Gamification is the latest in a series of industry tools set to transform the way law firms tackle learning and development. Here, Sarah Byrom, HR Consultant at Construct, discusses how gamification and web-based editors are revolutionising the legal sector.
Among the developing trends within HR, few have provided as many opportunities as gamification. After several years as a HR Business Partner at Magic Circle firm, Allen & Overy, the applications of this technology to overcome the challenges and modernise the legal sector are apparent.
Working as a legal HR Consultant at Construct, a browser-based game engine that allows users to build their own games without prior knowledge, has highlighted the importance of embracing gamification and how this practice can be applied to transform the legal sector.
1. Case law
Constantly being adapted and put in place, case law is an incredibly important element for legal teams to study. Ensuring individuals are taking note of these judicial reviews and precedent isn’t always easy and relies a lot on each member of the team taking the time and initiative to do so, which is why it’s important to simplify the delivery of this information in an engaging way.
Gamification based training has a proven track record of promoting knowledge retention and productivity, and this extends to the legal sector. By using browser-based platforms, those delivering training can produce their own games in a matter of hours, gamifying the latest rulings within a medium that can be re-visited by employees whenever needed.
Simulation games provide an opportunity to incorporate game techniques into everyday situations, allowing users to experience life-like scenarios. Whereas many might see criminal law as the ‘exciting’ branch, software can showcase previously overlooked areas such as civil law or even corporate law. By working to incorporate high profile civil cases, such as Depp vs Heard, or even Rooney v Vardy, gamification can work to encourage more members of the public to consider a law career.
Gamifying exciting cases is a fantastic way for both aspiring, and practising lawyers to hone their skills, and also a great way to highlight the important work conducted and the implications on the wider sector.
2. Training
Within the sector, those working at legal firms must undertake a range of training each year. Covering a range of topics such as internal diversity training and CPD, many of these courses require employees to take time out of their day to participate, which can be challenging for those with already busy schedules – which is why providing training devices that can be utilised flexibly is important.
The gamification of training enables employees to take part in the vital practice at a time that best suits them, creating both engaging and effective materials. Some gamification providers are able to incorporate features such as avatars and experience points, creating a platform that can serve as a global portal.
For multinational firms, global portals can serve as valuable tools when it comes to evaluating an individual’s skill set, alongside analysing the skills of the overall workforce. Being able to identify and move around specific talent from different regions based on these platforms can really identify skill shortages and serve to reduce them.
Most employees at law firms don’t have the time to commit hours to training courses, which can lead to certain topics and elements being neglected. Topics that some may find ‘dry’ can undergo transformation through gamification. Game elements, such as experience points and leader boards can increase motivation in those taking part, and so incorporating these into how we deliver learning and development is hugely beneficial.
Mistakes in the legal sector have real consequences and ramifications for clients, and they can also lead to fines and even disbarment. By providing teams with a safe environment to practice and test out different approaches, such as a gamified version of a court case, firms are able to take that risk away, giving teams the opportunity to build their confidence and knowledge base without repercussions.
3. Recruitment and career development
In HR, a lot of work conducted is regarding identifying talent. For new starters and graduates, career development is more important than ever and is a crucial part of retaining a motivated workforce.
Alongside training, gamification has excellent potential when it comes to recruitment and selection, giving teams the opportunity to assess aptitude and decision making through simulation games. Understanding that employees are so much more than just a CV is vital when employers are hiring and need to be able to make informed choices about who they’re bringing into the firm.
Many HR departments see a lot of applicants for careers, but it can be quite difficult to really see how these people will fit in with the workplace culture. Using tools such as gamification can highlight well-suited individuals very early on in the recruitment process. Simulation games can work well for training but can also be utilised within recruitment to showcase an individual’s reactions and decisions across a wide array of situations.
Final thoughts
Encouraging new graduates and those exploring the possibility of a career in law is also incredibly important in maintaining a strong workforce. Through gamification, it’s possible to showcase the diversity of the sector, showcasing the modernised side of law.
With legal practice evolving every day, it’s important that alongside these industry changes, the way firms approach and carry out recruitment and training evolves too.
[ymal]
