ST.LOUIS, MO, May 18, 2026 — Washington University School of Law, The National Law Review, Relativity, and Wickard announced the launch of the WashU Law International Vibe Coding Challenge, a global innovation competition inviting lawyers, legal professionals, and law students to design and prototype practical legal tools using AI-assisted, low-code, or “vibe coding” development methods. The Challenge is also sponsored by the National Law School of India University, Koç University Faculty of Law, HeplerBroom LLC, and Casefriend.

The Challenge is designed to encourage lawyers, legal professionals, and law students to move beyond abstract discussions of AI and begin building practical, responsible legal tools that address real-world legal workflows, improve access and efficiency, and reinforce the professional judgment required in modern legal practice. Eligible project areas include legal research or analysis, contract drafting and review, litigation or dispute resolution workflows, regulatory compliance or risk assessment, internal law firm or legal department operations, access to justice, and legal education.

The Challenge is now accepting submissions, with a deadline of June 25, 2026 at 5:00 pm EST.

“The International Vibe Coding Challenge is an opportunity for lawyers and law students around the world to engage directly with AI-assisted development while maintaining the ethical judgment and professional responsibility that legal practice requires,” said Stefanie Lindquist, Nickerson Dean at Washington University School of Law. “At WashU Law, we are proud to launch this global initiative and to partner with institutions and professionals committed to advancing responsible innovation in law.”

“Through The National Law Review and the AI & the Law Newsletter, we are proud to promote legal innovation and AI education across the world,” said Gary Chodes, CEO of The National Law Review. “This Challenge reflects our commitment to helping lawyers and law students engage responsibly with the technologies shaping the future of legal practice.”

Participants must develop a legal solution and submit a recorded demonstration of their prototype, along with a written explanation describing the legal problem addressed, the proposed solution, benefits, known limitations, risks, and ethical considerations. Submissions will be evaluated based on practical utility, legal soundness, responsible AI use, and execution and clarity. The top three submissions will be recognized, and the top-ranked submission will be named the winner.

The judging team includes:

• Pablo Arredondo, former VP, Thomson Reuters; co-Founder, CaseText
• Glenn E. Davis, Partner, HeplerBroom LLC
• Judge Joshua Deahl, DC Court of Appeals
• Kshitij Dhyani, Database Analyst, WashU Law
• Judge Christopher Hall, PA Court of Common Pleas
• Stefanie Lindquist, Nickerson Dean, WashU Law
• Earl Wonghen Mah, Managing Counsel, Tech and Tools, Epic Games
• Sara Miro, Managing Attorney-Director KM Solutions, Sullivan & Cromwell
• Christian Puzder, CEO, Casefriend
• Evan Shenkman, Chief Knowledge & Innovation Officer, Fisher Phillips
• Adam Weiss, Chief Administrative Officer & Chief Legal Officer, Relativity
• Wei Zhu, Associate Vice President and Assistant General Patent Counsel (AI), Eli Lilly and Company

Submissions are now being accepted through the WashU Law International Vibe Coding Challenge webpage. Questions, comments, or partnership inquiries may be directed to Oliver Roberts at oroberts@wustl.edu.