Illustration of Gears and Cogs

Hofstra Law

Third Annual
National Legal Innovation Tournament

The New York State Bar Association

Hofstra University - Maurice A. Deane School of Law

Hofstra University - Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Hofstra University - Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science

present the

Third Annual
National Legal Innovation Tournament

Compete against law and computer science students to design “apps” that help change the face of dispute resolution.

October 13, 2023 | Virtual Event

The apps, when developed, would be used to increase access to alternative dispute resolution processes and make such processes more efficient and effective.

Finalists will work with Hofstra University’s computer technologists to develop a prototype of the app. The winning team will receive $500 thanks to the generous support of the Dispute Resolution of the New York State Bar Association.

Co-sponsored by

JAMS
The American Arbitration Association

With special thanks to our Award Sponsor

Dispute Resolution Section of the New York State Bar Association

Register

Students can register as individuals or teams of 3 or 4. Individual registrants will be placed on a team. No prior technical background is required, and there is no cost to participate.

We seek imaginative, creative thinkers to participate. Open to all law and computer science students.

Tournament Rules

Students will be teamed with computer science students from Hofstra University and legal experts in the fields of dispute resolution, as well as seasoned litigators. Registrants will compete to propose technology innovations to increase and enhance the use, function and utility of dispute resolution processes.

Tournament Timeline

Friday, September 22, noon-1 p.m., Held Via Zoom
Thursday, September 28, noon-1 p.m., Held Via Zoom

These workshops will review how the Tournament works, as well as the rules of the Tournament. Students will also hear from the legal experts, who will also serve as instructors and facilitators, so that you can begin your creative process and formulate ideas for the Tournament in October.

Registrants need to attend one of these sessions

Friday, October 13, 2023

The Innovation Tournament is a one-day event. Here is the tournament’s schedule:

Morning I

Registrants will participate in a short orientation and then be placed in a virtual room along with computer technologists, dispute resolution practitioners, individuals who work in social services, and litigators to brainstorm. Each team will design a written draft of their app idea with the support of the experts in their virtual room.

Morning II

Participants will present their app to a panel of judges and the winners will advance to the semifinals. These semifinalists will work with the experts assigned to further hone their apps.

Afternoon I

Semifinal Round
Participants will further refine their presentation and present to the judges to determine the finalists.

Afternoon II

Final Round
Finalists will present their apps to a panel of judges