Registration & virtual orientation
Keynote address: Championing change
Join Lincoln Alexander School of Law’s inaugural dean, Donna Young, as she discusses how intentional adaption can transform anyone into an effective leader. Hear about her wins, the challenges she's faced as a Black woman in legal academia, and the important decisions and moments that have helped her to reach for success and grab hold of dreams she never thought possible. Let her powerful story inspire you and teach you how to initiate change around you, and what you can do to empower others to do the same.
Donna Young
Inaugural Dean, Lincoln Alexander School of Law
Designing the career you want
There are many factors to consider when building a successful career, such as the importance of identifying clear goals and understanding your strengths and weaknesses, and the benefits of learning how to network effectively. The leading lawyers on this panel will share key considerations for building a dream career – and questions to ask along the way.
- Creating opportunities specific to your professional development plan: collaborating, defining clear goals, and beyond
- How to build and nurture the right connections with industry leaders to advance your career
- Strategies for adopting a proactive approach to professional development
Moderator:
Marwah Serag
Partner, Immigration Attorney, EY Law LLP
Panelists:
Susan Rosen
Partner, Gowling WLG
Taisha Lewis
Partner, Fasken
Parveen Sehra
Director, Professional Resources, Singleton Urquahart Reynolds Vogel LLP
Overcoming gender bias in the legal profession
Gender bias remains a big issue in the legal industry, both in and out of the office. Overcoming gender bias requires being aware that it exists, shifting attitudes that reinforce it, and implementing systemic changes to address it. In this session, speakers discuss how to effectively tackle gender bias in the legal profession, sharing their own experiences and key insights.
- How does gender bias manifest in the workplace and throughout the industry?
- Effective strategies and policies that can be implemented to help overcome gender stereotypes at work
- Practical tips for identifying gender bias within your own beliefs
Rose Leto
Partner, Neinstein LLP
Sonia Leith
Partner, Neinstein LLP
Networking break
Breakout Session: Everyone’s Resolution: Personal Finances under Control
Building a strong financial plan is critical for women in the legal profession. Being proactive, setting clear goals, and taking advantage of available financial programs are just some key strategies to optimize your financial position. This breakout session will unpack the uniqueness of legal professionals and guidance for successfully managing your financial future.
- What key factors should women in law consider when creating a financial plan?
- How is career planning and financial planning intertwined?
- Strategies for building a financial plan that meets your personal and professional goals
Elke Rubach
President & Founder, Rubach Wealth
Do More of What You Love: How to Balance a Business and a Law Practice
Law school can do an excellent job of preparing you to be a great lawyer, but it doesn’t always teach you how to be an effective business manager. Legal professionals often have to dedicate a large percentage of their day exclusively to administrative tasks, leaving them with fewer hours to do what they love: serving their clients. Join Dru Armstrong, CEO of LawPay, for a roundtable discussion on how to find the balance between running a successful business and being the best advocate you can be for your clients.
Moderator:
Dru Armstrong
CEO, Law Pay
Panelists:
Christine Holmes
CEO & Founder, Lawyersinhouse.com
Naomi Sayers
Lawyer, Naomi Sayers, Lawyer & Notary Publix
Lizon Chiasson-Foulem
Partner, Associée at McIntyre Finn
Building a new business model
Often the challenges women in law encounter are categorized as issues that require accommodation. However, this perpetuates the idea that they are deficiencies that need to be worked around, making them women’s issues and not a business problem. This session will look at the importance of adopting a new business model that accurately reflects the current demographics of the legal profession.
- Why is it important to implement gender equity policies and standards as part of a business model?
- Navigating paternity leave and other important milestones
- Alternative business models that foster an inclusive and diverse workplace at their core
Moderator:
Aaron Baer
Partner, Renno & Co
Panelists:
Stephanie Terrill
National Leader, Management Consulting, KPMG
Synthia Kloot
Chief Operating Officer, Clark Wilson LLP
Fireside chat: Getting the most out of your mentor
A well-established mentor–mentee relationship can play an influential role in your career growth and have a positive effect on both your personal and professional development. However, it requires clear goals and dedication from both parties. This panel will feature two pairs of mentors and mentees who will share their successes and how they have worked to establish a growing, supportive mentorship.
- Best practices for building an impactful mentor–mentee relationship
- Practical skills that foster strong connections for personal and professional development: being intentional; journey-focused planning, and more
- Understanding how to find the right mentorship match and what to look for
Moderator:
Tim Wilbur
Global Managing Editor, Canadian Lawyer
Panelists:
Jane Scholes
Associate, Lerners LLP
Sudevi Mukherjee-Gothi
Partner, Pallett Valo LLP
Monty Dhaliwal
Lawyer, Pallett Valo LLP
Yola Ventresca
Partner, Lerners LLP
Networking break
The woman’s journey: Celebrating stories of diversity
The legal profession can often pose additional challenges for women of diverse backgrounds. However, many of these women have overcome obstacles, leading to their success both in and out of the office. This session will feature a panel of female leaders who will share their unique experiences and insights into how they have navigated these different challenges and built successful careers
- What are the challenges women of colour often experience in the legal industry?
- The importance of celebrating achievements and providing allyship
- Strategies for implementing EDI policies and procedures to increase diversity and inclusion in the profession
Moderator:
Kenyah Coombs
Conference Producer, Key Media
Panelists:
Ratika Gandhi
Head of Legal & Compliance, Canada, Alcon Canada Inc.
Richa Sandill
Staff Lawyer, Don Valley Community Legal Services
Julia Shin Doi
General Counsel, Secretary of the Board of Governors, and University Privacy Officer, Ryerson University
Innovation in the law: The future of tech
Technology continues to evolve and change the way we work, and the legal profession is no exception. With the increase in remote and digitized work, lawyers and firms are seeking efficiency, instead of long hours, as the key to success. In this session, tech-savvy leaders will share their insights on innovation in law and how to use tech to empower your legal practice and break down barriers to advancement.
- What industry trends have emerged in the technological shift in the legal industry?
- How can legal tech allow you to focus on added-valued services now more than ever?
- Strategies for managing and capitalizing in the digital world
Moderator:
Marlon Hylton
CEO, Innov8
Panelists:
Lisa Danay-Wallace
Partner, WeirFoulds LLP
Len Polsky
Manager, Legal Technology and Mentorship, the Law Society of Alberta
Standing out from the crowd
While your performance in your role is critical to your career, it's important to take it a step further. Being actively engaged, contributing to the team, and thinking innovatively are essential to differentiating yourself from other strong candidates. In this session, a panel of experts will provide practical tips for standing out from the crowd as a leader.
- How to make a strong, lasting impression
- Ideas for becoming more involved in your firm or organization
- Utilizing everyday creativity to help you stand out as a leader
Moderator:
Dhawal Tank
Founder and Host, Build your Book
Panelists:
Aaron Bains
Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP
Selena Kim
Partner, Gowling WLG
Jennie Baek
Partner, McMillan LLP
France Camille De Mers
Lawyer, Lavery Lawyers