As legal technology continues to reshape how legal services are delivered, it is also transforming how lawyers are trained. In this session, Mikhail Kochkin, Founder of BeSavvy, discussed the emergence of simulation-based learning and why it could become a critical component of legal education and professional development.

From Legal Practice to Legal EdTech

Kochkin began his career as a lawyer at Baker McKenzie and Latham & Watkins before moving into entrepreneurship. After an initial legal tech venture, he shifted his focus to legal education, founding BeSavvy to help junior lawyers acquire practical skills more effectively.

The idea emerged from a simple question: how can lawyers gain meaningful experience and develop professional judgement more quickly? Kochkin’s answer was simulation-based learning, creating realistic environments where lawyers can practise legal work before applying those skills in live client matters.

Why Simulations Matter Now

According to Kochkin, several market forces are driving interest in simulation-based training.

The first is generational change. Today’s lawyers expect learning experiences that are interactive, engaging, and personalised. Modern educational platforms have raised expectations around how professional training should be delivered, creating demand for more immersive approaches.

The second and more significant factor is artificial intelligence. As AI increasingly automates routine legal tasks, firms have fewer opportunities to train junior lawyers through traditional client work. The long-standing apprenticeship model is under pressure, creating a need for alternative ways to build competence and confidence.

Rather than replacing traditional training, Kochkin views simulations as an additional tool that complements existing learning programmes.

How Legal Simulations Work

Rather than attempting to recreate an entire legal matter in one environment, BeSavvy breaks legal work into a series of connected activities.

A typical simulation might include:

• Understanding a client’s issue through an initial conversation
• Analysing information and developing a legal strategy
• Drafting or reviewing contractual documents
• Negotiating with counterparties

Each stage is delivered through a purpose-built simulation designed for that specific type of legal work. Together, they create a coherent learning journey that mirrors real-world legal practice.

Kochkin explained that simulations can be integrated into existing training programmes, either before workshops to establish baseline knowledge or afterwards to reinforce learning through practical application.

The Role of AI

Artificial intelligence plays a central role both in delivering and creating simulations.

Within the simulations themselves, AI enables more realistic interactions through voice-based client conversations, adaptive scenarios, and personalised feedback. However, Kochkin believes the bigger breakthrough lies in using AI to build simulations at scale.

Law firms already possess extensive training materials, know-how, and institutional knowledge. The challenge is transforming those resources into engaging learning experiences. AI allows organisations to convert existing content into simulations far more efficiently than manual development would permit.

This capability could ultimately make simulation-based learning accessible across firms of all sizes.

Beyond Training: Talent and Recruitment

The discussion also explored how simulations can support talent acquisition.

Law firms face growing volumes of applications and increasing competition for high-potential candidates. Simulation-based assessment offers an opportunity to evaluate applicants through realistic legal scenarios rather than relying solely on CVs, psychometric tests, or case studies.

Kochkin highlighted the use of simulations within virtual vacation schemes, enabling firms to observe how candidates think, solve problems, and approach legal challenges. At the same time, students gain valuable practical experience and exposure to the firm.

The result is a mutually beneficial process that provides richer insights for recruiters while delivering meaningful learning opportunities for future lawyers.

Building the Future of Legal Learning

As BeSavvy enters its next phase, the company is opening its platform to allow law firms and educators to create their own simulations using AI-powered tools.

Kochkin believes this shift from being solely a simulation provider to becoming a simulation creation platform will accelerate adoption across the legal sector.

Looking ahead, he expects simulations to evolve beyond traditional legal work to support emerging roles across legal operations, legal engineering, legal marketing, and other technology-enabled functions.

The conversation concluded with a broader reflection on the future of legal talent. While AI may change how legal work is performed, both speakers agreed that new opportunities will emerge alongside new responsibilities. The firms that succeed will be those that equip their people with the skills, confidence, and adaptability required to thrive in an increasingly technology-enabled profession.

Key Takeaways

• Simulation-based learning offers a practical complement to traditional legal training.
• AI is reducing opportunities for junior lawyers to learn through routine client work, increasing the need for alternative training methods.
• Simulations can improve learning outcomes by providing realistic, repeatable practice environments.
• AI enables firms to convert existing knowledge and training materials into scalable learning experiences.
• Simulation technology has significant potential in recruitment, assessment, and talent development.
• Future legal careers will extend beyond traditional practice roles, creating new opportunities across legal operations and technology-enabled functions.