Director, Legal Learning
Director, Legal Learning
Torys is a highly respected international business law firm with offices in Toronto, New York, Calgary, Montréal and Halifax. We work together to offer seamless cross-border services to our clients all over the world.
As a Torys employee, you will enjoy both an exciting, fast-paced work environment and a supportive, collegial and team-based culture. Our positions are best suited to individuals who take pride and ownership in their work and demonstrate exceptional client service in everything they do. At Torys, we take pride in our ability to attract and retain individuals who excel in their respective fields. We do this by providing stimulating work and learning and development opportunities, as well as a competitive compensation and benefits package.
Position Overview
The Director, Legal Learning is responsible for overseeing the design, development and execution of the professional development and Continuing Legal Education programming and initiatives across all offices, in furtherance of lawyer, law clerk, and paralegal professional development.
Key Accountabilities
- Lead the development and delivery of innovative, accessible and relevant professional development programming firmwide that supports the highest standard of excellence.
- Oversee multiple streams of curricula in various formats tailored to a range of roles, practice groups and career stages, including orientation, junior associate training, associate retreats, and counsel/partner training.
- Through engaging, timely and relevant programming, foster an ongoing learning culture within the firm.
- Consult and collaborate internally across business services teams, practice groups and offices to assess short- and long-term developmental and educational opportunities and needs in alignment with our professional competencies model.
- Obtain and manage feedback to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the firm’s professional development programming.
- For outsourced initiatives, manage the process of identifying and vetting speakers, resources and vendors, defining the engagement, negotiating contract terms, reviewing deliverables and managing the relationship from development through delivery.
- Research, interview, evaluate and maintain a roster of external coaches who may be engaged to work with our legal professionals to enhance their development.
- Monitor current “best in class” programs being offered by external providers (PLI, Stafford, Osgoode PD, etc.)
- Track and manage the selection of attendees at various prominent programs, including the Osgoode Trial Advocacy Workshop, the Osgoode Written Advocacy Workshop and the ICD Directors Education Program.
- Maintain the firm’s status as an accredited provider of CLE/CPD programming with the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board and the Law Society of Ontario.
- Lead the annual accredited provider reporting process in New York and Ontario.
- Oversee the accreditation process for internal and client-facing programs, including reviewing all internal and client program materials to ensure they satisfy accreditation criteria.
- Oversee the viLMS system for tracking New York CLE credits, provide status reports to New York called attorneys and clients and respond to inquiries as they arise.
- Liaise with legal professionals, clients and representatives at the relevant bar associations regarding exemptions, extensions, suspensions, audits, overall compliance and other inquiries.
- Remain apprised of and communicate changes to the continuing legal education requirements across all jurisdictions.
- Remain current with the latest training practices, topics, trends and technologies to assess, source and (where relevant) implement them into our ongoing legal learning initiatives.
- Work closely with our Knowledge & Innovation team to integrate practice support technologies (including AI), business process efficiencies and project management concepts into the programming.
- Provide guidance, coaching and developmental support to team members to ensure that the legal learning team is engaged, capably delivering on their accountabilities and meeting service standards of the department and firm.
- Develop the firmwide legal learning budget and manage expenses.
Attributes & Experience
- An LLB or JD degree with an excellent academic record from a reputable law school. Must be in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
- 5-7 years related experience, preferably within a law firm or professional services firm.
- In-depth knowledge of legal markets and the legal professional landscape.
- Proficient in MS Office product suite
- Excellent client service orientation combined with the ability to manage multiple critical client needs.
- Strong business acumen and analytical skills; creative, strategic, and forward thinker.
- Excellent public speaking skills and an ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal) to a broad range of audiences, including senior management, partners, and clients.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work well independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
- Excellent project management skills and a demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage complex projects.
- Strong leadership, collaboration, and consultation skills.
- Ability to influence stakeholders and motivate people towards mutually agreeable outcomes.
- Proven ability to establish and build trust-based working relationships with stakeholders and team members at all levels.
- Flexible to travel periodically and to work evenings and weekends as required.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please address your resume and cover letter, stating your salary expectations to Firm Admin Recruiting (firmadminrecruiting@torys.com).
We thank all applicants for their interest in Torys LLP; however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
At Torys we are committed to diversity in the recruitment, retention and advancement of our people. We believe that diversity of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives enhances the quality of our work and enriches our lives. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please contact Jenny Tavares, Director, Human Resources.
No agencies or recruiters please.