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The Legal Innovation Forum Podcast

The Legal Innovation Forum’s CPD-accredited podcast explores how legal leaders are driving innovation at the intersection of business and law.

In today’s complex landscape, they play a key role in balancing risk with growth—acting as agents of change and embracing innovation to seize new opportunities.

Join us for dynamic conversations on the evolving role of legal leadership and the trends reshaping the legal industry.

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LIF Toronto 2026 | Innovation In Action: Real World Case Studies

Podcast Details

Recorded live at The Legal Innovation Forum Toronto 2026, this panel—chaired by Lauren Cappell, Director Engagement at Legora—features legal leaders and executive experts exploring the integration of technology, data, and new operating models across everyday legal work. Joined by Catherine Doyle (Partner at McMillan) and Simon Fish (Senior Executive Vice President & General Counsel at TD Bank Group), the panel tackles risk management, AI implementation, and evolving cultural mindsets in law firms and corporate legal departments. Discover actionable strategies for moving past traditional gatekeeper roles, balancing operational innovation with institutional risk, and driving measurable value across the legal ecosystem.

LIF Toronto 2026 | The Age of Agentic AI: Redefining Legal Work, Decision-Making and Client Delivery

Podcast Details

Recorded live at The Legal Innovation Forum Toronto 2026, this episode—chaired by Shirin Mirsaeidi, Partner at Deloitte Canada—features legal leaders and product experts exploring the adoption, risk management, and practical applications of AI and agentic AI across legal and corporate operations. Joined by Imran Ahmad (Norton Rose Fulbright), Arun Krishnamurti (Google Canada), Omeed Arlani (Omers), and Corinne Geller (Litera), the panel tackles AI integration hurdles, autonomous workflows, and shifting legal business models. Discover actionable strategies for implementing agentic systems, automating contract workflows, and driving value across enterprise legal functions.

Previous Podcasts

LIF Toronto 2026 | The Legal Department of 2030: Strategic, Data-Driven, and Embedded Across the Enterprise

Podcast Details

Recorded live at The Legal Innovation Forum Toronto 2026, this episode—chaired by Nicole Lee—features legal leaders and technologists exploring how corporate legal departments are navigating regulatory friction, managing enterprise risk, and preparing for 2030. Joined by Rustam Juma (Volkswagen Canada), Adriana Molluso (Peoples Group), Ian Arellano (Scotiabank), and Matteo Pagani (Co-Flo), the panel tackles class action litigation, cross-border operations, and cross-functional alignment. Discover actionable strategies for scanning regulatory horizons, conducting contract audits, and embedding legal into core business strategy.

LIF Toronto 2026 | Building a Resilient Tech Stack: Systems, Data, and Architecture for the Future

Podcast Details

Recorded live at The Legal Innovation Forum Toronto 2026, this episode—chaired by Brett Sullivan from Luminance—features legal operations and corporate leaders examining how to build a resilient, future-proof tech stack. Joined by Simon Wormwell (Osler), Melissa LaFlair (Manulife), Sacha Fraser (LCBO), and Adam Minielly (Sun Life), the panel tackles fragmented data, vendor governance, and AI adoption in regulated environments. Discover actionable strategies for harmonizing enterprise data, balancing risk, and driving measurable ROI across legal operations.

LIF Toronto 2026 | Integrating Ecosystems: How Law Firms, Legal Departments, and Service Providers are collaborating to manage the Business of Risk

Podcast Details

Recorded live at The Legal Innovation Forum Toronto 2026, this episode—moderated by Caitriona Robinson from ClearyX—features legal leaders examining how law firms, ALSPs, and legal tech integrate in practice. Learn how corporate legal teams optimize capacity, navigate value-based pricing, and balance risk across the legal ecosystem. Discover actionable strategies for driving efficiency, scalability, and measurable ROI in dealmaking and legal operations.

