LexHack 2026 is a virtual student hackathon focused on building real-world solutions at the intersection of AI, Law, and Civic Technology. Participants are encouraged to go beyond standard side projects and create systems that address critical challenges in legal access, digital rights, AI governance, and administrative efficiency.
Whether you're interested in making legal help accessible to everyday people, auditing AI models for safety and bias, or automating complex legal workflows, LexHack is designed to push your technical and problem-solving skills toward meaningful real-world impact. All skill levels are welcome! Whether you're an experienced coder or using AI building tools for the first time, LexHack is designed to be a place to learn, collaborate, and build something that matters.
Tracks include: - ⚖️ Access to Justice & Civic Tech - 🛡️ AI Safety, Ethics & Governance - ⚡ Legal Automation & Workflow Innovation - 📜 Digital Rights & Policy Tech - 💡 Open Innovation (AI x Law)
Participants will present their projects to a panel of judges, with awards recognizing real-world impact, practical usability, and innovation.
The Challenge: Build a project related to one or more of the LexHack themes, such as: - Legal guidance, plain-language translation, and public assistance platforms - AI safety, bias detection, and governance auditors - Automated contract parsers and legal workflow agents - Civic engagement and tenant/consumer rights tools - Policy compliance and digital rights systems
Projects can be web apps, mobile apps, low-code prototypes, browser extensions, or custom algorithms. Teams can register individually or with up to 4 students.
Beyond the Hackathon: LexHack Builders Fellowship Our goal is to help you take what you build and actually launch it. Through the LexHack Builders Fellowship, high-potential teams—demonstrating standout innovation, practical utility, and sustained dedication—will be considered to receive hands-on support to turn their hackathon prototype into a real-world application. Benefits include: - Sustained Mentorship: Direct 1-on-1 guidance from legal tech founders, AI researchers, and industry experts. - Deployment Support: Technical assistance taking your code from a hackathon prototype to a live, production-ready tool. - Network & Grant Access: Connections to civic partners, legal clinics, and post-hackathon accelerator/funding opportunities.
Early registrants unlock priority consideration for funded NYC event fly-outs, fast-tracked internship opportunities with partner organizations, and dedicated post-hackathon backing.