Combining Technical Skills with Soft Skills for Legal Ops Training

According to Jeff Schultz in a Training Magazine article, combining technical and soft skills for legal ops training helps resolve skills gap challenges. As the rapid rise of AI and advanced technologies has intensified, legal departments are struggling to ensure their teams are prepared to use them effectively. To address this, Schultz suggests they implement tailored, role-specific, cohort-based programs to provide a solution.

Schultz noted that the skills gap is not just about technical know-how but rather the ability to apply it in real-world contexts. While legal operations teams need expertise in AI and data analytics, they must also master essential soft skills, including communication, adaptability, and leadership. Traditional training programs often fall short because they treat technical and soft skills as separate domains, failing to reflect the integrated nature of these skills in daily operations. 

Combining technical and interpersonal training into role-specific programs ensures legal operations professionals are equipped to excel in their jobs. For instance, legal ops may need to explain the business case for a new technical tool to leadership and then describe its applicability to the legal team. Success depends on blending both skill sets.

Cohort-based and applied learning models are particularly effective methods for achieving this goal. By placing employees in group learning environments, organizations foster collaboration and peer accountability, which increases engagement and retention. Applied learning through simulations and real-world problem-solving further reinforces skills.

The return on investment for integrating technical and soft skills for legal ops training is measurable at both the individual and departmental levels. Legal ops professionals will gain confidence, advance their careers, and contribute to increased productivity, while legal departments will see improvements in key performance metrics. As technology continues to evolve, legal departments that integrate soft and technical skills training will be best positioned to remain agile and resilient.