#GLH2020

#LONDON

Free to enter - supported by our Our Sponsors

Our goal - improving the practice and business of law, and access to law

March 6-8, 2020 / University of Westminster,

Marylebone Campus (near Baker Street station)

and this year we've added the GLH Inclusivity Challenge

Cambridge Strategy Group, Agile Elephant, and University of Westminster are the joint hosts of the London event for the world’s largest legal hackathon – the Global Legal Hackathon (GLH) on March 6-8.  On the 8 March a winner will be declared for London and that team will go through to the global (virtual) semi finals on 22 March.   The finalists will be announced,  and those teams will be invited to the gala finals held at a banquet in London on a date and a venue in May to be announced shortly.  Go to our FAQ section for a complete explanation of how to enter, get involved, the rules and guidelines, timings for the hackathon weekend and all of the information and resources available.  This site covers the London event, follow this link for the Global site, or this link for the rules & guidelines.   

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The goal is to bring the legal industry together, world-wide, to apply innovative ideas and emerging technologies to progress the business of law, or to facilitate access to the law from the public.

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More than 5,000 participants, in more than 50 cities 

and the Global Final is in London!

Sustainability and COVID-19 Virus 

To try and reduce waste from the event please bring your own water bottles to use at the refill points and travel mugs for hot drinks.  We will have a supply of paper cups for those that don't bring their own.  

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We are following the NHS guidance on COVID-19, which is currently "business as usual" for public event and gatherings.  It says you only need to stay away from public places (self-isolate) if advised to by the 111 online coronavirus service or a medical professional.

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We’ll have a limited supply of hand sanitiser at the meal times, but it would be great if you bring your own, as well as using the hand washing facilities at the Campus.

 

And please, don't forget to tell us in advance if you have special dietary requirements.   

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What is a Hackathon?

Nothing to do with hacking computers!

 

A hackathon is a competition where multi-disciplinary teams come together to collaborate, build and launch mobile, web apps or any other innovations aimed at solving a particular problem. They usually work in small groups over a couple of days.  People can come individually or as a team, with an existing idea to pitch, or to listen and join one of the teams that will be formed at the start of the event.  The goal is to come up with a prototype or proposal at the end of the hackathon to present in front of a panel of judges.

 

In our case teams will be a minimum of 3 and no more than 10.  Anyone has the chance to pitch an idea at the start of the event on Friday evening, teams will be formed, they’ll work over the weekend, and then present to the judges at the end of the weekend.  A winner will be declared for London and that team will go through to a global competition, culminating with a winner announced at a banquet in a city and a date to be arranged.  Check out our FAQ for all of the latest London news, information, rules, guidelines, timings for the hackathon weekend and how to enter. 

 

GLH Inclusivity Challenge

The Global Legal Hackathon has announced a worldwide collaboration with with She Breaks the Law, RSG Consulting, and global law firm BCLP to launch the GLH Inclusivity Challenge.  Since this year the GLH weekend coincides with International Women’s Day (March 8), the idea is a natural fit!  The challenge is as follows:

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“Participants and teams around the world, in every Global Legal Hackathon city, are challenged to invent new ways to increase equity, diversity, and inclusion in the legal industry.” 

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At the conclusion of GLH weekend, a local winner of the GLH Inclusivity Challenge will be selected by each city alongside the main winner, and will progress to a global semi-finals too. This will be an extra stream and, like the main stream, finalists will be invited to the GLH Finals & Gala, to be held in London in mid-May. On top of that, the overall winner of the GLH Inclusivity Challenge will be invited to present its solution during a diversity and inclusion summit that BCLP is planning to host in September, where leading figures from the industry will be asked to commit to ensuring the idea is brought to life and scaled up to deliver a lasting impact on the legal industry as a whole.

 

Location

The London event for the world’s largest legal hackathon – the Global Legal Hackathon (GLH) will be held at University of Westminster, Marylebone Campus at 35 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LS (near Baker Street station).  They are kindly providing use of an auditorium, classrooms and work spaces right in the centre of London.

 
 

Organisers

Global Thinking

50+

The Hackathon will take place in over 50 cities globally.

6

The Hackathon will take place in over 6 continents.

60+

The Hackathon will be hosted by over 60 companies.

 

Hosts and Sponsors

London Hosts

London Sponsors

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London Venue and Supporters

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BRYTER's no-code platform

For GLH2020, along with law firms BCLP and White & Case, our 3rd technology sponsor is Berlin/London based no-code automation platform BRYTER. Their product is a software platform that allows lawyers to develop applications without coding, so an ideal addition to the technology options available for participants in GLH2020.

