In a world where technology evolves faster than the laws that govern it, lawyers who can translate disruption into clarity aren’t just valuable — they’re essential. Anuradha Chowdhary, Founder of 023 Collective, stands firmly in that league. With deep expertise across AI, blockchain, Web3, gaming, privacy, and emerging tech, she is shaping regulatory frameworks for industries where the law is still catching up. A former filmmaker turned tech-law trailblazer, her journey embodies reinvention, resilience, and rare creative insight.
On this episode of the Emerging Lawyer Series at Koffee Conversation @TEIF, she takes us behind the scenes of advising crypto startups, navigating AI ethics, drafting Web3 licensing models, and building a future-ready law practice. The conversation reveals not just her legal brilliance, but also her creativity, humour, and deeply human approach to an industry fueled by complexity.
Anuradha ’s unconventional journey began in filmmaking — with a degree from University of the Arts London and dreams of creating social-impact cinema. But curiosity led her to law, and internships across eight domains helped her discover what fit and what didn’t. The turning point arrived in 2020, when lockdown brought an influx of tech and crypto clients. She realised the industry lacked lawyers genuinely passionate about technology — lawyers who understood the ecosystem deeply enough to advise confidently. That gap became her calling.
Inspired by mentors from her previous law firm, she took the leap and founded 023 Collective, a non-traditional practice built for young founders and emerging-tech companies. The name came spontaneously during an Uber ride — chosen only after securing the .com domain and trademark clearance, in true lawyer fashion. Today, 023 Collective supports AI companies, Web3 infrastructure projects, blockchain startups, and global clients navigating the regulatory grey zones of disruptive tech.
Key Highlights of the Koffee Conversation with Anuradha Chowdhary:
- Filmmaker turned lawyer — blending creativity with legal precision in emerging tech.
- Founded 023 Collective to bridge the gap between tech passion and legal expertise.
- Strong belief: AI is a great thinking partner — but not yet reliable enough for 100% trust.
- Biggest AI legal concern: biased training data leading to unfair or unlawful outcomes.
- Helped structure an AI-powered crypto trading app to avoid financial-advice pitfalls using smart disclaimers.
- Specializes in drafting complex Web3 licensing agreements that ensure fairness for developers.
- Uses global standards to advise Indian crypto clients due to evolving domestic regulation.
- Member of the Blockchain Lawyers Group — a vetted global network for cross-border counsel access.
- Advocates for stronger tech–law integration in Indian universities through workshops and practical exposure.
- Balances founder life by separating legal work from business strategy with disciplined boundaries.
- Long-term vision: make 023 Collective a powerful ecosystem connector for startups beyond just legal work.
- Advice to young lawyers: be curious, be accountable, build strong relationships, and make friends.
- Comes from a large, close-knit family — youngest among cousins, shaped by shared values and support.
- Unwinds with reading, travel, simple evenings at home, and quality time with loved ones.
- One-line self-description: Approachable.
🎥 Watch the full Koffee Conversation with Anuradha Chowdhary on YouTube — a masterclass in tech law, AI ethics, Web3 strategy, and the art of reinventing yourself.
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