The American Bar Association (ABA) has opened applications for the 10th annual Startup Alley, an event synonymous with spotlighting significant advancements in legal technology. This initiative is part of the ABA TECHSHOW 2026, scheduled to kick off on March 25 in Chicago. Selected startups will embark on a journey that could potentially elevate their visibility and impact in the legal tech space.
This year, the event promises an engaging start as 15 leading startups, chosen from a pool of applicants, will compete in a live pitch event that marks the commencement of the TECHSHOW. These finalists will not only showcase their innovations during the event but also feature prominently in the exhibit hall’s designated Startup Alley. These participants are afforded the opportunity to display their products at a reduced booth cost, making TECHSHOW an accessible platform for emerging tech companies.
As previously mentioned by Bob Ambrogi on LawNext, to qualify for the competition, startups must meet specific criteria. Eligible companies should be relatively new, having operated for less than five years, and focus on providing legal services or products that differentiate from existing market offerings. Moreover, these startups must have gained traction, whether through user acquisition, revenue, or funding, ensuring that only promising firms are considered.
The journey to TECHSHOW begins with the application process, which can be completed via the 2026 ABA TECHSHOW Startup Alley Application Form. Applications must be submitted by December 26, 2025, after which a panel of judges led by co-chairs and legal tech influencers, including Brett Burney and Patrick Wright, will select 25 finalists. These names will feature across multiple platforms, inviting public votes to determine the final 15 that will appear in Chicago.
For participants, TECHSHOW offers more than prestige. Alongside public recognition, finalists receive a premium listing in the LawNext Legal Technology Directory, exposure to industry influencers, and potential media features. The pitch competition winner will gain additional benefits, including complimentary booth space at the TECHSHOW and advertising credits in ABA’s media channels, amplifying their reach among key legal audiences.
For startups seeking a stage to advance their footprint within the legal industry, ABA TECHSHOW’s Startup Alley represents a strategic opportunity worth exploring.