In an era where the boundaries between technology, law, and culture constantly shift, Blake Richardson, Esq., is one of the few professionals standing firmly at the intersection. As chief legal officer at Gala Games, Gala Music, and Gala Film, Richardson navigates one of emerging tech’s most complex regulatory environments: blockchain. But her journey — from working behind the scenes at NBCUniversal, Lionsgate, and the Phoenix Suns to helping shape blockchain legal frameworks — is more than a personal evolution. It’s a case study in how legal minds are increasingly essential to the tech sector’s future.
Understanding Legal Tech In The Age Of Blockchain
At its core, legal tech encompasses tools that streamline how users interact with and interpret the law. From document automation and case law research to e-discovery platforms and client management systems, legal tech is transforming how firms and in-house departments operate. But as Reuters notes, it’s not just about efficiency — legal tech is meant to be transformative, enhancing workflow and client outcomes while equipping legal professionals with deeper insights and faster decision-making capacity.
For Richardson, those tools meet their match in the unpredictability of blockchain. “This is not like financial or corporate law,” she explains. “There’s no playbook. You’re interpreting regulations in real time, monitoring evolving precedents, and constantly evaluating risk.”
The blockchain space operates in a legal gray zone, particularly in the U.S., where comprehensive legislation is still catching up. As Richardson notes, decisions often hinge on fluid interpretations of agency guidance from bodies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), layered with an awareness of global standards. Her role demands more than legal acumen — it requires agility, foresight, and the ability to communicate risk in business terms.
Bridging Gaps Between Innovation, Law, And Accountability
Richardson’s daily responsibilities illustrate how legal tech isn’t confined to legacy systems — it’s a strategic pillar for future-facing companies.
“I’m expected to guide legal decisions on products that didn’t exist five years ago,” she says. “And some days, I’m making judgment calls on new regulatory interpretations hours after release.”
She’s currently part of a company-wide effort to respond to public inquiries issued by federal agencies asking blockchain companies for input. It’s an unusual but welcomed level of transparency from regulators that could pave the way for more innovation within U.S. borders, provided companies have legal teams that can navigate the shifting tides.
Still, Richardson makes it clear that legal expertise alone isn’t enough. “You need cultural fluency and emotional intelligence too,” she says. “Whether you’re reviewing NFT contracts for artists or navigating licensing for AI-generated content, the law is only half the story. The other half is understanding who it impacts and why.”
From Representation To Action
Raised between Baltimore, MD, and Scottsdale, AZ, Richardson’s personal background has always informed her professional purpose. “Growing up, I saw entertainers and athletes of color onstage — but never the lawyers or businesspeople behind them,” she reflects. That absence of representation became her call to action, first in the entertainment world and now in tech.
She’s candid about the continued underrepresentation of Black professionals — especially Black women — in both blockchain and gaming. “We need more of us not just present, but leading,” she says.
Her response has been direct: mentorship, skill-building sessions, and a standing offer to personally train anyone curious about breaking into the space. “I’ll share books, walk you through contracts, or connect you to job leads — just let me know you’re serious,” she says.
Navigating A Legal Grey Zone — And Making Space For Others
As blockchain technologies expand into every facet of culture — tracking music streams, authenticating film assets, and enabling smart contracts — Richardson is often among the few Black women at the table. She doesn’t just take up space — she creates it.
“There are so many possibilities in blockchain, but not enough of us feel invited in,” she says. “I want to change that. I’ll mentor, train, and even place people in roles.”
Representation, for Richardson, isn’t symbolic. It’s strategic. “When people from different cultural backgrounds are in the room, you get better ideas. That’s not a DEI slogan — it’s an operational truth.”
And her mission isn’t limited to her company. She’s actively contributing to government agency inquiries aimed at shaping blockchain regulation, helping to ensure the next generation of policy is as inclusive as the technology it governs.
Financial Access As A Form Of Advocacy
Richardson’s advocacy doesn’t stop with legal access. She’s equally passionate about financial literacy — especially in communities where conversations about wealth are often absent or inaccessible. “You don’t need thousands of dollars to start building something,” she insists. “You just need to start.”
She encourages even modest earners to explore high-yield savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and fractional investments in crypto. “It’s not about getting rich quick. It’s about making your money work while you sleep,” she explains. “And if you’ve got money just sitting in a traditional bank, you’re missing out.”
Her approach is cautious but empowering. “Crypto is volatile, yes. But you can put $5 into Bitcoin and track the market over time. You can open a Marcus account in 10 minutes. The point is: Knowledge is power — and access is power.”
What Comes Next In Law And Tech
As regulators engage more deeply with blockchain innovators, Richardson sees potential for a more structured, innovation-friendly legal environment in the U.S. — and she’s ready to help shape it. “We have the talent and ideas here. But we’ll keep losing ground to overseas markets unless we create a legal infrastructure that supports innovation and equity.”
With her unique blend of legal expertise, tech fluency, and cultural intention, Blake Richardson is helping write a new kind of playbook that not only defines the future of law and tech but ensures more voices help shape it.
