Shaping tomorrow’s lawyers: legal tech training for the next generation

Legal technology and innovation are critical for future-proofing a law firm when it comes to how we provide advice and solutions to clients. This makes it increasingly important for trainee solicitors and lawyers to understand how to exploit technology and think innovatively about solving problems that clients face. That's why our Training Contract incorporates a Legal Tech and Innovation Programme which gives our trainees the chance to explore legal technology in action!

What does 'being innovative' mean?  

Being innovative in law means finding new ways to provide legal services to clients in a more efficient and effective manner. Innovation can be applied to many different areas – for example:  

• Maximising technology. Innovative lawyers use technology to solve client problems using clever and bespoke platforms and tools.
• Automating and streamlining processes. Innovation can involve reviewing processes to automate and streamline them, saving valuable time and enabling lawyers to focus on valuable advisory work.
• Embracing AI. AI can help automate repetitive tasks, analyse data and provide insights saving time and improving accuracy – when used wisely it can provide valuable solutions.

What does the programme involve?

The six month programme, which runs during year two of training, consists of a variety of modules including sessions that explore what legal technology is, how it is used now and the possibilities in the future. Trainees then build on this by delving into design thinking and how to build and deliver legal technology projects. The programme has a sector focus, so the trainees apply what they are learning to the context of one of our seven sectors and explore how legal tech could benefit clients of a specific area. The cohort is split into groups with each group looking at a different sector. The programme concludes with a 'Dragons Den' style challenge where the trainees put all their learning to the test by designing solutions to a client problem and delivering a group pitch to a panel of experts!  

What are the benefits to a trainee?

The programme provides the theory when it comes to legal innovation as well giving our trainees the opportunity to put what they've learnt into practice.  

• Understand the increasingly important role that technology plays in the delivery of legal services – legal tech is dynamic and will play a role in the future legal careers of our trainees, so it is vital to start building understanding during their training.
• Develop knowledge and practical skills when it comes to embracing technology for the firm and it's clients – trainees get the opportunity to build an understanding of the practical application of innovative tech solutions as well as the theory behind it.
• Finesse your presentation skills – the programme gives an opportunity for trainees to test out their pitching skills in front of key leaders within the firm.
• Broaden commercial awareness – to develop an innovative solution, trainees must explore and deepen their understanding of what trends and current affairs affect our clients.
• Network with colleagues from different business areas – trainees work with different legal teams and leaders to better understand different client needs plus, they get the chance to work with our Change and Innovation team.

• Collaborate with fellow trainees – working in small teams within the trainee cohort makes for a great way to connect and collaborate with other trainees.