Around this time of year, law firm talent management teams are gearing up for the arrival of a new batch of first-year associates. As they arrive, we want them to feel welcomed and excited. And, importantly, they need a LOT of practical information.
Hence, orientation.
But orientation can feel overwhelming even for our most engaged associates. We're throwing a lot at them. How much information will they actually remember weeks or months later?
Luckily, there are some tried and true strategies you can use to maximize your associates' information retention. We've gathered a few for you here!
(1) Give them a notebook. Studies have shown that people who take notes with a pen and paper retain information better than those who take notes on a tablet or laptop. So, include a firm branded notebook and pen among their welcome gifts, and encourage them to use it!
(2) Incorporate testing. Offer prizes to make it fun. Testing greatly improves retention of information - even information not covered on the test! To make the test even more useful, test comprehensively at the end (rather than piecemeal throughout), and make it open book. Looking back over notes will further reinforce learning.
(3) Be judicious with PowerPoint. Okay, I realize I'm talking to lawyers. We sort of have a reputation for embracing fine print. But there's a time and a place for everything, and PowerPoint slides are not the place for fine print. You don't need your slides to cover every possible point, address all scenarios. Keep slides minimal - emphasizing main concepts and showing graphics. Attractive and minimalist slides will draw associates' attention and keep them engaged and focused on the important points.
Being intentional about information retention will maximize your investment in orientation programming.
Also check out our WorkBetter | Launch program for first years - a 16-week program of video content designed to help your associates hit the ground running by reinforcing your orientation content over the course of your first years' first several months.
By: Kandice Thorn, Founder, WorkBetter for Lawyers
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