Senior Manager, Legal Learning & Development

Gowling WLG • Toronto, ON

1d • CA$152,000 - CA$191,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Senior Manager, Legal Learning & Development to lead the strategic design and delivery of lawyer development across the Firm’s national practice groups, working in close partnership with the Director of L&D, and collaborating with Practice Group Leaders and senior stakeholders across the Firm. This role is accountable for shaping and delivering a forward-looking approach to lawyer development that aligns with the Firm’s strategic priorities and national practice group structure, as well as the evolving legal landscape and client needs. This is a specialist leadership role focused on developing high-impact, practice-specific learning solutions that enhance legal professional performance at all career stages, and in the context of new ways of working with AI and legal technology. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in professional development or training within a law firm or similar environment, with demonstrated experience operating at a strategic level and collaborating with senior stakeholders and a passion for fostering growth and development.

Requirements

• LLB, JD or equivalent
• Significant experience working in professional development, training, or practice support, preferably in a law firm or professional services firm
• Strong communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Strong presentation skills with the ability to deliver content in an effective, engaging way both virtually and in-person
• Adapt content and approach to different skill levels and audiences
• Strong project management skills, reliably and consistently delivering on agreed objectives and commitments across complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives
• Ability to work independently and on a team in both virtual and hybrid environments
• Excellent organization and time management skills with ability to establish and redefine priorities
• High standards for own and others’ work, with strong attention to detail
• Proactive, creative and innovative; focused on finding solutions
• Strong understanding of the evolving legal landscape, including the impact of AI and legal technology on lawyer skills and workflows
• Data-driven mindset with experience evaluating learning effectiveness and impact

Nice To Haves

• Bilingualism in French and English considered a strong asset

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a national, practice-aligned learning framework, in alignment with the Firm’s broader Learning & Development strategy
• Collaborate with Practice Group Leaders and subject matter experts to identify current and emerging skill needs and translate these into targeted development initiatives
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders on lawyer capability development
• Lead the design and sustainment of a scalable, integrated learning ecosystem that supports consistent development across practices and career stages
• Design, develop, and deliver high-impact learning programs for lawyers and law clerks across all career stages
• Oversee core curricula, including student, associate, and continuing professional development programs
• Incorporate modern learning approaches, including blended, experiential and just-in-time learning
• Integrate AI, legal technology, and innovation into development programs, building capabilities in areas such as AI literacy and new ways of working
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including Department Chairs and Practice Group Leaders, Legal Talent, AI, Innovation & Knowledge, and other collaborators
• Work closely with Practice Group Leaders and subject matter experts to understand knowledge and skill development needs for the practice, including emerging and future skill requirements based on market and client trends, and source or develop programming and resources accordingly
• Review and maintain structured, practice-specific benchmarks, skill frameworks and development pathways
• Identify and encourage opportunities for ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programming
• Work with subject matter experts from areas such as conflicts, risk, finance, IT and others to source or develop programming in alignment with key policies and procedures, and Firm priorities, including technology adoption
• Collaborate and consult on sourcing, developing and managing the delivery of vendor-led legal training and professional development programs, as needed
• Lead the firm’s CPD program, planning, and accreditation across relevant jurisdictions
• Leverage data and feedback to continuously refine and enhance learning offerings
• Stay current on trends in legal education, including the impact of AI and emerging technologies on legal practice

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and mental health coverage, plus an annual lifestyle spending allowance
• Benefits coverage for Firm members and their dependents from day one!
• 15+ vacation days and hybrid work flexibility
• Parental leave top-up for 26 weeks (after 12 months of full-time employment)
• Group Retirement Savings Plan with employer match
• Financial protection through short & long-term disability, life, accident & critical illness insurance
• Employee & Family Assistance Program, guided CBT, and an internal network of 120+ trained Mental Health First Aid responders
• Recognition awards, appreciation events, and a supportive, collaborative work culture
• Perks and preferred pricing programs, referral bonuses and more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior