Webs of Learning in Practice: Webinars

Julli Jaramillo

Professional development matters in our field. The work changes, the courts change, and the expectations placed on judiciary interpreters and translators continue to evolve. Staying competent is not something we do once through training or certification; it is something we return to, again and again, throughout our careers. For me, webinars are one of the ways that ongoing learning actually feels accessible. They create a shared space to step back from the day-to-day demands of the courtroom and focus on the craft, the ethics, and the realities of the work.

That is why I am genuinely looking forward to attending more of the webinars we are offering this year. Not only as someone involved in the organizational side of things, but as a participant. There is value in simply being in the room, listening to colleagues, hearing how others approach familiar challenges, and being reminded that many of the questions we wrestle with are shared. Webinars allow for that exchange without requiring travel or time away from work, which makes participation possible for more people.

My perspective on these offerings is also shaped by experience. Our first round of webinars did not go perfectly. There were technical issues, coordination challenges, and moments where it became clear that we were still figuring things out as we went. At the time, that was frustrating. No one likes when things feel disorganized or unfinished. But that experience was also revealing. It highlighted how much planning, coordination, and troubleshooting happens behind the scenes to make professional programming work at all.

What that first round taught me is that strong programming is built through iteration. It takes feedback, adjustment, and sometimes a willingness to acknowledge what did not work so it can be improved. That learning process is not always visible to participants, but it is essential. It reminded me that progress in an organization does not always look smooth, especially during periods of growth or transition.

As we move forward, we are continuing to refine how these webinars are organized and delivered. That includes transitioning into new management systems designed to improve communication, coordination, and overall experience for everyone involved. These kinds of transitions take time, and they require patience. They also reflect an investment in doing things better, not just faster.

I encourage you to take a look at the upcoming webinars on our calendar and consider joining us. Whether you attend to learn something new, revisit a familiar topic, or simply connect with colleagues, your participation matters. We appreciate your patience as we continue to improve our systems, and I look forward to learning alongside you in the sessions ahead.

Below are the upcoming webinars: 

JANUARY 24, 2026
11:00 AM–2:00 PM EST
Bridging Legal Words: Essential Terminology for U.S.-Brazilian Court Interpreters
NATALIA PATERSON, PhD

FEBRUARY 21, 2026
11:00 AM–1:00 PM EST
Self-Care for Interpreters and Translators
NIERY BARDAKJIAN, PhD & LILI SELDEN, PhD

MARCH 12, 2026
7:00–8:00 PM EST
Intro to Forensic Transcription/Translation
JAVIER CASTILLO

APRIL 25, 2026
12:30–2:00 PM EST
To-MAY-to, To-MAH-to: State Laws, State Lingo, and the Interpreter’s Dilemma
JASON KNAPP

Stay tuned for further details! 

A radiant and confident portrait of a woman embracing bold style and elegance

Julli Jaramillo is the Publishing Coordinator and Editor-in-Chief for NAJIT. She holds a master’s degree in Translation from NYU and has extensive experience in quality assurance, content development, and strategic growth. Passionate about NAJIT’s mission to uphold ethical standards for judiciary translators and interpreters, she is dedicated to driving the organization’s growth while ensuring its publications meet high-quality standards and adapt to evolving industry demands. In her free time, Julli enjoys baking and creating art.

Feel free to reach out to her (editor@najit.org) to chat about the NAJIT Observer or Proteus—she is excited to collaborate!

Keep the Conversation Going

If this topic resonated with you, be sure to check out our previous blog posts for more insights on the realities of our profession, and the evolving world of judiciary translation and interpreting:

• Going out with a Bang! — A tribute honoring Rob and Susan Cruz and the decade of leadership, stability, and community-building they brought to NAJIT.
• The Couch: New Member to NAJIT — A new NAJIT member reflects on the uncertainty of stepping into an established professional community and asks how others found connection, confidence, and belonging within NAJIT.
• Can Translation Be the Only Route? — Can translation stand on its own as a profession? A legal translator writes on sustainability, specialization, and choice in our field.
• Carrying the Work Forward: Welcome 2026 —An overview of how NAJIT continues its work into 2026 through the ongoing efforts of its members, volunteers, and leadership.

You can find these and more in our blog archives !

The images used in this post are sourced from Unsplash. They are used for illustrative purposes only.