LIF Toronto 2026 | The Leadership Imperative: Skills, Culture, and Governance for Transformation

Podcast Details

Recorded live at The Legal Innovation Forum Toronto 2026, this episode—moderated by Harvey’s Innovation Partner Joe Marando—features top legal leaders exploring the shift from basic AI adoption to enterprise-wide process transformation. Discover actionable strategies for leading teams through organizational change, overcoming tool fatigue, and driving measurable ROI across corporate departments and law firms.

LEGAL TALK – AI IN THE ENERGY SECTOR

Podcast Details

Legal and technology leaders from Clifford Chance, TC Energy, McMillan LLP, and Exterro discuss how AI is transforming the energy sector, the importance of governance and human judgment, and how legal teams can responsibly adopt AI while managing regulatory and operational risk.

LEGAL TALK – BUILDING THE FUTURE OF LEGAL SERVICES

Podcast Details

Carla Swansburg, CEO of ClearyX, joins Andrew Bowyer to discuss AI, legal innovation, alternative legal services, and the future of legal work. Together, they explore how legal departments and law firms can leverage technology to create value, improve efficiency, and prepare for the next generation of legal services.

LEGAL TALK – DATA GOVERNANCE AS THE FOUNDATION FOR AI

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Rupali Patel Shah and Nadim Baklouti of DiliTrust discuss how legal departments can leverage AI, governance, and connected data to become more strategic, proactive, and business-focused in a rapidly changing world.

LEGAL TALK – HARNESSING DATA AND AI TO ENRICH LEGAL WORKFLOWS

Podcast Details

Lily Schurra (Sourcegraph), Kevin Keller (Forward Networks), and Jessica Nguyen (Sandstone), discuss how forward-thinking legal departments are leveraging agentic AI to reduce friction and turn fragmented data into actionable insights.

INTERVIEW – ERIC ZAAROUR – CO-FOUNDER, LAUREL

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Eric Zaazour, Co-Founder of Laurel, discusses how AI is transforming timekeeping, compliance, and productivity — and why law firms must rethink value beyond the billable hour.

INTERVIEW – MONICA ZENT – FOUNDER & CEO, ZENT LAW + MANAGING DIRECTOR, LAW INNOVATION

Podcast Details

Monica Zent, founder of Zent Law and the Law Innovation Agency, shares her journey as an entrepreneur and pioneer of alternative legal services, offering insights on AI, risk, and the future of legal operations.

INTERVIEW – JOE GREEN – CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER, GUNDERSON DETTMER

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Joe Green, Chief Innovation Officer at Gunderson Dettmer, discusses how legal teams can drive innovation by integrating people, processes, data, and technology.

INTERVIEW – LORA CHEADLE – LIFE & LEADERSHIP COACHING

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Lora Cheadle, attorney and life and leadership coach, shares strategies for legal professionals to recognize betrayal, reclaim engagement, and create thriving workplaces.

Andrew Brown president bridgemaker referral programs

INTERVIEW – ANDREW BROWN – PRESIDENT, BRIDGEMAKER REFERRAL PROGRAMS

Podcast Details

Andrew Brown, President of Bridge Maker Referral Programs, shares how organizations can harness referral sources to grow revenue, build trust, and accelerate business outcomes.

INTERVIEW – MICHAEL HASSAN – PARTNER, MANAGING DIRECTOR, GC + SECRETARY, SAGARD

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Michael Hassan, Partner, Managing Director, General Counsel & Secretary at Sagard, shares his global career journey and insights on how legal teams can drive growth, manage risk, and build cross-functional value in today’s complex regulatory landscape.

interview with mark smolik chief legal officer dhl

INTERVIEW – MARK SMOLIK – CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER, GENERAL COUNSEL, DHL SUPPLY CHAIN AMERICAS

Podcast Details

Mark Smolik, General Counsel at DHL Supply Chain Americas, shares how his legal team uses AI to drive innovation and offers strategic advice for GCs building their own innovation playbook.

INTERVIEW – JEREMY TRICKETT – EVP, LEGAL AFFAIRS AND CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER, BCI

Podcast Details

Jeremy Trickett, EVP, Legal Affairs & Chief Legal Officer at BCI, shares insights on legal leadership, building globally integrated legal teams, and aligning legal strategy with business growth at one of Canada’s largest institutional investors.

