2024 LegalTech in Leeds Hackathon: A Day of Innovation and Collaboration

On Thursday 14th March, LegalTech in Leeds hosted its second Hackathon, in partnership with Bruntwood SciTech, at Platform in Leeds.

Sponsored by: Bruntwood SciTech, Calls9, NewRedo, Ward Hadaway and Whitecap Consulting.

The day kicked off with a networking breakfast, fostering connections among attendees. Chloe Thompson, Consultant at Whitecap Consulting, then set the scene with an overview of the day's agenda, starting with welcomes from LegalTech in Leeds and Katherine Megson, Innovation Events & Programmes Manager at Bruntwood SciTech.

As part of the briefing, Chloe did a short Q&A with a member of the 2023 winning hackathon team, Sabryna Scornaienchi, Legal Technologist, Addleshaw Goddard, who gave her advice to this years competing teams. Sabryna advised the teams to use their time effectively and make sure to prep for the pitches, practicing the presentation within the allotted 10-minutes. She also told the teams to play to the diverse skill sets as everyone has value to add.

Following this, Julian Wells, Director at Whitecap Consulting, briefed attendees on the hackathon challenge, focused on finding a technology-based solution to improving access to legal services, as well as the judging criteria for the pitching sessions.

LegalTech in Leeds 2024 Hackathon: Challenge

Armed with their own technology and free rein on low-code and no-code solutions, teams separated into their rooms and got to work on the challenge. Each team boasted a diverse skill set including developers, business analysts, UX specialists, legal experts, and students. Expert Advisors were also on hand throughout the day to provide invaluable support and guidance to the teams.

By lunchtime, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as teams worked with relentless energy and enthusiasm. A well-deserved lunch of sandwiches, crisps, and cookies fueled participants as they prepared for the pitching sessions.

At 16:30, it was time to bring the teams back together for the afternoon session where teams pitched their innovative solutions to a distinguished judging panel:

• Deb Hetherington, Head of Innovation at Bruntwood SciTech
• Gary Gallen, CEO & Founder at rradar
• Adam Roney, Founder and CEO at Calls9
• Susan Ford, Head of Knowledge, DAC Beachcroft
• Tom Matusiak, Director and Legal Director at Leeds Law Society & Stewarts Law

‍

• TRIPPY - AI tool that resolves holiday and travel disputes.
• My Legal Solution - App which supports consumers to understand their legal rights.
• StuLex - Solution which aims to democratise the tenancy and landlord landscape for students.
• Human Rights Connect - Mobile app that links vulnerable people to legal advice and support.

All of the teams had worked extremely hard to deliver fantastic pitches with innovative tech-based solutions.  Once all the teams had presented, the judges praised all of the teams, encouraging them to progress their ideas. It was then time for the judges to announce the 2024 Hackathon winners - Team 3, StuLex. The hackathon concluded with a celebration over drinks and nibbles.

Huge thank you to all participants of the 2024 LegalTech in Leeds Hackathon as well as to the sponsors: Bruntwood SciTech, Calls9, NewRedo, Ward Hadaway and Whitecap Consulting, for making the event a resounding success!

✍️ If you are still yet to secure your place at the 2024 LegalTech in Leeds Conference: Inclusion, Innovation & Inspiration, register here now.