Lawyers spend a surprising amount of time teaching clients, team members, and other lawyers, but most are never taught how adults actually learn. In episode 597 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with Danielle Hall about adult learning principles and why they matter in legal practice.

Danielle explains how adult learners differ from students in traditional classrooms and what this means for client communication, team training, and CLE presentations. They explore why information overload backfires, how focusing on the “why” improves understanding, and simple ways to design learning experiences that actually stick without making things more complicated.

Listen to our other episodes on client communication and understanding:

Episode #539 - This VOICE HACK Will Transform Your Legal Career!, with Rena Cook Apple | Spotify | LTN

Episode #384 - Delivering Bad News to Clients, with Marjorie Aaron Apple | Spotify | LTN

Episode #338 - Reframing Your Client Experience, with Spencer Keys Apple | Spotify | LTN

Have thoughts about today’s episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!

If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.

Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.

Chapters / Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction

03:12 – Why Lawyers Are Always Teaching

08:37 – Meet Danielle Hall

10:49 – How Adults Learn Differently

14:57 – Information Overload and Client Confusion

17:01 – Teaching Clients and Teams More Effectively

21:52 – Why Most CLEs Don’t Work

25:28 – Applying Adult Learning in Your Firm

31:46 – Closing Thoughts

2026 Politics - Where Do We Stand?

The Church Politics Podcast

Closing Clarifications and Invitation

The AI-powered Podcast Player