As AI tools evolve faster than ever, law firms are rethinking how they train lawyers. Our recent panel with innovation leaders from three top firms revealed the strategies that are actually driving adoption—from hands-on workshops to meeting lawyers where they are in their learning journey.

In January, we brought together innovation leaders from HSF Kramer, Pillsbury, and Honigman alongside Hotshot’s head of technology content to discuss how law firms are navigating AI training. Moderated by Joe Borstein of LexFusion (part of Baretz + Brunelle), the conversation covered everything from measuring training effectiveness to building programs that actually work.

Here are the key takeaways:

1. AI is becoming an operating system, not just a tool

The biggest shift isn't just that lawyers are using AI—it's how they're using it. OpenAI's data shows different generations interact with AI differently: older generations treat it like Google search, millennials use it as a personal coach, but Gen Z and Gen Alpha are using it as an operating system integrated into everything they do.

What this means for training: We need to help lawyers think beyond specific use cases and understand AI as a strategic partner embedded throughout their workflow. As Ilona Logvinova from HSF Kramer put it, "Opening up imagination—that is what training is to me in the AI space. It's not just about learning how to use the tools, but understanding what we can do with them."

2. One-size-fits-all training doesn't work

The panel was unanimous: different people learn differently, and effective AI training requires multiple approaches. Firms are deploying everything from peer learning groups and office hours to practice-specific workshops and self-paced video courses like the ones Hotshot offers.

Esther Bowers from Honigman emphasized the importance of "meeting people where they are in that journey." Some lawyers learn best from their peers, others prefer hands-on practice, and many benefit from foundational video content before live sessions. The key is offering flexibility rather than forcing everyone through the same program.

3. Focus on fundamentals and creativity, not button-pushing

With AI tools evolving so rapidly, training on specific features quickly becomes outdated. Instead, successful programs focus on teaching lawyers how to think about AI and approach problems creatively.

Jessica Gichner from Pillsbury compared it to law school: "Law school doesn't actually teach you how to be a lawyer. It teaches you how to think like a lawyer." The same principle applies to AI training. Rather than crafting the perfect prompt for every use case, firms should teach lawyers how to approach AI, what to do with unexpected results, and how to unlock creative applications.

4. Get hands-on with real scenarios

While foundational knowledge matters, the panel stressed that lawyers need practical experience using AI tools in realistic scenarios. Claire Wasserman from Hotshot highlighted the importance of "hands-on keyboard, typing prompts, seeing the tools in action" with exercises relevant to daily work.

Firms are using Hotshot's GenAI workshops to give lawyers this practical experience—working through scenarios like summarizing legislation, drafting client emails, conducting industry research, and practice-specific tasks. This experiential learning helps lawyers understand both the possibilities and the limitations of the technology in a low-stakes environment before using it on client matters.

5. Measuring success requires looking beyond basic usage

How do you know if AI training is working? The panel suggested looking at multiple indicators beyond simple attendance numbers. Firms are tracking tool utilization, thread depth (are people having multi-turn conversations or just single queries?), feature adoption, and whether AI tools stay open on lawyers' screens throughout the day.

But perhaps the most important measure is qualitative: Are partners seeing better work product? Are lawyers changing their workflows? Are they having conversations about creative new applications? As Ilona noted, successful adoption often means AI becomes "that strategic partner where you're leveling up."

The Bottom Line

AI training isn't a one-time initiative—it's an ongoing priority that requires flexibility, creativity, and a willingness to experiment. The firms succeeding with AI training are those that focus on fundamentals over features, offer multiple learning formats, provide hands-on practice, and create a culture where partners model AI use and associates feel empowered to experiment.

As Joe Borstein closed the webinar: "For the first time maybe ever, we're going to have to use [our] ability to learn new subject matter on our own practice constantly. I know that can be intimidating, but it's also exciting."

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Want to learn more about building effective AI training programs? Contact us to discuss how Hotshot can support your firm's AI training strategy across on-demand, experiential, and interactive learning.