SPRINT 2027 APPLICATION FAQs
Q: WHAT IS LAWwithoutwalls? is it like doctors without borders but for lawyers?
A: Nope! LWOW doesn’t send lawyers around the world to practice law.
LawWithoutWalls (LWOW) brings law, business, technology, and innovation together through experiential learning. At our marquee event—the LWOW Sprint—students work alongside legal and business professionals, academics, and innovators to tackle real challenges and build solutions.
Q: How does LWOW Sprint work?
A: Want the quick version? Join one of our live virtual info sessions with LWOW Director Anita Ritchie. Register HERE for one of two live virtual info sessions:
Info Session 1: 24 September 2026 @19:30-20:00 UTC (3:30 PM - 4:00 PM EDT)
Info Session 2: 7 October 2026 @20:30-21:00 UTC (4:30 PM - 5:00 PM EDT)
Or click HERE to watch a pre-recorded info video.
Q: what is the TIMELINE for LWOW SPRINT 2027?
A: The LWOW experience begins well before Glasgow and continues after Sprint:
16 September 2026: Student applications open
28 October 2026: Application deadline*
20 November 2026: Acceptance/waitlist notifications
13 January–24 February 2027: 7 mandatory virtual Pre-Sprint Learning Modules, Wednesdays, 20:30–22:15 UTC / 3:30–5:15 PM EST
4 March 2027: Student Meet-n-Greet in Glasgow
5–7 March 2027: LWOW Sprint 2027, three full, in-person days hosted in partnership with The Strathclyde Law School
Post-Sprint: Complete your required Creative Reflection
Check your school schedule before applying. You must be available for all required training and all three days of Sprint.
*Participating schools may have an earlier internal application deadline.
Q: What will I actually do as a Student Hacker?
A: Students are “do-ers” on their teams. You are not there to observe or simply assist professionals. You are expected to contribute.
Student Hackers:
Research the team’s assigned challenge to understand the problem, its context, and the people affected by it.
Take clear, detailed notes throughout team discussions, capturing key ideas, decisions, questions, feedback, and next steps so the team can build on its work.
Ask questions, and help identify gaps to help the team refine the challenge into a specific problem to solve.
Use prototype tools to create the prototype with the team, gathering feedback and making changes as the solution develops.
Create the team’s Ignite-style pitch deck & slides, including the content, storyline, and visuals used to explain the Project of Worth.
Rehearse and deliver the final pitch, presenting alongside the Lead Hackers to the judges at ConPosium.
Contribute throughout all three days—take notes, speak up, make decisions, create work product, and help move the team from problem → solution → prototype → pitch.
Q: How big is the time commitment?
A: LWOW is intense—and that's part of the experience.
Before Sprint: Expect approximately 3–4.5 hours per week for 7 weeks, including mandatory training, team meetings, and assigned work.
In Glasgow: Attend the Student Meet-n-Greet on 4 March and be fully available for all three Sprint days, 5–7 March. Teams may work beyond the scheduled sessions as needed.
After Sprint: You'll complete a Post-Sprint Creative Reflection capturing your learning, development, and experience.
And yes, there's one other LWOW tradition: the LWOW Music Video. Participation required.
Q: When DO applicationS OPEN AND WHAT IS THE DEADLINE?
A: Here are the timings:
Applications open: 16 September 2026
Deadline: 28 October 2026
Acceptance/waitlist notification: By 20 November 2026
Participating schools may have an earlier or separate internal deadline, so check with your school. Review the online Application Form HERE.
Q: What do i need to submit for my lwow application?
A: A complete application includes:
Online Application Form
2-minute Interview Video
One Recommendation
LinkedIn URL
CV
Personal interviews may be required. See HOW TO APPLY.
Q: What should my Interview Video include?
A: This is your chance to show us who you are beyond your CV.
In two minutes, answer the Interview Video questions thoughtfully and creatively. We want to see your personality, interests, communication style, and why you would be a strong contributor to an LWOW team.
Visit HOW TO APPLY for Interview Video Questions + Instructions. Follow instructions for creation and submission.
Need inspiration? Yes, we have a highlights reel. Use them for inspiration—not imitation. See what's possible, then make yours your own.
Watch standout LWOW Interview Videos HERE.
Q: Who should write my recommendation?
A: You need one recommendation from a current or former academic or professional supervisor—such as a professor, thesis or research supervisor, manager, or recent boss. Send your recommender the form below. Your application is not complete until we receive it.
The Recommendation Form link can be found HERE.
Q: What is the cost to participate in LWOW?
A: LWOW is a registered 501(C) nonprofit organization. As such we do charge a Program Fee for participation.
For most students outside of Miami Law and University of Strathclyde Law, the fee is typically $800 USD and includes Pre-Sprint Learning and participation in Sprint 2027.
Travel and lodging are not included. LWOW will identify reduced-rate student hotels and facilitate shared rooms for two students; single rooms may be available at a higher cost.
Funding varies by institution: some students are fully funded, some receive partial support, and others are self-funded. If you’re unsure, please contact anita@lwow.org
Q: Can I apply if my school doesn't participate in LWOW?
A: Yes. Students from non-participating schools are welcome to apply, although students from participating schools receive priority.
To be eligible, you must be currently enrolled in a law or business program.
Q: What is a Project of Worth?
A: A Project of Worth (POW!) is the solution your team develops during Sprint.
But the “worth” isn't only the final product. It's also what you gain through the process—new skills, new ways of thinking, stronger collaboration, professional growth, and relationships. Learn more about Projects of Worth HERE.
Q: Could our Project of Worth actually be used?
A: Yes. Teams develop their solutions with real-world viability in mind. Past Projects of Worth have continued beyond Sprint—being further developed, refined, pitched to investors, and even put into practice.
Sprint is only three days, however, so most projects require additional development before implementation.
Q: CAN I CHOOSE MY OWN SPRINT TOPIC?
A: Challenges are selected by LWOW and our sponsoring organizations.
We do, however, consider your interests, skills, and experience when creating teams and may match you with a challenge where you can make a strong contribution. Past years' topics can be viewed HERE. Sprint 2027 teams and topics will be announced in late February 2027.
Q: Can I choose my teammates?
A: No—and that's intentional.
LWOW teams are carefully designed to mix backgrounds, disciplines, cultures, generations, skills, and experience. Learning how to work with people who think, communicate, and approach problems differently from you is an important part of the LWOW experience.
Q: What technology do I need?
A: For virtual Pre-Sprint Learning, you'll need:
A computer with webcam
Strong, reliable internet
Zoom
Earbuds/headphones recommended
Tablets alone are not sufficient.
You must also bring a laptop to Glasgow. You'll use it throughout Sprint for research, collaboration, prototyping, presentations, video/design work, and other team tasks.
Q: What if I can't afford the travel to Glasgow?
A: Start by speaking with your school about available funding or travel support. If additional support may be needed, ask your participating institution to contact LWOW to discuss possible options.
LWOW will also negotiate preferred rates for recommended accommodation and other travel needs, which we'll share in the Sprint 2027 Travel Guide.