 

If you would like free access to BRYTER during the hackathon, then please reach out at glh2020@bryter.io. Please include details of your team members, your organization and a brief description of what you are looking to build with BRYTER.  If you want to use their platform in this way, the deadline for submissions is March 3th, 2020, 8 pm.  Our friends at BRYTER look forward to hearing from you.

 

FAQ

General

How much does it cost?

Registration is free, but we also offer sponsorship opportunities for those who are interested. To become a sponsor, please, email robert.millard@camstrategy.com or dt@d2c.org.uk.



Will there be food?

We are catering for more than 200, maybe up to 400 participants comprising more than 20 teams. There will be a plentiful supply of tea, coffee, water and meals (sandwiches/pizza, etc. - kindly provided by our sponsors). We'll add more details here soon (and we'll cater for non-meat eaters or gluten free too, but please warn us if you have any special dietary requirements). We will provide lunch and an evening meal, but not breakfast, so please grab a bite on your way in on Saturday and Sunday please. You are welcome to bring your own food and refreshments if you want too.



What are the times of the Hackathon?

The times for the Hackathon are as follows... Friday 6 March 17:00 - 18:00: Check in and Networking Friday 6 March 18:00 - 19:00: Introduction, Idea Pitches and Team Formation Friday 6 March 19:00 - 24:00: Development time Saturday 7 March 00:00 - 24:00: Development time Sunday 8 March 00:00 - 15:00: Development time Sunday 8 March 15:00 - 17:00: Presentations Sunday 8 March 17:00 - 17:30: Judges deliberation Sunday 8 March 17:30 - 18:00: Winners announced Please note, this year we have 24 hour access for those who want to work though the night.



How can I promote the event on social media?

Join us in writing about the event on twitter, facebook, instagram and your blog. Tag your posts and tweets with the hashtags #GLH2020 and #London too. Share our posts and tweets, and check out Artificial Lawyer and the GLH Blog as well.



Can I bring an idea or some code that I've started to the hackathon?

Of course, you can definitely come with ideas and do your research beforehand, as long as they haven't been materialized into actual tangible products or organizations prior to the start of the event. The first evening will be when everyone pitches their ideas and when teams form. In 2018 we started with just 3 ideas, followed by discussions, which then grew to over a dozen ideas and then they combined and coalesced in to the 6 ideas and teams that worked through the weekend. In 2019 we had 20 teams. This year we have much more space so we are hoping to have more.



Will there be communication with teams & attendees in the run up to the event?

This website will always have the definitive information and links to what's going on for the GLH in London, but all participants will receive regular email updates, for attendees as well as hosts, helpers, mentors, judges and the global organisers. You can use the form at the end of this site to communicate ahead of the event, ask questions of the London host team, as well as check out Global hackathon issues. It might be easier to join our Slack community and don't forget to join the #glh-london channel specifically for the London event. Contact us if you need an invite, but each newlsetter will have a reminder of how to join. You will be able to communicate there with other London attendees in advance. We need you to follow the sign up process which will be published shortly in an upcoming newsletter as well as appearing on this site. Registration by following one of the buttons to Eventbrite is also essential, because that that's how we will generate your security name badge for the weekend.



Can you explain Registration and electronic Acceptance of the rules?

This year’s registration and acceptance of rules is different from last year and is a two stage process. First you need to register - follow any of the registration button links on this site to our Eventbrite event page to book a ticket. This will subsequently generate a profile on the global site. We generate your access badge/wrist band for coming and going over the weekend of the hackathon at University of Westminster from your Eventbrite ticket. Secondly, we need you to sign and accept the rules of the competition - we will confirm that process shortly. There will be a link to the rules, and a process of electronic signature and acceptance. You need to do that any time before the actual event weekend. We’ll remind you to accept the rules in our newsletter/emails in the run up to the event. Both of these steps are mandatory for particpating in this year's hackathon. Hopefully the process will be as easy or easier than last year. As part of the process you should join our London specific Slack community for messages, to ask us questions and you will also be able to communicate with other attendees in the run up to the event. You could also use Slack to create your own private team groups and use the community space to collaborate with your team members in advance. If in doubt check out the attendee knowledge base, or email us for help. The GLH global organisers provide help to guide you through the process. Please note, all helpers, mentors, and judges need to register as well please - that's how we generate name badges and track overall attendance at the venue for health and safety reasons.



How can I help?

