Interstella Summit Press Release

Interstella Summit 2026 Launches in Lisbon: A bold new forum shaping the future of legal innovation

Lisbon, Portugal - Stella Legal, today announced the launch of interstella summit 2026, a boutique, high-impact conference designed to reset how legal innovation is discussed, challenged, and advanced. Taking place on 6–7 May 2026 in Lisbon, the summit will convene senior in-house legal leaders, technologists, and innovators for two days of candid dialogue, meaningful connection, and forward-looking collaboration.

“We built interstella because this moment demands a place where people can be honest about what is working, what is not, and where we need to go next,” said Tyson Ballard, CEO & Co-Founder of Stella Legal. “Change is accelerating at a pace we have never seen before, yet too many leaders feel like they are navigating it alone. interstella creates the space for real conversations, shared learning, and the kind of practical insight that moves our industry forward. Attendees will leave with clearer direction, renewed confidence, and the partnerships they need to drive real change.”

A forum for the legal sector’s most candid conversations

interstella is built for a curated audience of innovation-driven leaders. From general counsel and chief legal officers to heads of legal operations and transformation leads, the summit is designed to challenge convention, surface practical insight, and equip decision-makers with strategies that translate into action.

The first confirmed speakers represent leading global organisations including Meta, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Booking.com, and London Stock Exchange Group. They will explore how technology, collaboration, and leadership are reshaping legal and business models.

Beyond law, broader perspectives

The program also features voices from outside the legal sector, including Umra Omar, humanitarian leader, UN Person of the Year 2017, and Founder of Safari Doctors and Pamoja. Their perspectives bring cross-industry thinking into the room, prompting fresh dialogue and a forward-momentum mindset.

 “This summit gives leaders a space to reset their thinking, recharge their vision and return with clarity to lead transformation inside their organizations.” said Alyssa Kokilah, Co-Founder at Stella Legal. “Expect ideas that challenge assumptions, broaden perspective, and inspire the legal community to think differently” 

A global community of thinkers and doers

“I am excited to be speaking at the inaugural interstella conference this May. It is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow legal professionals and discuss the trends that will shape how we work in the coming months”, said Sarah Nelson Smith, Senior Director at Booking.com. Sharing ideas, challenges, and experiences across different industries always provides long-lasting benefits and builds connections that extend far beyond the event itself.” 

“I am looking forward to a different, real, pragmatic, and inspiring exchange and connection with others who are on the AI and tech transformation journey”, said Lance Bartholomeusz, General Counsel & Head, Legal affairs service at UNHCR.

Boutique by design, high impact by intent

Set against a high-production cosmic backdrop, interstella is intentionally crafted to be exclusive, intimate, and immersive. It is a clear move away from the mass-market, corporate, or academic events typically seen in the industry.

Lisbon as the launchpad. A city of genuine connections, explorative spirit, and bold ideas

Hosted in the historic heart of Lisbon, a city known for exploration, creativity, and openness, the location reflects the summit’s ambition to spark new thinking and future-focused collaboration. With the support of the Lisbon Tourism Board, interstella is poised to tap into the city’s vibrant cultural and intellectual energy.

The summit will take place at Suspenso, a strikingly refurbished venue in one of Lisbon’s most vibrant historic and cultural districts. Its modern design and dynamic energy serve as the perfect launchpad for interstella’s inaugural edition.

The summit’s vision is further strengthened by sponsorships with industry leaders such as Flank AI, Sirion, and Luminance, whose commitment to legal innovation and transformation aligns perfectly with the event's ambition to push the boundaries of what is possible in the legal landscape.

Registration

Registrations are now open at https://www.interstella-summit.com/. Follow interstella summit on LinkedIn for updates on headline speakers, partners, and programming.