Reflections on the Learning in Law Annual Conference last week

It was my first time attending and a rare-in-recent-years conference for me that wasn't primarily focused on legal tech

A refreshing shift in perspective, kicked off with an engaging keynote on cultural intelligence by Ritika Wadhwa. I couldn't work out which child I should save in a sinking boat scenario and so saved my spouse instead

When I got home, it turns out that was the wrong answer - who knew?

Personally I found the morning workshop on Associate BD skills, run by Meridian West and The Results Consultancy, incredibly relevant. Their flash survey results validated many of the things I'd be hearing in recent conversations I'd been having - that lack of commerciality skills is a key issue (and notably, clients raise this)

I understand the formal report is due out in the coming weeks and it's certainly one I'll be looking out for, but I'll sidestep inadvertently presenting their interim findings(!), by highlighting the discussion in the room -

A lack of role modelling, particularly around discussing failure within business development was a key issue to developing Associates' skills - and this doesn't play well with the anxious over-achiever personality that is common in law firms. 

Key takeaways for me were (1) a need to create a space for more open conversations and (2) to draw a link between of the benefits of BD skills for both individuals and firms. Food for thought as we rollout our own The Legal MBA commercial skills training programme

Despite not being a legal tech conference, AI was there (or at least it was in the afternoon workshop run by Mark Smith) 

But the discussion was (a) more grounded in the here and now, rather than the fantastical "in 5 years we'll all be serving our robot overlords" and (b) a more holistic look at the impact on the business model as a whole rather than the very specific task/product/use case focus that can dominate the discourse in this space. Very worthwhile

The panel discussion to round off the day was excellent, discussing career pathways and advancement. A very candid conversation covering a range of perspectives - Annabel Kaley as a current solicitor apprentice, Mercedes Samavi as Of Counsel and broader insights offered by Dr Katie Best and Patrick McCann. 

All very well chaired by Nigel Spencer, whose point around needing to support individuals through transitions (in and out of the workplace, through promotions etc) was well made

Somewhat caught out at the bar without a pen to sign books, special thanks to Chloe Cadman for a very on brand pink pen. Strongly considering a website rebrand...

It would be reasonable to assume that an L&D conference run by L&D folk would be good, but full credit to the Learning in Law Committee for pulling this together whilst also having rather full day jobs

Taking Patrick's recommendation to only give positive feedback is really rather easy when there are only positive things to say.

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