Law students to participate in global, interdisciplinary think tank

Sharon and James recently returned from the kick-off at Harvard University and shared their experiences before they embark on the final Conposium at the University of Miami.

A unique initiative, Law Without Walls (LWOW) brings together 100 students from 30 law and business schools from around the globe, with business, entrepreneur, academic and legal mentors.

Over a four-month period, teams of students will identify a law-related problem and create a business plan as part of the solution.

“The opportunity to participate in a global, interdisciplinary think tank exploring the nexus of technology, business and law is one of a kind,” said Sharon

“I hoped to be able to experience the forefront of change in the legal environment.

“As a business and law student, I saw LWOW as a chance to tackle challenges in a uniquely twenty-first century way, developing the professional and interpersonal skills needed to thrive in the legal market in this digital age,” said Sharon.

LWOW refines professional skills, renews the law market with innovations across law, business, technology, as well as revitalising relationships with colleagues, clients and future talent from around the world.

"LWOW is a unique opportunity for The University of Sydney Law School to showcase how lateral, creative and talented our students are in a world class community,” said Dr Rita Shackel, Associate Professor at The University of Sydney Law School and LWOW Faculty Lead and Academic Mentor.

“The program harnesses through collective effort the brightest minds from the best law and business schools to solve problems facing the legal profession and legal education.

"Students participating in LWOW experience an unparalleled opportunity to utilise their finely tuned research, critical thinking and communication skills in problem solving to achieve practical, entrepreneurial and socially responsible solutions with real world impact.”

Sharon and James recently attended the LWOW Kick Off at Harvard University.

“Experiencing the renowned Harvard campus itself was a highlight of our trip, despite the bitter cold, particularly as we were able to hear an inspiring address on the future of law from Martha Minow, the Dean of Harvard Law School.  

“We not only met but worked with students, academics, legal and business professionals from every continent in the 24-hour Hackathon, where groups were tasked with pitching a business solution to a contemporary legal issue,” said Sharon and James.

The pair will be attending the Conposium at The University of Miami in April, presenting their final projects to a panel of judges, made up of academics, legal professionals and venture capitalists.

As for the long-term future, Sharon would like to work in an area that combines her interest in marketing and law.

“My LWOW project has assisted with my long-term vision, as we are exploring modern ways for corporate in-house counsel to generate value for their business.

“It has highlighted how we can use creative, technological and business skills to innovate the legal practice, and hopefully this is something I can continue to engage in the future.

“Having interned overseas in 2016, I am also considering a career where I can work across borders and so LWOW, in facilitating physical and virtual cross-cultural teamwork, has been an invaluable experience,” said Sharon.

James would like to enter the legal workforce and generate social change.

“My LWOW project involves tackling the current issues faced by migrants in detention. My experience in LWOW will equip me with the ability to look at contemporary legal issues and generate and implement practical solutions to these problems,” he said.

The program aims to accelerate innovation and is designed to prepare experienced and inexperienced talent with new skills and network contacts to make them more successful global business leaders.

Students will leave the program with knowledge and expertise to meet the challenges of economic pressures, technological advances and globalisation, which is significantly reshaping the legal industry.

We will update you on their experiences when they return.