Crypto for Good: Anthony May Of NeedAnAttorney.net On The Social Impact Projects Using Blockchain for Transparency and Equity
Transparency by default — It replaces trust theater with verifiable truth.
Blockchain and cryptocurrency are often associated with finance and speculation, but an inspiring movement is growing that uses this technology for social good. From enhancing transparency in charitable donations to empowering underserved communities through decentralized finance, blockchain has the potential to drive meaningful, equitable change. In this interview series, we are talking to innovators, founders, and changemakers who are using blockchain technology to promote transparency, equity, and social impact.
As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Anthony May.
Anthony May is the founder of NeedAnAttorney.net, an AI-driven legal referral platform designed to improve transparency, accountability, and access to justice. With a background in digital systems and trust-based infrastructure, he focuses on reducing friction, information asymmetry, and misaligned incentives in high-stakes industries. His work applies blockchain-inspired principles to real-world problems where trust failures disproportionately harm everyday people.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”?
I’ve always been drawn to systems, especially the invisible ones that determine who gets access, who gets paid, and who gets left behind. Earlier in my career, I worked in digital infrastructure and saw firsthand how opaque systems quietly extract value while offering little accountability. Over time, the disconnect between impact and incentive became impossible to ignore, and it then pushed me toward building something better.
Can you tell us the story of how you got first involved in blockchain and the cryptocurrency industry?
I wasn’t initially drawn in by cryptocurrency as an investment. What caught my attention was the architecture immutable records, transparent transactions, and systems where trust is enforced by design rather than promises. That drew me in as an investor. I began studying blockchain as a governance and accountability model, and that perspective shaped how I think now about applying its principles far beyond finance.
Can you share a story of a time when things went south for you? What kept you going and helped you to overcome those times?
Building anything that challenges entrenched systems comes with long periods of uncertainty. There were moments where progress was invisible and the external validation simply wasn’t there yet. What kept me going was a deep conviction that the system itself was sound, even if the timing wasn’t. When you believe in the structure, you can withstand the silence.
What are the 3 things that most excite you about the blockchain industry in general? Why?
Transparency by default — It replaces trust theater with verifiable truth. Incentive alignment — Systems work better when participants win together. Programmable accountability — Rules that can’t be quietly bent behind closed doors. These ideas fundamentally change how power and value move.
What are the 3 things that worry you about the blockchain industry? Why?
Speculation overshadowing purpose — It distracts from real impact. Complexity without empathy — Technology must serve people, not intimidate them. Recreating old power structures — Decentralization only works if governance is thoughtful.
Can you tell us the story behind your project and what inspired you to use blockchain technology for social impact?
NeedAnAttorney.net was inspired by watching people in crisis struggle to find legitimate help in a fragmented legal system. The platform applies blockchain-inspired principles transparency, immutable records, and incentive alignment to ensure accountability between consumers and attorneys. The goal isn’t disruption for its own sake, but fairness and clarity where trust has historically failed.
How does your project use blockchain or crypto to promote transparency, equity, or access in ways that traditional systems have not?
Rather than relying on opaque lead marketplaces, we focus on verifiable routing, clear disclosures, and zero cost to general consumers. Every interaction is structured to reduce information asymmetry and prevent exploitation. The system is designed so that trust is structural, not optional.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in building a socially impactful blockchain project, and how have you overcome them?
The hardest challenge is cultural, not technical. People are used to systems that profit from confusion. Overcoming that requires patience, education, and proving that ethical systems can still scale sustainably.
In your view, what are the most promising use cases for blockchain in advancing global social good over the next 5–10 years?
Identity verification, transparent aid distribution, ethical supply chains, healthcare data integrity, and justice-oriented platforms will benefit enormously from blockchain-inspired design.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs or organizations who want to use blockchain for positive social change?
Start with the human problem, not the token. If the system doesn’t reduce harm or increase clarity, the technology doesn’t matter.
Ok, thank you for all of that. Here is the main question of our interview. Can you please share “5 Things You Need To Use Blockchain For Positive Social Change”? If you can please share a story or example for each?
1. Clear incentives
Systems fail when incentives conflict.
2. Radical transparency
Trust must be verifiable.
3. Human-centered design
Complexity should never punish users.
4. Ethical governance
Decentralization without values recreates harm.
5. Patience
Impact systems mature slower but last longer.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share a story?
By building infrastructure that removes cost, fear, and confusion for people seeking help at vulnerable moments. Success, to me, means fewer people being taken advantage of when they can least afford it.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Build for those who need help and efficiency.” That principle has guided every meaningful decision I’ve made.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-may2/
Thank you so much for this. This was very enlightening!
Crypto for Good: Anthony May Of NeedAnAttorney On The Social Impact Projects Using Blockchain fo was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.