BlockyDevs Industry Insights Interview with Dorota Zabłocka

In an era where technology is advancing at a rapid pace, the legal framework surrounding it must adapt just as quickly. Wiktoria Podlodowska speaks with Dorota Zablocka, a pioneer in Web3 and blockchain law, to discuss her transition from traditional energy law to the forefront of legal innovation.
Her commitment to education, advocacy, and client-focused legal advice is a significant contribution to the burgeoning field of Web3 law, making her story an inspiration to lawyers and technology innovators alike. This conversation offers a rare insight into the mind of someone who has navigated the complex intersection of law and technology, providing a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.


Wiktoria Podlodowska: Dorota, I am very pleased to speak with you. To begin with, could you detail your journey from the world of energy law to the emerging Web3 and blockchain space?

Dorota Zabłocka: Thank you, Wiktoria. Absolutely. My journey into Web3 was not something I anticipated at the start of my legal career. Initially, my focus was on energy law, particularly renewable energies, and electromobility. This niche, being at the intersection of law and technology, suited my geekier interests in physics and mathematics. However, as my career progressed, I felt a growing need to explore further into the tech world.

I think the real turning point came around 2016 at a tech summit - it was either in Wrocław or Kraków, Poland. I went to one of the rooms with only 15 people inside, all geeks ;) It was there I first encountered the concept of cryptocurrencies.
I remember listening for 45 minutes, completely lost but also curious about why everyone was so excited. They talked about things like smart contracts and transferring files, and it wasn't just about money. When I got back to Warsaw, I started to look into cryptocurrencies, bitcoins, smart contracts, and blockchain. Back then, there wasn't much information available in Polish or English, so I had to dig deep online.
It was all so new and complicated, but I couldn't help but be fascinated. I found it hard to wrap my head around all this information for the first time, but I fell in love with it anyway. Despite my broad interests, I realized I had much to learn about this novel technology. This realization sparked a deep fascination with blockchain, leading me to pivot my career towards this field.
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I remember getting excited when my supervisor mentioned a new client creating his own currency. It was my first dive into advising a Web3 project in 2017. Despite having no prior experience, I dedicated myself fully, and our efforts paid off when the client's token was listed on major exchanges in 2018, making it a notable project in Poland.

This success motivated me to specialize as a Web3 lawyer and helped us attract more clients. Eventually, I transitioned to another law firm to establish a digital finance and blockchain department, facing new challenges and navigating the evolving market, including dealing with scams. Despite growing the team and achieving success, I felt the need to offer more comprehensive support to tech startups beyond just legal. 

Wiktoria Podlodowska: Is that what inspired you to start your own thing?

Dorota Zabłocka: This led to the dream of creating a full-service hub for Web3 startups, where we could handle all aspects of compliance, allowing creators to focus on innovation. This holistic approach was aimed at providing full-scale support, from establishment to ongoing advisory, fulfilling my vision of nurturing the growth of technology projects.

We saw an opportunity to establish our own company, one that operated by our own rules and embraced innovation. Thus, in January 2022, 3dots.law was launched, focusing initially on regulatory compliance advisory for Web3. This venture aimed to offer a comprehensive suite of legal, tax, and regulatory services tailored for Web3 projects, allowing creators to concentrate on innovation while we handled the complexities.

However, as we grew and faced new challenges, it became clear that expanding our team was necessary to meet the growing demand for our services. To provide the full spectrum of legal services our clients needed, we evolved into two distinct entities: one a law firm and the other an advisory company. This bifurcation allowed us to cater to all professional requirements effectively, proving to be an advantageous structure for both our team and our clients.

Wiktoria Podlodowska: As we are speaking of your company 3dots.law What inspired you to open it and what are its core objectives?

Dorota Zabłocka: Founding 3dots.law was a natural progression of my journey into Web3. I noticed a gap in the legal market for services tailored specifically to the needs of blockchain and technology startups. The vision for 3dots.law was to create a firm that not only offered legal advice but also provided a holistic approach to support these startups throughout their development.

