In this interview, we share thoughts from Tara Waters, a former technologist, law firm partner, and Chief Digital Officer who has a strong reputation and track record in legal innovation and digital transformation, enhanced by her background working in both the technology and legal industries. 

The traditional apprenticeship model in law firms is rapidly failing to meet the needs of modern associates, as inadequate and outdated training methods leave young lawyers underprepared, dissatisfied, and disengaged, highlighting an urgent need for firms to adopt structured, tech-savvy, and intentional development programs to retain talent and ensure long-term success.

Nearly six months ago, we announced that SkillBurst had been acquired by BARBRI. Since then, many of you have asked, "Why BARBRI? Isn't BARBRI focused on preparing law students for the bar exam?"

Education doesn’t stop for lawyers after passing the bar. In addition to meeting mandatory continuing education requirements and staying compliant with national and state rules and opinions, lawyers must keep their professional skills polished and up to date if they want to advance their careers and develop and maintain client relationships–and what lawyer doesn’t want to do that?

As generative artificial intelligence tools rapidly evolve, professional development leaders are instrumental in preparing law firms for the paradigm shifts ahead and should consider three strategies to help empower legal talent with the skills required to succeed in an increasingly complex technological landscape.