How Womble Bond Dickinson scaled learning with a hybrid model

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP (WBD) needed to deliver consistent, high-quality training to junior lawyers, combining black letter law with real-world application and market practice.

The approach

WBD has developed a blended learning approach. FC Learning modules are used initially, to equip their junior lawyers with foundational legal knowledge. Once a series of modules on a topic are completed, junior lawyers will then attend a live session on that topic delivered by senior lawyers within the firm, which focus on practical application, discussion, and real life scenarios.

The combination of FC Learning and live sessions ensures that junior lawyers see a clear link between theory and practice.

At WBD, this approach is supported by a strong learning culture. Suzanne Gado is a Practice Development Lawyer for the Corporate Team at WBD. She explains: “no question is a ‘stupid question’ - learners are encouraged to ask and explore.”

Maximising internal expertise

With core content in place, senior lawyers can focus on delivering value where it matters most. Rather than preparing materials, they join sessions to share experience and market practice.

Using the FC Learning modules to provide the foundations to WBD’s learning programme therefore frees up valuable time. WBD can roll out learning programmes quickly and consistently and upskill teams in a short timeframe.

Suzanne says: “Senior lawyers are always happy to come along… what they have less time to do is produce materials. Having that gap plugged means they just need to turn up and share their experience - so we’ve been able to deliver a lot more sessions than we normally would.”

Using insight to shape the learning programme

WBD takes a structured, data-informed approach to learning and the FC Learning platform supports this.

Using the learning plans feature, Suzanne can create personalised learning pathways and monitor the progress of her team.

The power user portal allows her to look in further depth at engagement and performance on particular modules, and this data can help shape how the live follow-up sessions are delivered. For example, if the stats show that a number of learners in her team have struggled with the questions on a particular aspect of a module, she can ensure that this area is focused upon in more detail in the live session.

The outcome

By embedding FC Learning into its programme, WBD has created a scalable model that combines efficient knowledge delivery with practical application.

Junior lawyers come to the firm’s live training sessions with better background knowledge of a topic, allowing them to ask more informed questions and engage more actively. They are able to build confidence in a learning environment before applying that knowledge in client work.

The FC Learning approach works across different firm structures. For firms with PSL or L&D resource, it frees up time to focus on higher-value, practical training. For those without, it provides a ready-made foundation to deliver structured learning efficiently.