We need: Hacker teams and team members – Anyone involved in the law, interested in the law, involved in technology for the law, or coders and technologists who want to join the fun. We know some firms will submit teams, and other teams will form around a great idea at the GLH. Helpers – We need volunteers over the weekend of March 6-8 to make it happen and keep everyone happy. Mentors – We need subject matter experts and technologists who can mentor the teams over the weekend to help crystallise their ideas, challenge them, or keep them on track. Judges – We have assembled a balanced team of six fantastic judges. Sponsors – As well as the venue we will be providing food and drinks, name tags and supplies. We may even add a main prize and additional prizes. We need sponsors interested in helping us fund all of this. This is a ‘not for profit’ exercise for the hosts, but we need to cover our costs. If you want to get involved please email Robert Millard or David Terrar (and don't forget to register!)



What size teams can enter?

Teams should be a minimum of 3 and a suggested maximum of 6 (but no more than 10). You don't have to form a team ahead of the event, but you can if you want to, and individuals are welcome too. We want to make the event as inclusive as possible, so if you've formed a team ahead of time you need to be open to individuals joining your team in the first evening of the event. We also want individuals to come on that first evening to form a team or find a team they can join.



Have you got any tips so I get the best out of the event?

Yes, follow this link for some ideas about what to do before the hackathon in the attendee knowledge base, and have a good look around at all the advice there.



How is GLH2020 London connected with Pink Floyd?

In 1963 Roger Waters and Nick Mason met while studying architecture at the London Polytechnic (which became the University of Westminster). They first played music together in a group formed by Keith Noble and Clive Metcalfe with Noble's sister Sheilagh. Richard Wright, a fellow architecture student, joined later that year, and the group became a sextet with the name Sigma 6. Guitarist Bob Klose joined in 1964, prompting Waters' switch to bass. In 1964, as Metcalfe and Noble left to form their own band, guitarist Syd Barrett joined. The band went through many name changes, eventually settling on the Tea Set. Klose quit the band in mid-1965 and Barrett took over lead guitar. The group first referred to themselves as the Pink Floyd Sound in late 1965. Barrett created the name on the spur of the moment when he discovered that another band, also called the Tea Set, were to perform at one of their gigs. The name is derived from the given names of two blues musicians whose Piedmont blues records Barrett had in his collection, Pink Anderson and Floyd Council. So the early versions of the band that became Pink Floyd was formed and rehearsed at what is now University of Westminster and played in the big room next to the auditorium that we will be using for food and networking during the hackathon. Fun fact - there is a band out of New Jersey formed in 1999 that plays 60s psychedelia and power pop influenced music called The Anderson Council (and you now know where their name comes from).



How is GLH2020 London connected with Jimi Hendrix and Cream?

On 1 October 1966 Cream were playing the Polytechnic on stage at Portland Hall within the Regent Campus, just a week after manager Chas Chandler brought Jimi Hendrix to the UK to launch his career. Chas talked to Cream apparently saying “I’ve got this friend who would love to jam with you.” They let him on stage and played Howlin’ Wolf’s ‘Killing Floor’. Eric Clapton is quoted as saying: “He got up and blew everyone’s mind. I just thought ‘ahh, someone that plays the stuff I love in the flesh, on stage with me. I was actually privileged to be (on stage with him)… it’s something that no one is ever going to beat; that incident, that night, it’s historic in my mind but only a few people are alive that would remember it.”



How late can we work, do we have 24/7 access like last year?

Pretty late, but not 24/7. Unfortunately at the Marylebone Campus we don't have 24/7 access like last year. It will stay open till 23:00 on the first Friday evening, and 22:00 on Saturday evening. The facility opens at 8 in the morning. On Sunday, following the awards ceremony the event will finish no later than 19:00.



What teamworking space do we have on Campus?

The main event, team formation, and Sunday presentations will be in the Hogg Lecturer Theatre on the 2nd floor (350 capacity). We have 10x Classrooms (38 people capacity each) for teams. First come, first served. We'll use a large event room (MG28) for catering, networking, coffee/tea, situated on the ground floor. There is a co-working space in the main reception as a breakout space or alternate workspace. Marylebone campus is open 8:00 till 22:00, but we have extended Friday to 23:00.



Rules

How will the Hackathon be judged?

We have assembled a team of 6 judges - check that section in this FAQ. The rules, guidelines and judging criteria are explained on this page in the attendee knowledgebase. Here is the judging rubric you will be marked against, so check out all the things your team needs to cover in their entry.



What are the rules and guidelines?

The Global Legal Hackathon Competition Official Rules can be found here. Attendees must acknowledge acceptance of the rules to participate in the event. Go to that page, follow the link to EchoSign and electronically sign your acceptance. We just want to emphasize the point - everyone must follow that link to accept the rules before they can participtate in the weekend. The full rules and guidelines are explained in the attendee knowledgebase.



Sponsorship

How can I help?

As well as hacker teams and participants, we need helpers on the day, mentors to advise the teams, judges and sponsors. If you want to get involved, please, email Robert Millard or David Terrar. If you want to sponsor, please look at the next question.



