DAY 1 - FULL DAY FORUM
OVERVIEW
The Legal Innovation Forum is returning to Toronto with its flagship, national event on June 4th and 5th, 2025.
This two-day forum is centered on its unifying theme: Navigating disruption in a risk-on era.
The legal ecosystem and the broader business world are undergoing a profound transformation driven by a wealth of factors including the rapid rise of generative AI, financial pressure, political unrest, globalization, shifting client expectations, and increasing risk and regulatory complexity.
Generational shifts, evolving workplace dynamics, and conflicting perspectives between legal professionals and their third party partners are creating further challenges, while also presenting new opportunities for collaboration and innovation within the legal ecosystem.
This year’s forum will shine a light on the dynamics at play at the intersection of business, innovation and law, and will reveal the skills needed to be successful in the evolving legal profession. By combining legal acumen with business awareness, tech expertise and emotional intelligence, legal professionals will redefine the industry and deliver more innovative, client-centered solutions.
PURPOSE OF FORUM
Review key drivers and trends influencing the shifting dynamics of the legal ecosystem
Uncover new business models shaping the legal industry and learn how practitioners can embrace agile strategies to stay competitive and relevant
Look at best practices in law firms, legal departments and their third-party partners for driving business resilience through innovative thinking
Create a network of leading legal innovators to share knowledge and experiences to help drive change in the legal ecosystem and the organizations they support
Discussion Themes
DAY 1 (Full Day Forum) – JUNE 4th 8.30 am – 5.00 pm:
The business of Artificial Intelligence: how is AI giving law firms + legal departments a competitive edge?
Transforming the legal landscape: navigating innovation + change in a rapidly evolving ecosystem
The ESG debate: risk management in an age of disruption
Digital Risk: Growing business, protecting information and managing risk in a complex environment
The talent crunch: challenges + opportunities in an evolving legal ecosystem
Driving Business Growth: How can lawyers add value amid cross-border trade wars?
Being an innovative leader: how are general counsel adding value to the business in a risk on world?
DAY 2 (Full Day Workshop) – JUNE 5th:
STRUCTURE
Two-day event (June 4 + 5th, 2025)
DAY 1 – Full Day Forum:
250+ high-level decision-makers from legal departments, law firms and third party partners from across Canada, the US and overseas
Discussions and presentations focused on key topics for law firms + legal departments related to the intersection of business, innovation + the law
DAY 2 – Full Day Workshop:
Who’s attending
Legal departments: General counsel, associate/ assistant general counsel, in-house counsel, legal operations professionals
Law firms: Heads of innovation, knowledge management, senior partners, COO, CIO, chief client officers
Tickets:
- In-house counsel: Limited free tickets available *(upon completion of survey)
Law firms
- Legal sector service providers
Tables of eight are available for purchase: Located in a premium location at the conference, a table offers convenience, flexibility and a significant cost discount on a per delegate basis. For more information contact jacquie@adbinsights.com
Meet our speakers
THEMES + AGENDA
8:00-8:30 AM | REGISTRATION + NETWORKING BREAKFAST
8:30-8:50 am | WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS
8:50-9:35 AM | The Business of Artificial Intelligence: How is AI giving law firms and legal departments a competitive edge?
In association with:
AI is revolutionizing the legal industry by providing legal professionals with tools that boost efficiency, accuracy, and strategic decision-making.
Chatbots are enhancing client services, while emerging tools are allowing firms to rapidly analyze data insights for personalized legal solutions. Tools for compliance monitoring, due diligence, and billing transparency also serve to streamline operations, thus reducing costs and boosting revenue.
This panel explores how law firms and legal departments are leveraging AI to gain operational efficiency and to provide more strategic, data-driven, and client-centric services.
Beyond automation: Understanding the potential for AI to drive success in multiple areas including data analysis, legal research, and client service
Driving revenue: How AI is lowering operational costs by minimizing spend and reducing overheads
Attracting talent by positioning the firm or legal department as a tech-savvy workplace
Risks + opportunities for the legal ecosystem in the age of AI
9:40-10:20 AM | Transforming the Legal Landscape: Navigating Innovation and Change in a Rapidly Evolving Ecosystem
In association with:
The legal ecosystem is undergoing a profound transformation driven by rapid technological advancements, financial pressure, shifting client expectations, and increasing regulatory complexity.
The rise of alternative legal service providers and the growing emphasis on ESG considerations are also reshaping the legal landscape.
Discover how to thrive in today’s dynamic environment by embracing innovation and adopting agile strategies to stay competitive and relevant.
Drivers and trends influencing the shifting dynamics of the legal space
Decoding innovation: Understanding new business models shaping the legal industry
The tech revolution: Leveraging technology in the new legal landscape
Bridging the gap: How are generational shifts reshaping the legal landscape?
