Preserving institutional expertise in a highly specialized profession
Unlike many corporate roles, contract drafting expertise cannot be developed through a few weeks of onboarding or a handful of training courses. New hires must develop technical knowledge, analytical thinking skills, editing precision, industry knowledge, software proficiency, and professional judgment simultaneously.
Historically, much of this expertise had been transferred through on-the-job mentoring and informal coaching by experienced drafters. While effective for individual learners, the approach created challenges as the organization grew and as senior experts prepared to retire. The organization sought a solution that would:
- Capture the knowledge and best practices of experienced contract drafters
- Standardize training across offices, teams, and facilitators
- Reduce dependence on informal knowledge transfer
- Accelerate readiness for new hires entering a highly specialized role
- Create a consistent experience for learners regardless of location
- Establish a sustainable framework for future workforce development
A comprehensive academy built by experts, for experts
Working closely with subject matter experts, managers, and senior contract drafters, BLS conducted extensive analysis of the role, required competencies, performance expectations, and existing training practices. The resulting solution was a comprehensive Contract Drafter Academy that combined self-directed learning, facilitator support, mentorship, applied practice, performance coaching, and real-world simulations into a single integrated learning journey.
Curriculum Development
BLS developed an extensive learning ecosystem that included a 566-page learner handbook that served as both curriculum and long-term performance support resource; a comprehensive facilitator guide supporting managers, mentors, and experienced drafters who coached new hires throughout the program; nine core instructional modules covering contract drafting concepts, reinsurance principles, contract language, coverage structures, premium calculations, legal requirements, and industry practices; extensive writing, editing, analysis, and drafting exercises; scenario-based learning activities built around realistic contract drafting situations; knowledge checks, application exercises, and performance assessments; and a capstone experience requiring learners to apply accumulated skills to complex drafting scenarios.
Blended Learning and Mentorship
The academy combined multiple learning formats into a structured development experience. Learners completed self-directed coursework, e-learning modules, reading assignments, software exercises, reflection activities, interviews, writing assignments, and hands-on drafting work. These activities were reinforced through daily and weekly facilitator interactions, coaching discussions, mentoring relationships, and manager check-ins. The program was designed as a substantial developmental experience rather than a traditional onboarding course. Following a two-week Foundations Jumpstart, learners progressed through approximately nine additional weeks of structured training and practice.
Performance-Based Learning
A key design principle was ensuring learners could do the work—not simply explain it. Throughout the academy, learners worked with realistic contracts, drafting software, editing exercises, client scenarios, and simulated communications. The curriculum emphasized progressively more complex problem-solving and application activities designed to build confidence and professional judgment over time. The role itself was recognized as both highly specialized and continuously evolving, requiring mastery of technical systems, contract language, attention to detail, and communication skills.