Become a Certified In-House Counsel

This 10-month program consists of live online sessions taught by Rotman School of Management faculty at the University of Toronto, combined with a self-paced online component. Guided by expert professors and executives-in-residence, you will learn how to:

• Contribute to your organization’s strategic planning and success
• Understand business financial statements and the bottom-line impact of executive decisions
• Enhance your legal advice with strategic business insight
• Position yourself as a meaningful member of the senior team

See the Program Curriculum for more information

Join us for the next Business Leadership Program for In-House Counsel, starting in September 2026. Here’s what you need to know:

• The program offers the perfect mix of online and in-person learning for busy professionals. The first two modules will be virtual and the third module will be in-person. That means less time investment and lower travel costs for you while you build a strong community of peers, experts and mentors.
• We accept applications on a rolling basis until the cohort is full or until August 14, 2026. 
• Super early-bird pricing is in effect until December 31, 2025, and early-bird pricing is in effect until March 31, 2026. 

Higher demand, brighter future, lower investment. It really is a golden opportunity.

See Important Dates for more information.

Payment is due in full upon enrolment. In certain cases, we may permit a payment plan. Please contact us at certification@cbainhouse.org with your request.

Make the business case to your employer to register today

Scholarships and funding

You may be eligible for a Canada Job Grant, OSAP Funding for Micro-Credentials (Ontario only), or grants from your provincial or territorial government. We encourage you to begin the application process as soon as possible.

We also offer Diversity Scholarships for eligible in-house lawyers. The scholarship application period for the 2026 cohort will open in January 2026.   

Learn more about funding your studies

This program is designed for in-house counsel who need management and leadership skills to advance their careers and contribute in meaningful ways to their organization’s executive team. Whether you are new to in-house counsel, in a mid-level position, serving as Senior Counsel, or acting as the sole Legal Officer, the program will offer the knowledge and insights you need to make a lasting impact on your organization.

Find out if you are eligible to apply

Your certification will position you for the future. You will be equipped to meet the growing demand for corporate and public sector lawyers with excellent business acumen and legal skills. Here’s the evidence:

• The Business Leadership Program for In-House Counsel will give you a competitive edge. Over 42% of graduates have been promoted since taking the program.  
• Across every sector in Canada, legal departments are growing. Almost half of in-house counsel report that the size of their legal department has increased over the past two years, especially at the senior level.
• To meet the demands of today’s legal workplace, you need proven practices to show you can drive results. Since 2021, 60% of in-house counsel have taken on extra responsibilities in the areas of compliance, diversity, ESG and operational support. 

Watch our video about the program to learn more

Learn about the CIC.C designation