Step Back to Lead Forward
The CBA In-House Leadership Retreat brings together senior in-house counsel for a full day of reflection, peer discussion, and connection at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club on Toronto Island — just minutes from downtown by ferry.
This year's sessions are built around what Canadian legal departments are actually facing: rising litigation risk, AI compliance, and a surge in HR and employment challenges.
Participation is intentionally limited to keep the environment interactive and the conversations candid.
Please note: The program is being finalized. Session topics and speakers are subject to change.
| 9:00am | Arrival & Breakfast |
| 9:30am | Opening Remarks |
| 9:45am | Litigation Leadership: From Reactive to Ready Canadian legal departments are anticipating a significant increase in litigation — and the data signals that litigation readiness is no longer episodic. It is a core leadership capability. Join litigation experts from Stockwoods LLP to explore how senior in-house counsel can rethink litigation strategy at an enterprise level, covering three dimensions: - AI as a strategic lever, not just a cost tool: How sophisticated in-house teams are using AI to inform early case strategy, sharpen decision-making, and create leverage while keeping governance and risk in focus. |
| 10:35am | Panel discussion |
| 11:25am | Break |
| 11:45am | Panel discussion |
| 12:30pm | Lunch |
| 1:45pm | Panel discussion |
| 2:35pm | Panel discussion |
| 3:25pm | Break |
| 3:45pm | Peer-to-Peer Leadership Roundtables A perennial favourite at the Retreat, these small-group discussions provide space for candid conversations on the issues that matter most. Participants exchange experiences, share practical insights, and learn from peers navigating similar leadership challenges. |
| 4:30pm | Closing Remarks & Reception |