Message From The Chair Summer 2014

Greetings from the Technology Section of the State Bar of Georgia. As the Bar year ramps up, I would like to welcome new Section members and thank all of you who are renewing members for your continued involvement in the Section. We have several opportunities available for those of you who would like to become more actively involved in the Section.  It is a terrific way to meet other technology lawyers; to learn more about cutting edge technology issues; and to give back to society.
  • Leadership: We have an active Executive Committee that guides the Section’s activities. Active service on the Executive Committee is a prerequisite for consideration for service as a Section officer. We meet monthly, either in person or by conference call. We still have a couple of openings available on the Executive Committee for the 2014-15 Bar year. Please email me at mmyer@myerlawatlanta.com if you’re interested in exploring this opportunity.
  • CLE: We plan to sponsor several CLE events this year, including our marquee event scheduled for Oct. 24:  the 29th Annual Technology Law Institute, which is being organized by Section Vice-Chair Sarah Shalf. We welcome Section members’ suggestions for topics and speakers for future CLE events.  Please email me if you have an idea you’d like to share.
  • Technology Law Journal: Please visit our website, www.technologybar.org. Our Journal editor, Steve Hardy, is always looking for interesting technology-related articles to publish on the website. If you’re interested in publishing an article, please email me and I’ll put you in touch with Steve. Compilations of articles published on the website will also be circulated periodically via email to Section members.
  • Pro Bono: The Section has increased its focus on pro bono under the leadership of Section Secretary Paul Arne. This is also an area of particular focus by our new Bar President, Patrice Perkins-Hooker.  In recent years, the Section has partnered with TechBridge, Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta and Computers for Youth to offer our members  a variety of pro bono opportunities related to technology law. Many of the projects that are available require only a small time commitment by an attorney, but will have an enormous impact on the individual or nonprofit that receives the services. If you’re interested in exploring pro bono opportunities with a technology focus, please email me and I’ll put you in touch with Paul.
I look forward to seeing all of you at a Section event this year.  If you would like to contact me about becoming more involved in the Section, please email me at mmyer@myerlawatlanta.com.
Sincerely,
Mari Myer

Event: Privacy, Innovation and Big Data: What Does the Future Hold?

 This Event Featured:

  • Jerry C. Jones, Chief Ethics and Legal Officer, Acxiom
  • Cindy Liebes, Regional Director, Southeast Region, Federal Trade Commission
  • Peter Swire, Nancy J. and Lawrence P. Huang Professor, Scheller College of Business, Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Gerald R. Weber, Law Offices of Gerald Weber; Adjunct Professor, Constitutional Litigation, Emory University School of Law; Member, ACS Georgia Lawyer Chapter Board of Advisors

Moderated by:

  • David C. Keating, Partner, Alston & Bird LLP

Technologies used to collect and analyze vast amounts of data have made quantum leaps forward in recent years. At the same time, the cost of storage of data has continued a dramatic trend downward. The result is Big Data – large datasets compiled by businesses and governmental authorities, which can be used to identify individuals from disparate bits of information and to derive intimate details about individuals’ activities online and in the physical world. The discussion focused on how governments and businesses collect vast amounts of data about peoples’ lives and how that information, now called Big Data, is analyzed and used. The panelists also discussed issues relating to the balancing of Big Data’s benefits against actual or perceived privacy costs, and whether existing legal frameworks are sufficient to address this new paradigm

This even was graciously hosted by Alston & Bird LLP.

Event: Demystifying Bitcoin

On Wednesday, April 2, 2015 the Technology Law section hosted Aaron Williams, President and Founder, Atlanta Bitcoin, for a talk about web payments.

Synopsis: So just as we’re all getting more comfortable with the landscape of mobile payments, along comes Bitcoin to add a few wrinkles and more than a little mystery. Between the recent meltdown of Mt. Gox (the world’s then largest Bitcoin payments processor), the elusiveness of Bitcoin’s creator, and the association of this virtual currency with untoward business dealings, there is a fair amount of confusion about Bitcoin and how seriously it should be taken. In this presentation, our presenter will explain why we should pay close attention to Bitcoin and its relevance to the business world and our personal affairs.

Aaron Williams, is the President and Founder of Atlanta Bitcoin. Aaron is a payments industry professional who has been working in traditional electronic payments for almost a dozen years. His experience in payments gives him a strong perspective on Bitcoin products and services. His related experience includes dealing with Bitcoin as payment, Bitcoin regulation (money transmitter/MSB, AML, KYC, BSA), Bitcoin denominated stocks, professional grade mining, startup consultation/concept refinement and Bitcoin product/business development.

Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP graciously hosted this event.