LEGAL INNOVATION
FORUM

TORONTO

JUNE 4th, 2025
8.30am - 5.00 PM

JUNE 5th, 2025
full-day workshop

This program is under consideration for professionalism credits by the Law Society of Ontario

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

OUR SPONSORS

GLOBAL STRATEGIC PARTNER

GOLD SPONSOR

EXHIBITOR SPONSOR

Event Outline

  • Two-day event (June 4 and 5, 2025)

  • DAY 1:

    • 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 event held in Downtown Toronto

  • Presentations / fireside chats from sponsors

  • 75-to-80 participants will rotate around four streams on key topics (AI, digital risk, leadership, talent).

  • Participants will be divided into groups of 25. Each group moves through the different streams in turn, working in small groups of six-to-eight for 90 minutes in each stream 

  • Networking lunch, coffee breaks + post-event reception

STRUCTURE

  • DAY 1 (Full day forum):

    • 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

    • Protecting the business in the digital age: navigating the growing digital risk landscape

    • The talent crunch: challenges + opportunities in an evolving legal ecosystem

    • The lawyers of tomorrow: what skills will define future legal professionals?

    • Being an innovative leader: how are general counsel adding value to the business in a risk on world?

  • DAY 2 (Full day workshop):

    • 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. 

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

Who’s attending

Themes

**For sponsorship opportunities contact Jacquie Rankin on jacquie@adbinsights.com or click on the button below in “Our sponsors” section.**

Meet our speakers

  • COMING SOON

    COMING SOON

THEMES + AGENDA

agenda

DAY 1: june 4th, 2025 (8.30AM - 5.00PM)

TRANSFORMING THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE: NAVIGATING INNOVATION AND CHANGE IN A RAPIDLY EVOLVING ECOSYSTEM

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?

THE BUSINESS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: HOW IS AI GIVING LAW FIRMS AND LEGAL DEPARTMENTS A COMPETITIVE EDGE?

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

THE LAWYER OF TOMORROW: WHAT SKILLS WILL DEFINE FUTURE LEGAL PROFESSIONALS?

As the legal industry faces unprecedented turmoil amid rapidly evolving technology, globalization, political unrest and shifting client demands, lawyers will need a dynamic skill set that goes beyond traditional legal expertise.

To thrive in the legal landscape of tomorrow, legal professionals must excel in leveraging evolving tech, while also being adaptable and developing a deep understanding of DEI and ESG principles, cybersecurity, and cross-border regulations.  

By combining legal acumen with business awareness, tech expertise and emotional intelligence, lawyers will redefine the profession and deliver more innovative, client-centered solutions.

  • Technological expertise: Leveraging AI, blockchain, and data analytics to enhance legal research, predict outcomes, and automate routine tasks

  • Global and cross-border legal knowledge: Expertise in international law and the ability to navigate cross-border legal issues

  • Diversity, Equity + Inclusion as a competitive advantage: The future of legal talent

  • Business acumen: Identifying opportunities by staying ahead of industry trends and emerging legal risks

PROTECTING THE BUSINESS IN THE DIGITAL AGE: NAVIGATING THE GROWING DIGITAL RISK LANDSCAPE

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

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?

THE TALENT CRUNCH: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN AN EVOLVING LEGAL ECOSYSTEM

The legal industry is facing significant challenges in attracting and retaining top talent amid generational shifts, evolving workplace dynamics, and differing perspectives among internal and external stakeholders.  

Remote and hybrid work models have increased competition for talent across geographic boundaries, while younger legal professionals are increasingly prioritizing work-life balance and opportunities for growth, prompting a shift away from traditional career paths in law. 

Discover how firms and legal departments can position themselves as attractive employers by fostering an inclusive culture and seeking opportunities for innovation as they embrace the generational shift.

  • The multigenerational law firm: Understanding the unique work styles and preferences of each generation 

  • Overcoming roadblocks to attracting and retaining talent

  • Workplace culture in a hybrid world: Evolving workplace norms and values

  • 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: how are legal professionals embarking on new and innovative career paths?

BEING AN INNOVATIVE LEADER: HOW ARE GENERAL COUNSEL ADDING VALUE TO THE BUSINESS IN A RISK ON WORLD?

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

DAY 2: june 5th, 2025 (full day workshop)

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.

  • Full-day event held at a law firm in Toronto

  • Presentations / fireside chats from sponsors

  • 75-to-80 participants will rotate around four streams on key topics (AI, digital risk, leadership, talent).

  • Participants will be divided into groups of 25. Each group moves through the different streams in turn, working in small groups of six-to-eight for 90 minutes in each stream 

  • Networking lunch and coffee breaks