Illustration of Gears and Cogs

Hofstra Law

Fifth Annual
National Legal Innovation Tournament

The New York State Bar Association

Hofstra University - Maurice A. Deane School of Law

Hofstra University - Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science

Hofstra University Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

present the

FIFTH Annual
National Legal Innovation Tournament

In this ideation competition, student teams ideate and pitch ideas for innovative software that can change the face of dispute resolution.

March 6, 2026 | Virtual Event

Take the first step to turn your ideas into a reality where alternative dispute resolution is more accessible, efficient, and effective.

The winning team will receive $3,500 thanks to the generous support of the Dispute Resolution and the Commercial & Federal Litigation Sections of the New York State Bar Association and the law firm of Bond Schoeneck & King, LLP.

Co-sponsored by

Bond, Schoeneck & King Attorneys
Center for Justice Innovation
JAMS
The American Arbitration Association
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 innovative thinkers to participate. Open to all Law and STEM students.

Student Registration Legal Expert Registration

Tournament Rules

Each team will be supported by IT advisors and legal experts in the fields of social justice, dispute resolution, and litigation. The teams will propose ideas for innovative software that has the potential to increase access to alternative dispute resolution and make the process more efficient and effective.

Tournament Info Sessions

Tuesday, November 11, 12-12:30 p.m. EST, Held Via Zoom

Friday, November 21, 12-12:30 p.m. EST, Held Via Zoom

Wednesday, January 14, 12-12:30 p.m. EST, Held Via Zoom

At these info sessions, students will review the schedule, rules of the Tournament and meet the judges. Students will also meet the experts who will help them compete in the Tournament. After attending an info session, students can begin to formulate their ideas for the Tournament.

Registrants need to attend one of these sessions

Friday, March 6, 2026

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

Morning I

The teams will attend a short orientation and then each team will move to its own virtual room to brainstorm. IT advisors and legal experts in the fields of social justice, dispute resolution, and litigation will support each team. With support from its assigned experts, each team will ideate a concept and design for their innovation and then prepare their pitch.

Morning II

Each team will present its idea to a panel of judges. The winning teams will advance to the finals. Experts will continue to support the advancing teams.

Afternoon I

The finalists will work to finalize their innovation and pitch.

Afternoon II

Finalists will pitch their innovation to a panel of judges. The judges will then deliberate and select a winning team.