How creativity and culture can make law more relatable for aspiring lawyers
Legal education is one of the most demanding professional journeys a student can undertake. From dense casebooks to high-stakes exams, the process often prioritizes rote memorization and rigid frameworks over engagement and connection. Yet today’s generation of aspiring lawyers – many of them Gen Z and Millennials learn and think differently. They value creativity, cultural context, and innovative tools that reflect the world they live in.
To make law more accessible and relatable, educators and institutions should embrace creativity and culture as essential components of legal training. Here are five ways these elements can transform the journey for aspiring lawyers.
1) Visual learning improves retention
Traditional legal education still relies heavily on lengthy texts and abstract reasoning. However, research consistently shows that many students learn more effectively through visuals. A study by the Gifted Development Center (Silverman, 2016) found that approximately one-third of students are strong visual-spatial learners, preferring diagrams, charts, and imagery to text-heavy materials.
Integrating creative tools whether infographics, flowcharts, or even metaphor-driven guides can bridge the gap between abstract legal theory and practical understanding. Visual learning not only improves retention but also reduces the intimidation factor of law school.
2) Creativity enhances problem-solving skills
The legal profession is often seen as rigid, but creativity is one of the most valuable skills for lawyers. Complex cases rarely have straightforward solutions, and the ability to think laterally can set future practitioners apart.
Introducing creative methods of study encourages flexibility of thought. For example, reframing legal principles through storytelling or relatable metaphors makes them easier to apply in new contexts. By training aspiring lawyers to approach problems from multiple angles, creativity prepares them for real-world legal practice, where innovation is increasingly prized.
3) Cultural representation builds belonging
Law can feel alienating for students who don’t see themselves reflected in its history or teaching methods. This lack of representation can affect engagement and even retention rates among students from underrepresented backgrounds.
When cultural narratives, examples, or stories are woven into legal education, students gain a sense of belonging. For instance, case studies or fictionalized narratives that draw on diverse cultural contexts help aspiring lawyers connect the law to their own lives. This approach validates students’ identities and emphasizes that the law is a living system, shaped by society in all its diversity.
4) The next generation expects innovation
Students today already rely heavily on digital and creative tools. A 2024 survey of law students found that nearly 80% use online research databases, 76% rely on digital textbooks, and over 70% turn to multimedia content such as YouTube to supplement their studies. These numbers confirm that students are actively seeking alternatives to traditional methods.
Legal education must evolve to reflect this reality. Integrating creative, culturally relevant, and tech-driven resources doesn’t just improve learning outcomes, it ensures the profession remains aligned with the expectations of the next generation.
5) Creativity and culture foster resilience
Law school is intellectually demanding, but it is also emotionally taxing. Burnout, imposter syndrome, and mental health struggles are common among students. By incorporating creativity and cultural perspectives into study, the law becomes more human-centered.
Using humor, food metaphors, or cultural references to lighten the learning process shows students that they are not simply vessels for legal information. They are individuals whose personal experiences and perspectives have value. This approach fosters resilience and encourages students to bring their whole selves into their professional journey.
A new way forward
Making law more relatable through creativity and culture is not about diluting its rigor. It is about enhancing engagement, ensuring inclusivity, and equipping aspiring lawyers with the tools they need to thrive.
As the profession evolves, those who embrace new approaches whether educators designing resources or students adopting creative study techniques will be better positioned to succeed. Law may always be complex, but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to feel inaccessible.
Author: Ope Adebanjo is a Harvard Law School-educated lawyer, author, and legal tech expert who’s passionate about artificial intelligence, legal innovation, and making law more accessible and engaging for the next generation. She is the author of The Food Lover’s Guide to Law, a visually rich study guide that breaks down legal concepts using food metaphors, infographics, and flowcharts. Her work is especially popular among visual learners and bar exam takers looking for creative ways to master core material.
Born and raised in the US by Nigerian parents, Ope blends culture, creativity, and legal knowledge to connect with diverse audiences. Through her books and public speaking, she empowers aspiring lawyers to succeed with confidence while embracing all sides of who they are.
