Generative artificial intelligence is rapidly altering how legal services are delivered. As routine tasks shift to automated tools, simulation-based learning platforms are emerging as a way to maintain practical training for new lawyers.
Filling the training gap
AI has begun to reshape law firm economics and workflows, and some roles are evolving or disappearing. According to the 8am 2026 Legal Industry Report, 21% of respondents expect AI adoption to reduce the number of junior associates within five years. As technologies assume early-career work such as document review, research and drafting, traditional routes for experiential learning are eroding. Without new pathways, firms and schools risk a shortage of midlevel talent available for advancement or hiring.
Addressing this shortage will require coordinated action by law schools and larger firms. Both will need to implement structured training so students and entry-level attorneys develop core legal skills. Ironically, AI itself may help deliver that training through realistic simulations and guided practice.
Choosing software for law firm and law school training
A growing set of legal skills programs now combine videos, exercises and simulations, and some integrate AI or virtual reality. Many are designed for firms but are also suited to law school courses focused on practice readiness.
Start by defining the specific competencies you want to build. Programs vary by practice area and role, so objectives should drive selection. After narrowing the field, closely evaluate the vendor and service. Most offerings are cloud-based, so firms should determine where data is stored, who can access it, backup frequency and security controls. If AI features are included, ask about accuracy metrics, protections for client and firm data, and whether inputs are used to train models.
With these vetting steps in mind, here is an overview of available options, with pricing where publicly listed.
Online legal skills training programs
Courtroom View Network (CVN) provides an on-demand library of real, unedited civil trials from around the United States. Users can observe opening statements, witness examinations and objections, with searchable transcripts and case materials alongside video. While often used by litigators for trial preparation, it can also support law school instruction on trial strategy. Pricing starts at $99 per month.
Hotshot is a digital platform offering video-based lessons and exercises in transactional practice, litigation and legal technology. Aimed at junior lawyers, it pairs short modules with interactive exercises, outlines and sample documents to build skills such as contract drafting and deposition preparation. It is used by firms for onboarding and in law school curricula. Pricing starts at $99 per year for students and $149 per year for lawyers.
rubi is a virtual apprenticeship focused on transactional law for students, summer associates and junior attorneys. Built by former BigLaw M&A practitioners, it guides users through a simulated large transaction, teaching agreement review, checklist management and drafting of ancillary documents. Pricing starts at $750 for two years of access.
An open-source M&A Negotiation Simulator, created through a collaboration between Stanford Law’s CodeX and Flatiron Law Group, offers a free way to test strategies across different starting positions, shifting leverage and complex scenarios.
AI/VR legal skills training tools
Several platforms incorporate AI or VR to deepen experiential learning. Public pricing was not listed on the product sites reviewed.
DepoSim, introduced by AltaClaro in partnership with Verbit, delivers simulation-based deposition training with live role-play. Users conduct depositions of AI-powered witnesses and can select the witness’s demeanor. AI-generated feedback provides performance insights. It is designed for law firms but may also be useful in law school settings.
Just Legal VR offers immersive advocacy and courtroom presentation training using Meta Quest headsets. Participants practice openings, direct examinations and oral arguments in a realistic 3D courtroom, with digital whiteboards and visual aids. A multiangle replay feature enables review from the perspectives of the bench, witness stand or jury box to assess delivery, body language and eye contact.
Plethora of picks in an AI-driven environment
As AI transforms traditional legal workflows and compresses on-the-job learning, new training avenues are emerging. Simulation-based learning platforms, video libraries and interactive tools now give students, new graduates and experienced attorneys structured ways to build practical skills or pivot to new practice areas.
By thoughtfully integrating these resources into law firm programs and law school curricula, the profession can bridge the experiential gap created by automation and ensure the next generation of lawyers is prepared to practice in an AI-driven environment.
Some of these tools may also influence litigation practice and courtroom preparedness, areas already affected by cases such as Louisiana v. Callais, where evolving legal strategies and procedural complexities demand strong practical skills.