Adapting Legal Tech Training to Fit Your Learning Style
Some people learn best by watching video demonstrations, others by reading instructions or writing down steps to understand a process. Knowing what learning style suits you best can make mastering new technology much easier. For law firms, tailoring training to individual learning preferences can significantly improve the adoption of legal tech tools.
Technology is already central to most lawyers’ daily work. According to the Future Ready Lawyer Survey, 87% of attorneys said tech has enhanced their workflows. However, fewer than half (46%) said they were fully utilizing their tools, while the rest admitted they were either still adapting or not using technology to its fullest potential.
Why the Gap?
The top reason cited in the survey was a lack of knowledge, skills, or understanding. Even when there’s interest in learning, finding time for in-depth training remains a major obstacle.
Making Legal Tech Training More Engaging and Effective
To improve training outcomes, it’s helpful to align training methods with individual learning styles—just like many did in law school. There are over 70 recognized learning styles, but the most widely used framework is the VARK model: Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic. Here’s how each style can be supported with effective training approaches:
1. Visual Learners
If visuals like charts and images help you grasp information better than blocks of text, you likely fall into this category.
Best strategies:
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Interactive tutorials with screenshots, diagrams, or videos.
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Quick visual guides, like one-page process maps.
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Color-coded systems within legal software to differentiate between case types, deadlines, or witness roles.
2. Auditory Learners
These learners prefer listening to explanations and discussing ideas out loud.
Best strategies:
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Webinars, podcasts, or narrated training videos.
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Text-to-speech tools to listen to written materials.
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Recording training sessions for replay later.
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Discussion groups or user forums for peer learning and idea-sharing.
3. Read/Write Learners
If you prefer reading and writing as your primary learning method, you’re in this group.
Best strategies:
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Written manuals and FAQs provided by software vendors.
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Detailed checklists and step-by-step guides for recurring tasks.
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Blogs, case studies, and articles that explain best practices.
4. Kinesthetic Learners
These learners understand best by doing. They prefer hands-on experiences.
Best strategies:
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Sandbox environments where you can experiment without consequences.
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Real-world scenarios or guided workshops using the software.
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Gamification, where users earn rewards for achieving certain training or usage goals.
Supporting Legal Tech Adoption Firm-Wide
To help attorneys and staff fully embrace legal tech, provide training options that align with diverse learning preferences. IT departments and software vendors can assist by offering various learning formats and support resources.
By identifying your own learning style and adjusting your approach accordingly, you’ll gain confidence, retain more information, and get the most out of your legal tech tools. In the long run, understanding how people learn can help law firms lead the way in legal technology innovation.
