The Launch of rubi: Transforming Legal Training
In an age where technology reshapes every industry, the legal sector is no exception. Today, two former big law M&A attorneys, Geetika Jerath and Madison Keeble, have initiated an innovative initiative known as rubi, a virtual apprenticeship platform tailored for burgeoning transactional lawyers.
This new platform is not merely a training program; it is a comprehensive overhaul of the traditional legal apprenticeship approach. Designed with future lawyers in mind, rubi enables participants to gain the experience necessary to operate as a second-year associate through rigorous training and real-world scenarios. The core offering, dubbed 'The Transactional Practice Guide M&A,' embodies a carefully crafted curriculum that has been polished over two years of development and testing.
Addressing Unmet Needs in Legal Training
Rubi's pilot programs have revealed a growing demand for structured training in the legal profession. This need extends beyond beginners to encompass boutique law firms, in-house counsel, and experienced attorneys contemplating a shift in their practice areas. As one participant, Martina Williams, highlighted, "A program like rubi should be requisite for all lawyers alongside their real-world training."
The conventional path for many lawyers has often been fraught with minimal formal training, relying heavily on task delegation without a solid foundational understanding. Rubi steps into this void by providing a depth of training that has been lacking.
A Modern Approach to Legal Education
In response to the changing landscape influenced by remote working and AI development, rubi introduces an apprenticeship model where participants engage as though they are junior lawyers at leading firms. They tackle a mega-deal project under the guidance of Jerath and Keeble, fostering a learning environment that covers every aspect of transactional law—from document preparation to understanding complex legal concepts.
Jerath states, "We distilled our vast experience into a format that clearly outlines what new lawyers need to know. This platform teaches essential skills upfront, ensuring that participants are well-equipped before stepping into their roles."
The program is designed to be digestible, with participants dedicating just 10 to 15 hours to complete units, aligning training with the busy schedules of aspiring attorneys. Each assignment is carefully structured to build on the last, offering a comprehensive understanding of practical lawyering skills, including contract drafting and negotiation tactics.
Institutional Partnerships and Scalability
Rubi's expansive potential is underscored by its recent partnership with The University of Texas School of Law, which is offering this platform to its entire student body through its Texas Law and Business Program. Professor Eliot Cotton emphasizes the transformative impact of rubi, stating it bridges the gap between academic instruction and the realities of transactional practice.
The accessibility of rubi is a game-changer. Law firms and educational institutions can deploy the platform institution-wide, ensuring a uniform baseline of knowledge and skills. This capability allows firms to streamline the integration of new hires and upskill current lawyers, enhancing productivity while alleviating training burdens.
Keeble notes, "Once integrated, rubi requires minimal ongoing supervision, operating seamlessly alongside on-the-job learning. It is not just a program; it’s a long-term solution for legal training that benefits everyone within a firm."
Getting Started with rubi
The platform is already live and can be accessed by individual lawyers, law firms, and educational institutions via
www.rubilegaltraining.com. Additionally, rubi is open to discussions regarding corporate partnerships, aiming to multiply its impact across the legal profession.
With rubi, Jerath and Keeble have created not just an educational tool but a movement towards a more effective, prepared generation of lawyers ready to meet the legal challenges of tomorrow. As they both reflected, offering this opportunity to Texas Law students is not just a business endeavor; it’s a passion—a contribution to the future of the legal industry.
About rubi
Rubi, based in Austin, Texas, is pioneering a virtual apprenticeship model tailored for transactional lawyers. Its innovative approach is already receiving traction from attorneys across major legal firms and students in prestigious law schools. To learn more about rubi and their mission to reform legal education, visit
www.rubilegaltraining.com.