This program is under consideration for professionalism credits by the Law Society of Ontario
OVERVIEW
Building on the momentum from day one, The Legal Innovation Forum presents an exclusive full-day workshop, offering practical working groups for a small number of select attendees.
We will give 75-to-80 participants the opportunity to extend their experience by diving deeper into key topics from day one, and having in-depth discussions and additional learning opportunities, while networking with their peers from across the legal industry.
Featuring sponsor-led presentations and fireside chats.
Workshop participants will rotate through four themed streams — AI, digital risk, leadership, and talent — over the course of the day.
In each stream, participants will break into smaller working groups of six to eight people for hands-on exercises.
The agenda includes a networking lunch and scheduled coffee breaks.
AGENDA
9:00 – 10:30 – SESSION 1
10:30 – 10.45 – NETWORKING BREAK
10:45 – 12:15 – SESSION 2
12:15 – 1:00 – NETWORKING LUNCH
1:00 – 2:30 – SESSION 3
2:30 – 2:45 – NETWORKING BREAK
2:45 – 4:15 – SESSION 4
4:15 – WORKSHOP CLOSE
STRUCTURE + THEMES
Participants will be divided into groups of 20, with each group rotating through four themed streams over the course of the day.
Within each stream, participants will break into smaller working groups to collaborate on practical challenges. Guided by expert facilitators, each team will brainstorm and design a strategy or framework related to the module’s theme.
The format for each 90-minute stream includes:
- Fireside Chat (20 minutes): A candid conversation to set the stage for the theme
- Sponsor Presentation (10 minutes): Key insights from a sponsor on real-world applications
- Working Group Activity (40 minutes): Small group collaboration to build a strategy or solution
- Group Discussion (20 minutes): Share key takeaways and reflections across the full group
WORKSHOP THEMES:
- AI
- Digital Risk
- Leadership
- Talent
WORKSHOP STREAMS
STREAM A: AI + THE FUTURE OF LEGAL PRACTICE
FIRESIDE CHAT: The transformative potential of AI on legal workflows
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the legal industry, and reshaping how legal professionals approach research, document review, and client service. In this opening session, we’ll explore the profound impact AI is having on legal workflows, from automating routine tasks to enhancing decision-making through advanced analytics.
- AI in legal research + document review: How automation is streamlining repetitive tasks
- Contract analysis + drafting: AI-powered tools for improving accuracy and reducing turnaround time
- Predictive analytics + risk assessment: Leveraging AI for case strategy and compliance
- Ethical + regulatory considerations: Balancing innovation with legal and ethical obligations
SPONSOR PRESENTATION: Practical applications of AI
Investing in innovative legal technology and AI tools has become increasingly essential for forward-thinking legal departments and law firms, allowing them to redefine the ways in which their services are delivered.
In this brief presentation, our event partner will showcase innovative AI solutions to enhance efficiency and deliver results.
WORKING GROUP ACTIVITY
Challenge: Design an AI-assisted process to improve legal service delivery while maintaining ethical standards.
GROUP DISCUSSION
Each group presents its design, and explains how it solves the relevant challenge.
Participants are invited to ask questions, and engage in a discussion of the challenges, risks and opportunities presented by each new design.
STREAM B: Managing digital risk: Protecting the business in the digital age
FIRESIDE CHAT / PRESENTATION: The evolving landscape of digital risk
As legal professionals handle increasingly sensitive data, the risks associated with cybersecurity breaches, data privacy regulations, and digital compliance continue to grow. This session highlights key challenges and practical strategies for safeguarding client information and maintaining regulatory compliance.
Our expert speaker will provide actionable insights to help legal teams navigate complex digital environments while mitigating potential threats.
- Emerging threats: Cyberattacks, data breaches, and insider risks
- Managing cybersecurity in legal workflows
- Best practices for protecting sensitive legal data
- Implementing robust cybersecurity policies and training for legal teams
SPONSOR PRESENTATION: Navigating data privacy and regulatory compliance
In this presentation, our sponsor will showcase cutting-edge solutions designed to help legal teams and law firms navigate complex regulatory frameworks, manage data securely, and streamline compliance processes.
Attendees will gain practical insights into leveraging technology to reduce risk, protect the business, and maintain client trust in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
WORKING GROUP ACTIVITY
Challenge: Craft a strategy for mitigating digital risk for your firm or legal department, while ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks, and enabling business innovation.
GROUP DISCUSSION
Each group presents its strategy, and explains how it solves the challenge.
Participants are invited to ask questions, and engage in a discussion of the challenges, risks and opportunities presented by each new design.
STREAM C: Leadership in an evolving legal landscape
FIRESIDE CHAT / PRESENTATION: Leading through innovation in an era of disruption
Legal professionals are navigating unprecedented disruption, driven by technological advancements, changing client expectations, cross-border trade wars, and complex regulatory environments.
This session reveals how legal leaders can foster a culture of innovation, drive change, and position their teams for long-term success. Attendees will gain practical strategies for leading through uncertainty, embracing new technologies, and empowering their firm or legal department to thrive in today’s risk-on environment.
- Embracing change: Shifting from risk aversion to opportunity-focused thinking
- Leading with agility: Adapting to emerging trends while maintaining legal and ethical integrity
- Collaborating across functions to drive business-aligned legal innovation
- Preparing for the next wave of legal and technological disruption
SPONSOR PRESENTATION: Fostering innovation and leading high-performing legal teams
This presentation will explore practical strategies for empowering legal professionals to embrace new ideas and leverage cutting-edge technologies to drive success.
Attendees will gain actionable insights on balancing innovation with operational efficiency, enhancing team collaboration, and leading with agility in a dynamic and competitive environment.
WORKING GROUP ACTIVITY
Challenge: Develop a leadership framework to drive innovation while balancing risk in legal settings.
GROUP DISCUSSION:
Each group presents its framework and explains how it solves the challenge.
Participants are invited to ask questions, and engage in a discussion of the challenges, risks and opportunities presented by each new design.
STREAM D: Attracting and retaining talent in a competitive legal environment
FIRESIDE CHAT / PRESENTATION: Navigating the legal talent crunch
As the demand for specialized legal services grows and the job market evolves, law firms and legal departments must adopt innovative strategies to attract, develop, and retain top talent.
This presentation will explore best practices, trends, and strategies for effectively hiring and retaining legal talent in today’s competitive environment.
- Generational shifts: Understanding the preferences and values of younger lawyers
- The career lattice: Embracing non-traditional career paths
- Professional development + training: Offering continuous learning opportunities and clear pathways to leadership roles
- Remote and hybrid work models: How flexibility in work arrangements is reshaping retention.
- DEI: fostering an inclusive culture and embracing differing perspectives
SPONSOR PRESENTATION – Innovative approaches to talent acquisition, development, and retention
Today’s ever-evolving legal landscape, changing client needs, and technological advancements demand that law firms adopt innovative strategies to attract, nurture, and retain the best professionals.
This presentation from our event partner will explore how firms and legal departments can leverage AI and data analytics in recruitment and retention strategies.
WORKING GROUP ACTIVITY
Challenge: Design a talent strategy to attract, retain, and develop future legal professionals.
GROUP DISCUSSION
Each group presents its strategy, and explains how it solves the challenge.
Participants are invited to ask questions, and engage in a discussion of the challenges, risks and opportunities presented by each new design.