Professional Development Lawyer

Position Summary

In this role, the Professional Development Lawyer is responsible for developing and advancing the association’s member services, including professional development programming and tools.

Working closely with OBA members and staff, including section executives, the PD Lawyer will be responsible for the successful development of the highest quality professional development programs and tools, including assessing lawyer and market needs, conceiving, and drafting program descriptions, providing suggestions for speakers and program chairs based on sector connections and research, working with the marketing department to ensure appropriate marketing, meeting with speakers and program chairs to ensure effective delivery of the program content, drafting precedents, checklists and other tools for use by members in their practice and providing market insights to assist in determining pricing, timing and location for regional programs.

In this role, the PD Lawyer will work with the OBA events team to create flagship annual events in regions outside of Toronto when necessary.

Job Responsibilities

General

● Maintain and build working relationships with OBA volunteers, members, practitioners, and stakeholders of the organization and other legal community representatives.

● Monitor legal trends and engage in continuous gathering and analysis of information on (a) current legislative, judicial and practice developments in a range of practice areas, (b) current and emerging issues important to members and to the profession (c) competitive offerings from other CPD providers and (d) adult education techniques and learning strategies.

● Conduct legal and other research for the development of professional development programming.

● Participate in relevant Section Executive and Committee meetings to work with volunteers on planning and coordination of PD activities.

● Provides support to volunteers, speakers, and program chairs.

● Provides practice-area information services support to members.

● Attends section executive meeting (remotely) where necessary for the effective development of programs, tools, and other products, as more fully described below.

Professional Development

● Works with the PD Director to develop programs to ensure that they contribute appropriately to the attainment of the PD department’s goals, budgetary and otherwise.

● Surveys and evaluates the current CPD climate; identifies appropriate programs taking into consideration need, marketability, and financial viability, and participates with other Professional Development staff in developing the PD curriculum and annual program schedule.

● Facilitates meetings with leading members of the Bar and Bench to identify program content, determine the target audience, design agendas, and propose speakers, providing advice and guidance as appropriate.

● Working both independently and in collaboration with volunteers and staff, drafts program descriptions, calendar content, advertising releases, website information, e-mail promotions and news articles; reviews, proofs, and approves promotional materials.

● Guiding and managing the development and delivery of programs in consultation with the volunteers and PD program coordinator, troubleshooting as required to resolve problems and ensure course content and materials meet program objectives.

● Working with the PD Director and marketing department to develop a marketing/advertising plan for each program to ensure optimal registration.

● Ensures that OBA programs are accredited where possible and that this is reflected in the overall marketing strategy. Liaise with LSO to ensure accreditation is correct when necessary.

● Works with PD Coordinators on the implementation and administration of each program, liaising with Publications, PD Coordinators, support staff and faculty as required to ensure success.

● Evaluates programs following delivery, identifying appropriate changes in program design and content for future use.

● Build relationships with regional stakeholders to increase and enhance member engagement and growth through professional development and other events, including, identifying opportunities for joint or partnerships for programs and events.

● Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

● Lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario, with five or more years of experience in practice, government, trade association, professional development and/or consulting

● Excellent communication, facilitation, interpersonal and conflict management skills

● Attentive to detail with excellent writing and editing skills.

● Strong organizational and project management skills.

● Ability to interface effectively with peers and clients in the legal community. Demonstrated research, decision-making, problem-solving, analytical, and conceptual abilities.

● Self-motivated with the ability to multi-task and complete initiatives within short timelines.

● Ability to recruit and motivate volunteers and to generate topic ideas.

● Available to attend early morning, evening or occasional weekend meetings as needed. Experience in meeting planning and distance learning an asset.

● Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset.

● Staff management experience is an asset.

● Adult education and/or legal marketing experience highly desirable.

The target start date is January 7, 2027