Our goal is to clarify the legal complexities associated with Web3, empowering innovators to focus on what they do best: creating and implementing new technologies. We strive to be a one-stop legal resource for our clients, handling everything from regulatory compliance to intellectual property and more.

Wiktoria Podlodowska: What makes 3dots different from other law firms that work with technology?

Dorota Zabłocka: What sets us apart is our focus on new technologies like AI and blockchain, which are often new ground for law. We make sure we understand these technologies and the basic laws that apply to them. Also, we're good at thinking about complex ideas in simple ways. Our team loves learning and keeping up with tech changes, which is crucial because this area changes fast. Plus, we follow the rules closely but find flexible ways to help our clients. This mix of skills and approaches helps us stand out and offer great help in a field where it's hard to find clear legal advice.

Wiktoria Podlodowska: Considering the diverse regulatory landscape, how do you guide your clients through some challenges?

Dorota Zabłocka: Navigating the regulatory landscape of Web3 is indeed challenging, given its novelty and the pace at which it evolves. Each jurisdiction presents its own set of regulations, which can significantly impact our clients' strategic decisions.

Our approach is comprehensive. We start by deeply understanding each project's technology, target market, and operational objectives. We then analyze the regulatory frameworks of potential jurisdictions, balancing the project's needs with the legal realities of each location. Whether it's advising on the EU's emerging Digital Finance Package or exploring the benefits of crypto-friendly jurisdictions like Estonia or Malta, our goal is to ensure our clients are well-informed and legally secure.
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Wiktoria Podlodowska: Can you explain how regulations differ across countries and where Poland fits in the global picture of Web3 regulations?

Dorota Zabłocka: Certainly. The main question we get is about the best jurisdiction for a Web3 project. The answer varies because it depends on the project's needs. For example, some countries are more welcoming with crypto-friendly policies, while others are still catching up. In the EU, regulations are becoming more uniform with directives like MICA. However, each country still has its way of implementing these rules, affecting everything from company formation to taxation.

Poland is an interesting case. We don't have a licensing regime for virtual asset service providers yet, which makes it easier and faster to register a Web3 business here. However, this might change as EU regulations evolve, pushing projects to adapt or seek other jurisdictions.

Our approach at 3dots.law is to understand each client's unique needs, considering factors like where they're based, their target market, and the specific services they offer. This tailored approach helps us guide them to the most suitable jurisdiction for their project.

Wiktoria Podlodowska: So, it's all about finding the right fit for each company?

Dorota Zabłocka: Exactly. It's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each project has its own set of requirements and goals, which means we need to consider the whole picture before advising on a jurisdiction. We aim to make our clients understand the importance of choosing wisely, based on their project's specific needs and the broader regulatory environment.

Wiktoria Podlodowska: You've expressed a commitment to changing the negative perceptions surrounding blockchain in Poland. How do you approach this mission?

Dorota Zabłocka: Changing the narrative around blockchain and cryptocurrencies in Poland is a mission close to my heart. The challenge lies in addressing the skepticism rooted in misinformation and misunderstanding of the technology. My approach is twofold: education and advocacy.

On one hand, I aim to educate both the public and regulators about the positive potential of blockchain, emphasizing its capacity for innovation beyond mere speculation. On the other hand, as an advocate for technology, I work to bridge the gap between innovators and regulatory bodies, promoting a dialogue that can lead to a more supportive legal framework for Web3 technologies.

Wiktoria Podlodowska: Dorota, your insights today have been incredibly enlightening. Your journey from energy law to becoming a key player in the Web3 legal space is not only fascinating but also inspiring for those looking to navigate the complexities of legal frameworks in emerging technologies.

Dorota Zabłocka: It's been my pleasure, Wiktoria. The journey into Web3 has been one of continuous learning and adaptation. If my experiences can inspire or guide others in this space, then I consider my efforts worthwhile. Thank you for the opportunity to share my story and perspectives.

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