The Legal Defense Global Challenge is an online litigation simulation competition run by LegalEagleBee for high school, college, and gap year students worldwide. Teams of up to 3 students step into the role of associate defense attorneys, analyzing a realistic 10-page discovery packet and building a written defense portfolio. No prior legal experience is needed.
Three tracks (choose one):
| Track | Case |
|---|---|
| White-Collar | Defend an AI startup founder accused of criminal wire fraud and algorithm theft |
| Civil Liability | Represent a festival venue operator in a premises liability suit after a platform collapse |
| Constitutional Law | Assert First Amendment press protections for a student journalist who published leaked city surveillance files |
Competition stages:
- Stage 1 (all teams): Submit a 3-part written defense packet — Defense Strategy Memo (4–5 pages), Client Advisory Letter (1–2 pages), and Exhibit & Deposition Audit (2–3 pages)
- Stage 2 (top 10% finalists only): Unseal a confidential Judicial Order; record a 3–4 minute video oral argument
Fall 2026 timeline:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration closes | September 30, 2026 (or 500 teams) |
| Stage 1 submission due | October 1, 2026 |
| Finalists & merit announced | October 15, 2026 |
| Stage 2 video due | October 29, 2026 |
| Winners announced | November 20, 2026 |
Prizes:
- 1st & 2nd place per track: $100 cash + gold/silver certificate + deliverables published
- 3rd place per track: bronze certificate + deliverables published
- Top 10% worldwide: Finalist status + names published on winners page
- Top 25% worldwide: Names published on winners page
- Best per deliverable: Featured on winners page (4 awards, one per deliverable)
Registration fee: $59.99 per team (up to 3 students — approximately $20/person). Capacity capped at 500 teams.