The highly anticipated 10th annual Startup Alley at ABA TECHSHOW invites new legal technology startups to compete for a spot in this prestigious event. Known for propelling the success of numerous legal tech startups, Startup Alley has become a cornerstone of the American Bar Association’s annual legal technology conference.
Event Details
This year, 15 standout startups will be selected to participate in a live pitch competition. The competition marks the opening event of TECHSHOW 2026, taking place on the evening of March 25 in Chicago. Alongside the pitch, these startups will also be featured as exhibitors in a dedicated Startup Alley section of the conference’s exhibit hall.
Application Process
Startups interested in participating must submit their applications by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, December 26, 2025. Applications can be completed through the official application form. Out of all submissions, a panel comprising five judges will select 25 finalists.
The descriptions of these finalists will be published on January 12, 2026, across the ABA TECHSHOW blog and other platforms. Readers will then be invited to vote for their preferred startups. The top 15 startups, as determined by the number of votes received, will earn their place in Startup Alley, with winners announced on February 16, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the competition, startups must:
– Be in operation for less than five years.
– Offer products or services targeted at legal professionals rather than consumers.
– Demonstrate tangible progress in terms of users, revenue, or funding.
– Not have been a Startup Alley finalist in prior years, although previous semifinalists can reapply.
– Exhibit innovation by addressing unmet needs or introducing new solutions to the market.
What to Expect
The 15 finalists will participate in a live pitch competition at TECHSHOW’s opening-night event, each delivering a 2.5-minute pitch to an audience of legal professionals. Attendees will vote to determine the most innovative company.
In addition to the competition, all finalists will receive discounted exhibition space within the Startup Alley section of the exhibit hall. This space will be provided as a uniform, pre-installed booth, eliminating the need for startups to bring their own setups. While a small booth fee is required, startups can seek sponsors to cover it. Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses.
Benefits for Startups
ABA TECHSHOW is among the world’s leading legal technology conferences, providing exposure to a diverse array of legal professionals, including practitioners, academics, and industry analysts. The winner of the pitch competition will receive several benefits, including:
– A free 10×10 booth space at the 2027 TECHSHOW.
– A $5,000 credit for advertising in ABA Law Practice Division media.
– A company profile on the LawSites blog.
Additionally, each finalist will receive a complimentary one-year premium listing in the LawNext Legal Technology Directory.
Meet the Judges
The panel selecting this year’s 25 finalists includes:
– Brett Burney, TECHSHOW 2026 co-chair
– Patrick Wright, TECHSHOW 2026 co-chair
– Shawn L. Holahan, TECHSHOW 2026 co-vice chair
– Ruby Powers, TECHSHOW 2026 co-vice chair
– Bob Ambrogi, Startup Alley organizer
Apply Now
There is no fee to apply, and the application process is straightforward. Submissions are eagerly anticipated.
For inquiries, contact: ambrogi-at-gmail.com.
Note: This article is inspired by content from https://www.lawnext.com/2025/11/attention-legal-tech-startups-applications-now-open-for-the-10th-annual-startup-alley-and-pitch-competition-at-aba-techshow-2026.html. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.