Interview-with-melissa-laflair-head-of-law-manulife

INTERVIEW – MELISSA LAFLAIR – GLOBAL HEAD OF LAW, COMPLIANCE AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS, MANULIFE

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Melissa LaFlair, Global Head of Law, Compliance & Government Relations Strategy and Operations at Manulife, shares how legal teams can deliver greater value by focusing on process, data, and human connection—while navigating the evolving impacts of AI, risk, and hybrid work.

INTERVIEW – KIM WOLFE – MANAGING DIRECTOR, HEAD OF LEGAL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, WELLS FARGO

Podcast Details

How can legal operations drive business success? In this episode, Kim Wolfe, Managing Director & Head of Legal Business Solutions at Wells Fargo, shares insights on managing risk, navigating emerging regulations, and integrating AI into legal workflows. She also discusses leadership strategies, talent development, and how legal teams can become powerful change agents within an organization.

In association with iManage

Sasa Jarvis McMillan Partner Legal Innovation Forum Podcast

INTERVIEW – SASA JARVIS – PARTNER, MCMILLAN

Podcast Details

Sasa Jarvis, Partner at McMillan joins us to explore key challenges and opportunities in the mining sector, from Chinese export controls and US tariffs to British Columbia’s evolving policies. She discusses the rising importance of critical minerals, global supply pressures, and strategies to attract institutional investment in exploration-stage mining companies.

In association with McMillan

The Legal Innovation Forum presents our interview with Bruce Chapple, CEO of McMillan.

INTERVIEW – BRUCE CHAPPLE – MANAGING PARTNER / CEO, MCMILLAN

Podcast Details

Bruce Chapple, CEO of McMillan, joins us to discuss legal industry trends, innovation strategies, and the firm’s growth from a Toronto-based practice to a national leader. He shares insights on AI, capital markets, and the evolving role of general counsels—highlighting the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and business-driven legal solutions.

In association with McMillan

Dennis Garcia Microsoft Assistant General Counsel LIF Podcast

INTERVIEW – DENNIS GARCIA – ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL, MICROSOFT

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How does Microsoft align legal strategy with business growth? In this exclusive conversation, Dennis Garcia, Assistant General Counsel at Microsoft, shares insights on legal operations, risk management, and AI adoption within one of the world’s most innovative companies.

Virginia Neiswender LIF podcast

INTERVIEW – VIRGINIA NEISWENDER – ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL, COX ENTERPRISES

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In this episode, Virginia Neiswender, Associate General Counsel for Enterprise Privacy at Cox Enterprises, discusses the evolving landscape of privacy, data governance, and the role of lawyers in driving innovation. She shares her journey from employee benefits and bankruptcy law to shaping Cox’s privacy program, leading data governance and cybersecurity efforts. Virginia explores the challenges and opportunities in managing data responsibly, building adaptable privacy frameworks, and guiding AI adoption, all while maintaining compliance in a fast-evolving regulatory environment.

Heather Ancrum Atlanta Housing Authority LIF podcast

INTERVIEW – HEATHER ANCRUM – DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL, ATLANTA HOUSING AUTHORITY

Podcast Details

Explore how the legal team at the Atlanta Housing Authority is advancing affordable housing in Georgia. From delivering 10,000 new units to fostering strategic partnerships and streamlining legal operations, this episode highlights Heather Ancrum’s leadership, innovation, and impact on thriving communities.

INTERVIEW – ANTHONY RUFFOLO – AVP, SHARED SERVICES, GC + CORPORATE SECRETARY, HONDA

Podcast Details

Dive into the innovative strategies transforming Honda Canada’s legal operations.

This episode explores how the legal team is spearheading a $15B transition to electric vehicles, aligning with business goals, and advancing sustainable mobility. Discover insights into leadership, talent development, and navigating the evolving challenges shaping the future of the legal and automotive industries.