Virtual Student Onboarding Update - Week 6

As many 2020 summer law student programs get going this week, I thought it was time for a few more "lessons learned" - very much a work in progress!

Momentum Law's virtual program continues to exceed our expectations. Any concerns about ability to learn, figure out operations, pick up on fine points of the firm & practice and master productivity are long gone. We are absolutely missing the collegiality and, well, "fun" that we find when we are physically co-located, and that is something which continues to be difficult to recreate virtually. At the end of the day, getting on another "virtual happy hour" isn't necessarily the answer, but we're hopeful that the nicer weather will allow for a physically distanced visit before too long!

I have a few more observations to pass along which you might find helpful in your virtual onboarding:

• "Org Chart": Momentum uses a number of different software systems to operate and despite our careful training calendar, it was still a bit overwhelming. A student suggestion which we actioned was the need for an "org chart" of how the different pieces work together and where to start with a particular question. We have added this "map" to our firm operations OneNote now and it was instantly obvious that it would be helpful to have the visual as the systems are learned. Importantly, it includes references to legacy systems/ rebranding to explain references which prove confusing! I've included most of the map below - it is very much a work in progress as we realize additional pieces which need to be fit in.
• Precedents: No matter the area of law you practice, precedents undoubtedly form a integral part of drafting. Finding, using and understanding precedents is a key part of the learning process and we realized that we needed specific sessions to address this. Our Org Chart addresses where to find precedents, but the fine points of knowing how to approach working with and revising precedents should not be overlooked. If your precedents system is less organized, the problems with finding relevant precedents will be compounded in a virtual environment.
• Time for Feedback: Assume that the virtual learning environment is going to require more of your team's time, and plan for that. Your whole team needs to buy into this and be prepared to contribute - even when it can mean an extra hour or two per day. This starts with training and then moves over to guiding and most importantly, feedback. Virtual environments can be isolating and we all have additional pressures on our time right now, but without a sustained investment of time to provide meaningful feedback, everyone in the relationship will be frustrated. Clearly map out feedback processes and responsibilities - we have been honing this over the past few weeks and keep making improvements.
• High Expectations: Set your own expectations for the program and your students high - you wont be disappointed! 2L Summer Programs have notoriously been seen as "articling light" or summer camp environments. Lots of networking, "culture adoption" (for good and bad!) and socializing. ALL OF THAT IS LOST in this virtual environment. That's not a bad thing, but it needs to be replaced with something else and actual contributing, high value work is completely attainable. The quality of our students' work, 6 weeks into our program, is exceptional. Every minute of time and every thought which has gone into making our program work has been worth it, and will pay off even more in years to come.

Good luck to all the students and teams starting into the virtual firm life - it may not be what we envisioned when we established these relationships months ago, but with focus and a good does of both humility and humor, it works!

The Momentum Map: