#51 BigLaw to EdTech: How First-Week Confusion Helped Build Hotshot

In this episode of Lawyers Who Learn, David Schnurman speaks with Ian Nelson, co-founder of Hotshot, a leading legal training company revolutionizing how lawyers develop their skills in the age of AI.

Ian shares his unconventional journey from BigLaw attorney at Kramer Levin to entrepreneur, revealing how a career-changing assignment to London exposed him to the UK's innovative support and legal training system. This experience inspired his transition to Practical Law Company, where he helped build and grow the U.S. operation from a handful of people in a Regus workspace to over 200 employees before its acquisition by Thomson Reuters.

The conversation explores how AI is fundamentally changing legal education and the role of the associate. With Gen AI handling lower-level tasks, firms are scrambling to upskill associates faster than ever before. Ian explains how Hotshot's content, including its new M&A simulation, allowing firms to run mock deals and transactions themselves, giving associates hands-on experience without touching actual client matters.

Throughout the discussion, Ian emphasizes the importance of high-quality content and meeting lawyers where they are – from those who've never touched ChatGPT to advanced practitioners needing sophisticated AI training. He discusses the evolution from bite-sized video content to immersive, experiential learning programs and AI learning tracks that prepare lawyers for a future where their role is increasingly strategic and advisory.

The episode concludes with both hosts sharing insights on the future of legal training, including staff development programs, accreditation services, and the ongoing challenge of creating scalable solutions for firms of all sizes in a rapidly changing landscape.