From 15 – 17 March 2024, Bucerius MLB student Juan Pablo Malaver took part in the three-day LWOW Sprint event hosted by IE University in Madrid. Over the course of 3 intense and challenging days, participants were allocated to talented and multidisciplinary teams composed of a mix of intergenerational legal and business professionals, academics, and law/business school students from around the world.
The teams were sponsored by a corporate legal department, law firm or law/legal tech company and worked to solve real business-of-law problems or social responsibility challenges.
The Law Without Walls Sprint 2024 was taught with the innovative 3-4-5 method (3 Phases-48 Hacking Hours-5 Stages) and included collaboration exercises, intensive hacking as well as a mini-composium. Juan Pablo Malaver talked to us about his experience.
What attracted you to participate in Law Without Walls?
I was attracted to participate considering LWOWs nature and innovative approach to legal education. We collaborated with other students and professionals from diverse backgrounds, working on real-world legal challenges with the guidance of mentors and industry experts. The prospect of gaining practical experience, networking opportunities, and developing skills in areas like teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation were very enticing.
What´s the first thing that comes to your mind when thinking about the LWOW experience?
The networking experience and the bonding everyone had during the sprint and presentations. It was amazing meeting a very interesting group of people.
How intensive was the preparation for the pitches?
The preparation for pitches in LWOW can be quite intensive. Teams typically spend a significant amount of time researching, brainstorming, drafting, and refining their presentations. This involves not only developing a thorough understanding of the legal issues at hand but also crafting compelling arguments and visuals to effectively communicate their ideas to judges and stakeholders.
The 7 weeks before the event required about 2 - 4 hours a week. For the weekend it was 12 hours a day.
Tell us more about your LWOW Sprint challenge?
My challenge was affecting a bank in Scotland ongoing a digital transformation. Essentially, they have troubling issues as to how to train lawyers to use AI tools to develop more client centricity. It was very interesting to come up with innovative ideas to tackle this real-life problem.
What inspired you most on this tournament?
Working with industry experts, students and mentors. The entire working process was challenging and fulfilling.
Will you stay in touch with your team members?
I hope so! The team had very good work chemistry.