How can I sponsor the event?

As this is a non-profit event, we are currently seeking sponsors. They will be mentioned in the literature produced for the event, their logo will be included on the London event website, on a poster displayed at the event and they will be acknowledged and thanked at the GLH opening and close, and be allowed to display a banner in the reception area at the hackathon. If you would like to become a sponsor, please, email Robert Millard or David Terrar to discuss the options



Technology

What technlogies can my team use?

There are no restrictions, you can use any technology that makes sense or that you have access to. One of our sponsors, BRYTER, are offering free use of their platform for teams who have pre-registerd with them before the event (see separate question below). We hope to provide free access to some other technlogies, to be announced soon. However, the Global support team have provided access to a whole set of tools in a hub and resource toolkit which is all described in the attendee help here. Please note that access to these technologies isn't unlimited and is provided on a first come first served basis. Please check out the details of each individual offer from our sponsors and supporters to check terms and availability as soon as you can.



What productivity tools and resources do you recommend we use?

As with technology, you can use whatever tools and resources that make sense for your team. There is guidance and a really comprehensive resource toolkit in the attendee knowledgebase.



Should my team be using Design Thinking?

Design is crucial, and you ought to make sure you've got design expertise in your team. We definitely recommend you consider a Design Thinking approach for your project at the hackathon. Here is an introduction to Design Thinking, which links to resources to help you find out more.



Can I bring an idea or some code that I've started to the hackathon?

You can definitely come with ideas and do your research beforehand, as long as they haven't been materialized into actual tangible products or organizations prior to the start of the event.



What about the BRYTER no-code platform?

Our 3rd sponsor is Berlin/London based no-code automation platform BRYTER. Their product is a software platform that allows lawyers to develop applications without coding, so an ideal addition to the technology options available for participants in GLH2020. If you would like free access to BRYTER during the hackathon, then please reach out at glh2020@bryter.io. Please include details of your team members, your organization and a brief description of what you are looking to build with BRYTER. If you want to use their platform in this way, the deadline for submissions is March 3th, 2020, 8 pm. Our friends at BRYTER look forward to hearing from you.



Finding Help

Is there a general help resource for attendees and teams?

There is a very comprehensive global attendee knowledge base for all teams and attendees linked here. We will publish specific London guidance, or link to it here in this FAQ. Check back regularly for the latest news. Look at the technlogy section of this FAQ for guidance on platforms, tools and technlogies that you might use.



I've registered, what should I do before the Hackathon?

Watch for news here and in our email newsletters. You can connect and collaborate with other Hackathon attendees before the start by joining the GLH Slack community. Follow that link, but also once you are in join the specfic #glh-london channel for our London event. The attendee knowledge base has lots of suggestions and tips and guidance on forming teams. Follow this link and have a good look around.



Can teams connect and collaborate in advance of the event?

This website will always have the definitive information and links to what's going on for the GLH in London. Everyone must follow a sign up process which starts with booking your place on Eventbrite. Subsequently by email you'll be asked to electronically sign to confirm you've accepted the terms and conditions and judging rules. We are using Slack communities to communicate Folow this link to join the Global GLH community, but the also join the #glh-london channel, specifically set up for our London event. .



Judges & Mentors

Who are the judges?

We are delighted with this year's talented and experienced judging panel: Mo Zain Ajaz (Global Head of Legal Operational Excellence National Grid)
Elizabeth Duff (Dean of Westminster Law School)
Chris Grant (LawTech Director at Barclays Ventures)
Rosemary Martin (GC, Vodafone)
Jenifer Swallow (Director, LawTech Delivery Panel) Priya Lele (Legal Operations Lead, Client Solutions, UK, US & EMEA, Herbert Smith Freehills) Nicola Tulk (Programme Manager, Better Markets Nesta Challenges)



Who are the mentors?

We won't allocate specific mentors to specific teams, but we do have a great line up of roving mentors to help, advise and challenge the teams across all of the disciplines. Some will be available all weekend, while others will volunteer time when they can across Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Please don't hesitate to make use of them.
Onsite Mentors:
Frank Jennings Keith Hardie Rob Millard David Terrar Offsite mentors: If there is any particular help or guidance you need, just ask and we'll endeavour to arrange a call with a subject matter expert. Even though our SRA friends can't be with us, Emma Tunley has offered remote mentoring in two ways. You can send her a brief overview of your presentation and she'll review the ideas and give her input from the SRA perspective. As well, she is available for a call. If you are interested, mail or text David Terrar.



Contact

For any questions or queries, please, use the contact form below.

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London Global Legal Hackathon