JANET DOMALIK, Senior Manager, Forensics/Legal Project Solutions, Deloitte
10:20-10:35 AM | NETWORKING BREAK
10:35-11:00 AM | Fireside chat: Navigating the road ahead - the future of AI in the legal ecosystem
In association with:
As AI continues to advance, legal departments will increasingly rely on predictive analytics and generative AI to refine legal strategies, enhance decision-making, and reduce costs. Collaboration between legal professionals, technologists, and policymakers will be essential in shaping AI frameworks that balance innovation with accountability.
This presentation takes a look at what lies ahead and offers tips for embracing AI efficiently to turn your legal department into a value enabler – and a strategic partner.
Topics covered will include:
- How will AI impact the structure of the legal ecosystem?
- Technology apps Vs Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tools: Understanding the key differences and impact on business efficiency
- Working with third parties: Collaborating to shape AI frameworks and give your legal department an edge
- Economic model: The value proposition of using AI and impact on the economics of law
11:05-11:50 | The Talent Crunch: NAVIGATING RISK AND OPPORTUNITY IN AN EVOLVING LEGAL ECOSYSTEM
In association with:
The legal industry is facing a perfect storm, navigating challenges in attracting and retaining top talent amid generational shifts, evolving workplace dynamics, and rising legal and reputational risks related to workplace culture, employment practices, and organizational structure.
As firms and legal departments adjust to hybrid work and the shift away from traditional career paths, they must also mitigate the risk of employment-related claims such as wrongful termination, discrimination, and harassment – and a rise in crime-related claims and misconduct in the workplace.
Discover how legal teams can manage employment risks while embracing innovation, strengthening culture, and building resilient, inclusive workplaces
- Attracting and retaining talent: Legal and operational risks associated with high attrition, talent shortages, and changing employee expectations in a hybrid world
- Employment-related risk: Preparing for increased scrutiny and claims tied to wrongful dismissal, discrimination, harassment, and workplace policies
- Aligning with the generational shift in leadership by challenging long standing business models
- Bridging the divide: Navigating conflicting perspectives between general counsel, managing partners, hiring managers, associates and ALSP leaders, to drive alignment
- The career lattice trumps the career ladder: Reducing retention risk by offering flexible, non-linear growth paths aligned with evolving career goals
- Case studies of crime-related claims and compliance issues tied to misconduct
11:55-12:20 PM | Fireside Chat: The Future is Here - How is the Legal Ecosystem Evolving in North America and Beyond?
In association with:
The global legal industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, with alternative legal service providers, technology-driven solutions, and regulatory shifts redefining the way legal services are delivered.
In this dynamic fireside chat, Elevate CEO, Liam Brown, will sit down with ClearyX CEO, Carla Swansburg, to explore the evolving legal ecosystem, and examine what the future holds for legal innovation in North America and beyond.
Discussion points include:
The rise of ALSPs and new models in North America and globally
The “sandbox” issue and its impact on the future of legal services
The role of GenAI versus other factors in accelerating industry shifts
Opportunities for shifting work from BigLaw to ALSPs
The biggest challenges and opportunities facing legal innovators
12:20-12:40 PM | LEGAL INNOVATION IN FOCUS: ELEVATOR PITCH SESSION 1
Investing in innovative legal technology and services has become increasingly essential for forward-thinking law firms and legal departments, allowing them to redefine the ways in which their services are delivered and how they deliver value to their clients.
As workloads grow heavier, new risks emerge and budgets grow tighter, capitalizing on technology solutions (underpinned by advanced approaches to people, process + technology) drive business outcomes is more important than ever.
Throughout the day each of the forum’s key partners will have 5 minute elevator pitches outlining a key area where they are delivering value for the legal ecosystem. The purpose is to highlight ways in which sector service providers can help their clients deliver results.
12:40-1:20 PM | LUNCH + NETWORKING BREAK
1:20-2:05 PM | Being an Innovative Leader: How are General Counsel Adding Value to the Business in a Risk On World?
In association with:
In today’s volatile global business environment, legal department leaders are stepping into more strategic roles, and helping organizations navigate challenges with innovative solutions. General counsel play a pivotal role in aligning legal objectives with broader business goals, ensuring compliance while driving growth initiatives.
With a focus on cross-functional collaboration, GCs are not only protecting the organization’s interests but also contributing to long-term business success.
The speakers in this panel – general counsel and chief legal officers from leading organizations – will reveal their strategies for driving innovation and business growth in today’s risk-on environment.
Turning challenges into competitive advantages: Driving business resilience by helping the organization adapt to changing market conditions, regulatory environments, and emerging risks
The client-centric lawyer: Encouraging innovative thinking across your organization
Reimagining legal education: Training the next generation of lawyers for success
How emerging technologies are redefining leadership styles and expectations
2:10-2:35 PM | Fireside chat: How are financial services' legal departments innovating in a risk-on era
In association with:
In our fireside chat, we will focus on two areas: optimal operating structures for FI legal departments (goals) + the areas that are holding them back from these optimal states (problems). Both in the context of navigating a complex and rapidly evolving risk landscape.
