Why LWOW?

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LWOW Sprint Reviews

“Back home after my debut at LawWithoutWalls Sprint 2023 in St Gallen, Switzerland, and reflecting on a fantastic experience. Making valuable connections with great people and getting a chance to innovate with a community truly focused on the future of law. Thank you to all at LWOW for the opportunity, I hope to be back next year.”

MATTHEW BRIDGE, Director global product liability and disputes, WHIRLPOOL

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“Thank you so much once again for organising LWOW Sprint 2022! It was a changing experience for me. . . To me the experience was very much like reading The Alchemist (people say that you don't find the book... the book finds you) and after reading it everything just clicks... same feeling with LWOW.”

Mary Kafui AVEVOR, RELATIONSHIP MANAGeR, ECOBANK GHANA LIMITED

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“When I set off for Segovia for the LawWithoutWalls innovation hackathon I wasn't sure what to expect but no matter, it certainly exceeded what I would have imagined. An invaluable way to spend 3 days:

• learning from motivated and diverse teammates

• challenging my typical problem solving "go to's" in favor of new methods and questions

• testing new ways to connect with colleagues, teammates and audiences

Huge thanks to Drew Winslaw, Erika Concetta Pagano and the rest of the Simmons & Simmons and LawWithoutWalls teams for inviting Booking.com and making it all possible.”

Kate Dewitt, Senior Managing Counsel, BOOKING.COM

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"LWOW is dragging the legal profession into the 21st century through the use of technology and the enthusiasm of inspirational individuals."

in-house lawyer, BUPA

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Law + Business Professionals:

100%

OF Professionals

would recommend LWOW to their colleagues, clients, partners, professors, and others.

98%

OF professionals

agree that LWOW increased their knowledge of and ability to collaborate with teammates from different countries & cultures.

95%

OF ProfessionalS

agree that LWOW measurably improved their communication and presentation skills.

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Innovation, Tech, Law + Business

"Through LawWithoutWalls, I experienced firsthand the new and evolving technologies on the market and more effective ways to communicate with my team and clients, gained a better understanding of the current challenges facing the legal market, and generated ideas to help resolve some of the problems we face day to day in legal practice."

SENIOR ASSOCIATE, Eversheds

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Skills, Competencies + Collaboration

“Two skills that I've learned over the last couple of years participating in LWOW Sprint. Firstly, I've learned to listen to people that have probably less experience or maybe even less skills than me in a given topic which made me a much more inclusive person at work and probably more pleasant to work with; and quite frankly the ideas of people with a different perspective are important to be heard. Secondly I've learned to compromise and be little bit more courageous to to accept solutions that are 60-80% and our business partners would probably appreciate that tremendously.”

FORMER CHIEF LEGAL INNOVATION OFFICER, NOVARTIS; LEGAL INNOVATIONS & OPERATIONS LEADER, EY 

"It was immensely interesting, thought-provoking and inspirational. I never considered being a lawyer could be as creative and entrepreneurial. I have recommended my company to continue participating in this programme so that each young lawyer in our Group could be energized and inspired by this wonderful program."

LEGAL COUNSEL, VOLVO

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Community + Thought Leadership

“Had an absolutely fantastic time at the LawWithoutWalls legal #hackathon this weekend in St Gallen, Switzerland. The positivity, passion, and energy about finding innovative solutions to problems in the legal sector was amazing to see. In addition to all the design thinking skills we learned, what will really stay with me are the connections I’ve made with such an intelligent, lovely, and dedicated bunch of people. A big shout-out to our entire team, all other participants, and the organizers. I’m sure we’ll stay in touch!”

SHABAZ AHMED,SENIOR ASSOCIATE, DLA piper

"LawWithoutWalls is an opportunity for lawyers to have direct access to and interact with the world of law, its academic and professional leaders (and pioneers) and students from all countries and cultures. This enables the lawyers to gain insight on the law industry, foresee and adapt in light of any potential changes shaping the industry, learn from other members in the community on how to innovate and create new opportunities in the world of law, face and overcome challenges relating to the legal profession and succeed as a an entrepreneur and as lawyer."

in-house lawyer, Yahoo!

"I’ve found it quite inspiring to be in such an environment listening and contributing to ideas on issues which impact us all—it’s helped act as a reminder to me about the importance of keeping a keen eye on the future of the legal industry as it’s so easy to focus solely on the unrelenting day-to-day activity we all have."

LEGAL COUNSEL, HSBC

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Client Relationships

"I was impressed by Eversheds’ vision in sponsoring a team with us in LawWithoutWalls. It’s talking about future generations, community, commitment, and sustainable client relationships, all of which are long-term investments that not every law firm is willing to invest in. LawWithWalls helps me differentiate Eversheds from other international law firms. I also got to know the partners and associate of Eversheds on a personal level, which strengthens the trust between us."

LEGAL COUNSEL, Li & FUng Ltd

“Through LawWithoutWalls, the external lawyers who work at the sponsoring law firm have got a far better understanding of what we want, how they might differentiate themselves, how they might be curious about what we, as an organization, are up to. And what we really find interesting is the flow through to RFP responses and pitches:  I can normally tell even who have been on LawWithoutWalls with us as they have got a much better, much deeper understanding of what we're all about.”

