistics, International Implications, and Future Applications,” Arizona Technology Council and Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance 2018 Cybersecurity Lunch Forum, December 12, 2018
Presenter, “The Future of Blockchain,” ASU Law School: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Law and Policy, November 20, 2018
Presenter, “International Use Cases for Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies,” ASU Law School: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Law and Policy, November 6, 2018
Presenter, “Blockchain Technology in Real Estate and Supply Chain/Logistics,” ASU Law School: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Law and Policy, October 16, 2018
Presenter, “Pitfalls to Avoid in Estate Planning,” Merrill Lynch, October 3, 2018
Presenter, “The Legal Impacts of Blockchain Technology,” Arizona State Bar Intellectual Property Section, October 16, 2018
Presenter, “Smart Contracts,” ASU Law School: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Law and Policy, September 25, 2018
Presenter, “Legal Implications of Blockchain Technology,” Scottsdale Estate Planners, September 13, 2018
Presenter, “Bitcoin: A Case Study,” ASU Law School: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Law and Policy, August 28, 2018
Presenter, “Course Overview,” ASU Law School: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Law and Policy, August 21, 2018
Presenter, “Legal Implications of Blockchain Technology,” Maricopa Country Bar Association, June 1, 2018
Presenter, “Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies,” Finemark National Bank & Trust, March 15, 2018