Topics we will cover:
- What’s the purpose of the legal department in an FSI? How does it relate to the current market landscape and other departments in the organization and how is this evolving?
- Examples of key challenges faced by FSI legal departments and how they are evolving their approaches to them: (i.e. managing emerging regulations, black swan events, credit crisis’, reputational risks, etc..)
- Designing a legal function fit for purpose – how to leverage people, process and technology to help FSI’s better navigate risks and help better place them to capitalize on opportunities?
2:40-3:20 PM | Driving Business Growth: How can Lawyers add Value amid Cross-Border Trade Wars?
As Canadian businesses reel in the wake of new tariffs imposed by the US – and Canada’s subsequent counter-tariffs – legal department leaders and their law firm partners are working to help businesses stay resilient, minimize economic fallout, and position themselves strategically in an unpredictable trade environment.
Legal leaders across industries are tasked with updating or re-evaluating cross-border trading contracts, navigating regulatory requirements and finding exemptions and legal avenues to mitigate tariff impacts.
This session explores the evolving role of lawyers in helping boost business resilience, mitigate risk, and strengthen the Canadian economy in these volatile times.
Advising on trade compliance + strategy: Guiding the business amid new tariffs, ensuring compliance with shifting regulations, and exploring legal avenues such as exemptions and reclassifications
Reviewing and modifying contracts: Ensuring compliance with existing trade agreements, and navigating termination clauses
Advocating for policy solutions: How can legal leaders engage with government officials, trade organizations, and industry stakeholders to shape policies that mitigate the impact of tariffs on Canadian businesses?
Educating business partners: Legal departments are providing thought leadership to keep businesses informed of the evolving trade landscape
Handling trade disputes and litigation cases to protect the business from risk
3:20-3:35 PM | NETWORKING BREAK
3:35-3:55 PM | Fireside Chat: The ESG Debate - Risk Management in an Age of Disruption
ESG considerations such as climate change, regulatory compliance, human rights, and corporate ethics, are increasingly influencing investment decisions, stakeholder expectations, and legal obligations.
Forward-thinking ESG-focused organizations are prioritizing transparency, and leveraging tools such as data analytics and AI to monitor ESG risks and ensure compliance with evolving global standards.
Meanwhile, a shifting political landscape in the US is fueling a corporate retreat from ESG priorities which may spread north of the border, while Europe remains a global leader in ESG regulation. Embedding ESG principles into risk management frameworks is becoming increasingly challenging for global organizations in Canada, amid diverging priorities around the world.
The global climate conundrum: How are law firms and legal departments navigating evolving environmental dilemmas and preparing for the energy transition amid growing ESG fatigue?
Aligning stakeholder, shareholder, and employee priorities in the age of shifting ESG priorities around the world
Navigating corporate social responsibility, legal risk, and stakeholder expectations
How are organizations collaborating with stakeholders, including investors, regulators, and communities, to build trust and minimize reputational risks?
4:00-4:40 PM | Digital Risk: Growing business, protecting information and managing risk in a complex environment
In association with:
In today’s hyper-connected world, privacy and digital risk have become critical concerns for businesses. With the rise of cyber threats, data breaches, and emerging technologies presenting new vulnerabilities, protecting sensitive information has never been more challenging.
Legal departments – and other business areas – are navigating a complex web of regulations, while also addressing growing consumer demands for data transparency and accountability.
In this critical session, you will learn how effective management of digital risk requires a multi-faceted approach, including robust cybersecurity measures, regular risk assessments, employee training, and a strong governance framework.
Creating and implementing privacy policies and ensuring compliance with global privacy laws
Developing a robust cybersecurity strategy – and an incident response plan
Seizing opportunities for innovation and business growth by leveraging new technologies in the digital era, while safeguarding the business from risks
Educating employees and leadership teams on data privacy regulations, cybersecurity risks, and best practices for compliance
Where does the buck stop? The role of legal as quarterback in mitigating digital risks in an organization
4:45-5:05 PM | LEGAL INNOVATION IN FOCUS: ELEVATOR PITCH SESSION 2
Investing in innovative legal technology and services has become increasingly essential for forward-thinking law firms and legal departments, allowing them to redefine the ways in which their services are delivered and how they deliver value to their clients.
As workloads grow heavier, new risks emerge and budgets grow tighter, capitalizing on technology solutions (underpinned by advanced approaches to people, process + technology) drive business outcomes is more important than ever.
Throughout the day each of the forum’s key partners will have 5 minute elevator pitches outlining a key area where they are delivering value for the legal ecosystem. The purpose is to highlight ways in which sector service providers can help their clients deliver results.
5:10-6:10 PM | CLOSING REMARKS + NETWORKING RECEPTION
DAY 2: JUNE 5TH, 2025 (FULL DAY WORKSHOP)
OUR PARTNERS
PRESENTING SPONSOR
GLOBAL STRATEGIC PARTNER
GOLD SPONSORS
exhibitor sponsor
Networking Reception Sponsor
EDUCATION PARTNER
