This case study, excerpted from Hotshot's white paper "Training Lawyers for the Age of AI," explores how Crowell & Moring effectively uses video-based learning to complement live training programs, creating more impactful learning experiences for their lawyers.

Crowell & Moring demonstrates how firms can effectively use video-based learning both as a standalone resource and to complement live training programs. The firm has successfully implemented this approach across multiple initiatives, including their mini-MBA program and GenAI training. While the content works well for independent learning, the firm has found success using it strategically to create more impactful live learning experiences.

"Understanding when our learners are interested in learning something is probably the hardest job that I have," explains Sarah Stein, Director of Learning and Professional Development at Crowell. On-demand resources help address this challenge by allowing lawyers to access training when they need it most.

Mini-MBA Program

The firm's PD team used video-based content from Hotshot to bring an MBA mindset to their lawyers, focusing particularly on helping them understand business from the client's perspective. They carefully curated specific Hotshot courses on financial concepts, financial statements, and accounting to build a foundation of business knowledge before live sessions. This approach created a safe space for lawyers at all levels to learn concepts they might have been hesitant to admit they didn't fully understand.

The program's reach extended well beyond its initial target audience of 4th through 6th-year associates, demonstrating the power of digital learning to serve different audiences. The PD team carefully curated content for each group's specific needs: for example, partners and counsel received targeted recommendations for two or three specific Hotshot courses most relevant to their needs, while staff were guided to more business-focused content. This ability to precisely target content to different audiences while maintaining everything in one accessible place through their learning management system was a significant benefit of the firm’s on-demand approach.

GenAI Training

The firm applied a similar successful approach to their required GenAI training for anyone leveraging GenAI. “With GenAI, it's essential that our lawyers and professional staff understand the technology, along with its risks and benefits,” notes Stein. The video-based content from Hotshot helps ensure lawyers grasp fundamental principles needed to engage with the technology effectively, while live sessions can focus on practical applications, new ethical guidance, and emerging developments. Like in the mini-MBA program, this combination of formats allows lawyers to learn foundational concepts at their own pace while maximizing the value of the additional programming that Crowell puts together.

Making Live Sessions More Valuable

Across both their mini-MBA and GenAI programs, the firm used video content as pre-work for live sessions, allowing them to make better use of everyone's time. As Stein explains: "When it came time for us to bring people together in person, they already had relevant resources and materials, and the attendees were coming in ready with questions, instead of absorbing all of the information during a lecture and then having questions once the subject matter experts were out the door."

For the mini-MBA program, this approach lets the firm move beyond basics during live sessions and dive deeper into topics like law firm profitability and complex financial concepts. The combination proved particularly effective because participants could return to the on-demand content after sessions to reinforce their learning, while the live sessions could focus on interactive discussion and real-world applications.

Keys to Success

Several factors contributed to the program's effectiveness: • Using video learning to establish foundations before in-person sessions • Integration with the firm's learning management system, creating a single access point • Careful curation of Hotshot content specific to lawyers' needs • Social elements to drive engagement (e.g., issuing certificates of completion that can be shared on LinkedIn) • Flexibility for learners to engage at their own pace, whether as part of a structured program or for independent learning

The approach has benefited both the learners and the PD team. As Stein notes, "having that on-demand piece also lightens the load for my team." The combination of formats allows the firm to deliver comprehensive training that meets lawyers where they are while making the most of valuable face-to-face time. And for lawyers who can't attend live sessions or prefer to learn independently, the on-demand content provides a complete learning solution on its own.

Want to discover more insights on how leading law firms are adapting their associate development programs for the age of AI? Download our complete white paper "Training Lawyers for the Age of AI" to explore comprehensive frameworks, best practices, and additional case studies from innovative firms.