Counsel, Digital Education (Criminal)

at  National Judicial Institute

The National Judicial Institute (NJI) is an independent, bilingual, not‐for‐profit organization, based in Ottawa and Montreal, with a mandate to provide continuing education to members of the judiciary across Canada. An acknowledged world leader in the design and delivery of judicial education, NJI also shares its judicial training expertise abroad. In its international work, NJI seeks to strengthen the rule of law through judicial education and judicial reform.
Since its inception in 1988, the NJI has offered in-person programs and a wide range of digital resources designed to foster judicial excellence. As part of its curriculum, the NJI delivers over 70 in-person judicial education programs each year. The NJI’s digital resources include self-study courses, Electronic Bench Books, podcasts, videos, judge-facing tools, and more. Alone or in partnership with courts and other organizations, the NJI is involved in the delivery of the majority of education taken by judges in Canada.
The NJI is looking to fill the permanent position of Counsel, Digital Education. This position requires fluent bilingualism in French and English and is based in Ottawa (hybrid work environment); however, we are open to staffing this position remotely within Canada.

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential
1. Law School Degree (LLB, JD);​
2. Minimum of 6 years’ experience working with professional or community organizations (i.e. law firms, government, universities, public legal education institute, not-for-profit, community organizations);
3. Significant experience in legal writing (legal publications, development of legal resources, articles, educational materials, online courses etc.);
4. Ability to write on a broad range of legal topics;
5. Fluently bilingual French and English (R/W/O);
6. Ability to travel nationally for work;
7. Proficiency with Microsoft 365; and
8. Membership at the Bar
Desirable
1. LL.M or other postgraduate degree;​
2. Bijural (common/civil law) knowledge;
3. Experience in working in adult or professional education;
4. Experience with proofreading, editing, or law journal editorial work;
5. Publications (legal or other academic disciplines);
6. Experience working in legal translations or bijural legal reviews;
7. Experience in the development and design of digital products such as podcasts, online courses, videos, webinars, creative design, documentaries, etc.;
8. Clerking experiences or other experiences working directly with courts or members of the judiciary;
9. Experience practicing as counsel, in particular, courtroom experience or experience in dispute resolution;
10. Experience working with diverse and under-represented communities, including working with legal associations formed by lawyers from diverse communities, such as the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers, Indigenous Bar Association, South Asian Bar Association, etc.;
11. ​​Experience in project management;​
12. Proficiency in SharePoint; and​
13. Proficiency in Project Management Software, such as Asana.​

SKILLS

1. Deal with sensitive interpersonal situations using effective interpersonal skills, professionalism and integrity;​
2. Exhibit a positive attitude; build and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, clients and stakeholders using integrity and respect; consistently leverage effective persuasion and problem-solving skills to build consensus;​
3. Meet deadlines, work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and consistently demonstrate the ability to work on a team;​
4. Conduct in-depth research into specific problems, concerns, or issues; develop options and make a recommendation for final decision-making;​
5. Ability to remain current with legislation, adult pedagogy and judicial learning needs; ensure continued improvement of service delivery; and​
6. Maintain professional ethics and discretion; protect sensitive information.​

RESPONSIBILITIES

Counsel, Digital Education (CDE) is a legal professional working in law, education and pedagogy who works with judges and subject matter experts to produce educational resources and tools for use by members of the Canadian judiciary.
Counsel, DE works in close collaboration with the Director, DE, members of the DE Team, and members of the Canadian judiciary. They will research, draft, edit, and review judicial education resources in French and English and will design and develop innovative online professional development products (e.g., courses, podcasts, webinars, judicial tools, etc.).
In all aspects of the role, the CDE will incorporate adult education methods responsive to a continuous professional learning culture. The CDE contributes to the Digital Education Department planning process, online curriculum, and faculty development.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Digital Education Development​
1. With support from DE and IT teams, develop online resources and tools for the Canadian judiciary, including online courses, podcasts, videos, interactive tools, etc.;​
2. Research, draft, update, edit, review, and design innovative and accurate online educational resources;
3. Curate subject matter collections;​
4. Maintain an understanding of adult pedagogical theory and the learning needs of the judiciary;
5. Obtain appropriate judicial/peer reviews and approvals;
6. Oversee the work of contract writers and external contributors, as required;
7. Ensure that the Institute resources are appropriate for use by the Canadian judiciary are relevant, and meet current and emerging professional development needs;
8. Maintain strong and collaborative relationships with judges and subject matter experts;
9. Monitor social, legal, and judicial developments in Canada;
10. Represent the organization nationally;
11. Maintain an understanding of Judicial Ethics, Canadian Judicial Council policies, and Professional Development requirements for Judges in Canada;
12. Build relationships with justice stakeholders, academics, counsel, community organizations, members, and leaders, to develop and deliver judicial education, as required;
13. Provide 1:1 or group training to Canadian judges on NJI’s Digital Education Resources, as required; and
14. Work collaboratively to ensure resource distribution, publication, delivery and promotion.
Administrative Support
1. Conduct meetings and conference calls with judicial reviewers, judges, planning committees, subject matter experts, justice stakeholders, community members and organizers, academics and other Counsel, etc.;​
2. Participate actively in learning, following, and contributing to internal DE processes and procedures, task management systems, and communication expectations on an ongoing basis; and
3. Contribute to corporate and DE Grant reporting, including data collection and analysis.​