At StartIDA, we believe that true global citizenship begins with understanding the frameworks that shape our society. This year, we took that mission to the next level by bringing together passionate young volunteers from the Ida-Virumaa region and across Estonia to dive into the world of legal advocacy, tech, and civic responsibility at FutureLaw 2026.
Held on May 14–15 at Tallinn’s waterfront Cruise Terminal, FutureLaw 2026 is recognized as Northern Europe’s largest legal innovation event. For a region like Ida-Virumaa, empowering youth to engage directly with an elite global network of over 500 legal experts and policymakers isn’t just an educational milestone—it is a vital step toward social cohesion and active participation in European democratic life.
Bridging the Gap: From Observers to Authors
Legal frameworks and digital regulations can often feel like a distant language to young people, creating “invisible walls” between them and public institutions. FutureLaw 2026 was designed to shatter those barriers.
Supported by the mentorship of our dedicated team, our volunteers didn’t just attend lectures; they became active participants in a living laboratory of legal transformation. Youth from Narva and across Estonia were immersed in a packed two-day agenda featuring over 25 hours of high-level content, including expert panels and 8 specialized workshops. They tackled the brutal realities of change management, workflow integration, and how the legal industry is shifting from traditional manual drafting to machine-readable legal infrastructure.
By shifting our volunteers from a passive observer mindset to an active “author” mindset, the conference gave them the tools to critically analyze how technology and governance intersect in their home communities.
Rubbing Shoulders with Industry Giants: The Power of Networking
The definitive highlight for our young volunteers was the unprecedented opportunity to step up, interact, and network directly with world-class pioneers shaping the digital era. Far from just sitting in the back of the room, our youth engaged eye-to-eye during informal coffee breaks and intensive workshops with a phenomenal lineup of international and local speakers:
- Damien Riehl (USA): As a global co-host, Solutions Champion at Clio, and ALEA Institute Board Member, Damien demystified how artificial intelligence and big data are engineering complex legal workflows. Our tech-focused youth from Ida-Virumaa got a firsthand look at how a modern legal career merges with technological disruption.
- Stefan C. Schicker (Germany): Co-host and CEO of Inspiring Pioneers, Stefan brought invaluable insights into legal operations and digital transformation strategies, showing our youth how tech-driven systems optimize access to justice.
- Paul Nemitz (Germany): A principal advisor to the EU Commission and famously known as the “Godfather of the GDPR,” Paul discussed regulatory compliance and data privacy, explaining exactly how European values guard citizen rights in an automated age.
- Pēteris Zilgalvis (Luxembourg): Serving as a Judge at the General Court of the European Union, Judge Zilgalvis offered an incomparable look into judicial leadership and the highest levels of European law. For our volunteers, speaking with an EU Judge provided a masterclass in how institutional legitimacy and digital courts are transforming access to justice across Europe.
- Estonia’s Trailblazers: Alongside international guests, prominent local leaders grounded the experience in Estonia’s world-famous digital ecosystem. Our volunteers networked with Laura Kask (CEO at Proud Engineers), Mariana Hagström (Founder and CEO of Avokaado), Kadri Matteus (Board Member of the Estonian Bar Association), and Dr. Carri Ginter (Partner at Sorainen). They demonstrated how Estonia acts as a global testbed for digital sovereignty and interoperable legal systems.
This direct access allowed our young people to pitch ideas, receive career mentorship, and realize that the decision-makers shaping tomorrow’s policies are human, accessible, and eager to support the next generation.
The Heart of the Project: Our Volunteers
The real success of FutureLaw 2026 belongs to the young minds who brought it to life. This initiative highlighted the immense potential of youth in easternmost Estonia. Facing language barriers or geographical isolation, our volunteers proved that when given the resources, they are ready to step into leadership roles.
Working alongside peers from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds across Estonia, they practiced:
- Critical Thinking: Deconstructing complex legal narratives and policy challenges.
- Transnational Collaboration: Bridging regional and cultural divides to form a unified network of young changemakers.
- Professional Agility: Adapting to an elite, fast-paced environment and learning to design for cognitive and cultural inclusion.
The Ongoing Journey
The curtain has fallen on FutureLaw 2026, but the ripples of this project are just beginning. Our volunteers are returning to Ida-Virumaa not just with certificates, but with a renewed sense of civic responsibility. They are now equipped to act as peer leaders, helping other young people navigate their rights and engage with civic initiatives.
We are incredibly proud of our team and volunteers for proving, once again, that when you look past the mask of circumstance, you find a powerful, permanent core of youth leadership.
Stay tuned to our space as our youth leaders continue to build a more inclusive, legally literate, and connected Estonia!
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