KENNY ROBERTSON, HEAD OF OUTSOURCING, TECHNOLOGY & IP, NATWEST GROUP UK

"Eversheds’ sponsorship of LawWithoutWalls firmly demonstrates the firm’s commitment to innovation and the future of law. These qualities are important to Barclays, and certainly play in Eversheds favour when considering the use of external counsel.”

VP & LEGAL COUNSEL, BARCLAYS

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Talent Recruitment

"I was able to meet many lawyers and build positive, lasting relationships in a way that would usually not be possible (or take considerably longer to achieve)."

GROUP LEGAL COUNSEL, RICOH

 "LWOW is unique in the marketplace: bringing together students, academics and professional mentors from across the globe, looking to collaborate and develop new ideas in a genuinely innovative way. LWOW also gives unprecedented opportunity to network with a wide range of diverse people—I hope to build lasting relationships with many of those whom I met as part of LWOW. What an incredible experience!" 

SENIOR ASSOCIATE, Eversheds

"Through LWOW, I interacted with other law practitioners and learned from their experience. I connected with members of the community and established long term relationships, broadened my network, and expanded my professional opportunities."

in-house lawyer, Yahoo!

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Students:

“I can honestly say that LawWithoutWalls has been the best experience I have had in law school.  I loved the ability to interact with a team of international attorneys and students in order to develop a real-world solution to a legal issue.  It has been the most hands-on, applicable experience I've had in law school.”

Babi espir, STANFORD LAW SCHOOL

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LWOW Takeaways

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100%

OF STUDENTS

agree that LWOW was one of the best experiences in the course of their degree.

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“LWOW Sprint is a program like no other. After 2 months and 3 sprint days of "hacking", I can definitely say the legal industry has big shoes to fill in terms of innovation and client satisfaction. Throughout the process, Michele DeStefano and the whole LawWithoutWalls team have shown us the huge benefits of working in interdisciplinary and culturally rich groups. Everyone has different skills and perspectives they can bring. Even though I want to share everything I have learned and experienced during this journey, I believe 5 top lessons will be enough.

1. Take chances. Introduce yourself, speak up and be yourself.

2. Listening is key. You will acknowledge other people's skills and talents.

3. Ask the right questions. Ask why! Get to know the client's pain points and their hopes.

4. Never trust your first, second or third solution. Do not solve for the symptom but the true problem.

5. Be silly. Everyone is just as scared as you are and it will help break down barriers.

On a different note, our Simmons & Simmons and Booking.com team won the Audience Choice vote. This experience would have not been the same without my great team. Sarah Nelson Smith, you taught us how to be a leader and that self-reflection is not a sign of weakness. Kate DeWitt, you showed us that disagreeing is key to thinking outside the box. Mari Cruz Taboada, our incredible coach who stood by our side each step of the way. Emily Meigh showed us how to step up in pressure situations. Lindsey Melnecsuk—a pillar and a true team player. Kelvin A Grah was a key link to keep the group together and push on through the difficulties. Wendi Fischer, you were our cheerleader all along. Luisa Fernanda Hernández Sánchez gave us crucial insight and contributions. Finally, Stanislas Lejeune your assertive comments and will to succeed influenced the whole group. Love you all, thanks for the memories and hope you continue being as incredible as you are.”

luciana Pun, Universidad del Pacifico

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“Thank you for making LWOW Sprint 2022 happen. It was a life changing experience. Being able to collaborate with colleagues sharing my same fascination in legaltech from all over the world, and compete in a healthy and enriching way, opened borders for me not only geographically but also mentally; I acquired knowledge that I now have the inclination to spread in the culture of law in my country, Mexico.

I would like to share to all those dedicated to the legal world that it is possible to break the traditional framework of law from a labor perspective as well as in innovation. Involving creativity in the creation and implementation of new ideas in our field can improve the practice and access to law in our country.”

Claudia Gabriela Felix Castanos, UNIVERSIDAD PANAMERICANA

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"Energized + excited to be surrounded by such a supportive and creative community in the legal innovation space. You guys are giving me a new version of myself which I did not even know existed."

Thabo magubane, University of kwazulu-Natal

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“I loved the union of the professional practice of a lawyer with corporate innovation. I think the innovation element is something somewhat distant from the traditional education and practice of our profession, and I loved it! The process of creativity is addictive and very challenging, and it is one of the many reasons why I would be honored to participate in this program again.”

sebastian mozo, pontificia universidad católica de chile

"The whole experience was definitely a highlight of my law school career so far. I learned so much and was pushed out of my comfort zone."

PAULINA HARIRBAFAN, OSGOODE SCHOOL OF LAW

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“The LawWithoutWalls experience is priceless. The challenges of perspective, language, and culture are a source of joy for me. I learned from this experience what it will take to motivate diverse teams, and organize them more effectively.”

STUDENT, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON

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“Upon entering law school, it is easy to lose sight of your creativity, which once seemed so clear and inseparable from your identity.  LawWithoutWalls, for me, was the first time in my two years of legal scholarship that I finally felt like I could do more with my career than just joining a firm.  I will never forget LawWithoutWalls as it gave me the ability to recapture a part of myself that I had fear I had forgotten or lost.”

STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

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How will LWOW impact you?