LawWithoutWalls 2026 in Portugal: NOVA brought talent and creativity together to solve real-world challenges

NOVA School of Law and NOVA School of Business and Economics (NOVA SBE) had the honour of hosting the 2026 edition of LawWithoutWalls (LWOW) in Portugal for the first time, an international programme on legal and business innovation brings together leaders, professionals and students from institutions around the world. This edition involved 21 law and business schools from 14 countries spanning 5 continents and 8 time zones, forming a global community of leaders, innovators and future changemakers who collaborated across industries, generations and borders.

During the three-day programme, participants from various fields, including law, management, and technology, worked in multidisciplinary teams to address real-world challenges posed by partner companies. They applied their academic knowledge to develop prototypes and present solutions to an international panel of judges. Led by Professor Michele DeStefano, the programme promotes a practical and collaborative approach, focusing on skills such as innovation, teamwork, adaptive leadership, and client-oriented problem solving.

The 2026 edition in Portugal was also made possible by the exceptional LWOW team, including Anita R., Felix Schulte-Strathaus, Ashlynn Widger (project managers), innovation mentors, volunteers and everyone working behind the scenes to make this edition a true success.

International panel of judges

The panel included renowned professionals and academics from various countries with expertise in law, business, academia and industry. These included Dustin Shay (Mission Driven Finance®), Isabel Parker (White & Case LLP), Marcia Narine Weldon (University of Miami School of Law), Margarida Saragoça (VdA Vieira de Almeida), Nikki Keat (The Walt Disney Company) and Soledad Atienza (IE Law School). Professor Margarida Lima Rego, Dean of NOVA School of Law, and Professor Vasco Santos, from Nova School of Business and Economics,

NOVA participation and results

Fourteen teams took part in solving real-world challenges proposed by partner companies in this edition. Our school was represented by Diana Costa, Inês Reynolds da Silveira, Jessy Van Wijk, Salvatore Caccioppoli and Inês Pinto, who demonstrated exceptional talent, creativity and teamwork.

Each team was supported by sponsoring organizations, some in direct collaboration with the teams on the challenges, contributing to the development of the projects and solutions, including CCA Law with Grupo Brisa; Dentons com The Walt Disney Company; EY Law with SAP; Faegre Drinker; HSBC;  iManage with PLMJ; Lloyds Banking Group; Perkins Coie with Microsoft; Persuit with NatWest; Silverman Schermer with The Pharmacy Hub; and White & Case with Legora.

Three of our students were part of award-winning teams: Diana Costa joined the White & Case and Legora team, which focused on AI solutions for debt finance and earned the Judges’ Choice Award. Inês Reynolds da Silveira joined the Perkins Coie and Microsoft team, which was recognised with the Audience Choice Award for developing a high-impact prototype presented to an international audience of over 100 participants.

Impact of the edition

By hosting LWOW 2026 in Portugal, NOVA reinforces its position as a hub for innovation and international collaboration. The event connects academia, companies and society, providing transformative experiences for all participants.

Through this participation, NOVA School of Law is strengthening its alignment with this exceptional initiative, consolidating its integration into international legal innovation ecosystems and reaffirming its commitment to providing a global, practical education that prepares students for future challenges. This approach complements academic training and opens doors to professional opportunities around the globe.