General Counsel and Head of Legal, Data Privacy, AI Governance and Ethic
ModiFace, Inc., a L'Oréal Group Company
About Aarani Stoneham
Aarani Stoneham is General Counsel and Head of Legal, Data Privacy, AI Governance and Ethics at ModiFace, the L’Oréal Group’s technology company, and global leader in artificial intelligence and augmented reality technologies.
Working in law, technology, and business, Aarani advises on complex legal and governance questions arising from the deployment of AI at scale, including privacy, intellectual property, data governance and emerging regulatory frameworks.
Aarani serves on the IAPP’s Training Advisory Board in AI Governance and is Co-Chair of the Canadian Technology Law Association’s AI Committee. She is also the founder of AI Literacy Learners™, an initiative focused on helping organizations, educators and students build the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to navigate the age of artificial intelligence.
Recognized on 2025’s Legal 500 GC Powerlist Canada, Aarani is a frequent lecturer and speaker on AI governance, responsible innovation and the future of legal practice. Her work focuses on a central question facing organizations today: How to harness the opportunities of AI while preserving the human judgment, trust and accountability that remain essential in a rapidly changing world.
Michael Bowmile is the VP, General Counsel at Coca-Cola Canada Bottling. Michael started his legal career in the Business Law group at Dentons Canada, LLP, where he managed a general corporate practice with a focus on M&A. After leaving Dentons, he joined the Legal and Privacy Office at Cancer Care Ontario (now Ontario Health), before starting at Coca-Cola Canada Bottling in 2019. Since that time, he has worked in increasingly senior positions in Coca-Cola Canada Bottling’s legal department, assuming the VP, General Counsel role in April 2024.
Arun is a seasoned technology lawyer known for his ability to deliver practical, business-focused legal counsel and find creative solutions. Leveraging experience from both a leading Canadian law firm and his in-house role at Google Canada, he excels at navigating complex, often cross-border, legal issues spanning product launches, strategic negotiations, consumer protection, and a wide range of commercial and regulatory matters. Arun currently serves as a co-chair of the Corporate Counsel Section of the South Asian Bar Association of North America, and as a director on the boards of the Canadian Technology Law Association and the South Asian Bar Association of Toronto. He remains deeply engaged in his communities with a special focus on mentoring. Arun's significant contributions have been recognized with inclusion in Lexpert Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40, a Rising Star Award from the South Asian Bar Association of North America, and nominations for Canada's Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in 2023 and 2024.
Paul Saunders is a Partner and the first Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at Stewart McKelvey. After six years practicing corporate and M&A law, Paul has spent the past decade leading the firm’s strategic innovation efforts. His work spans practice innovation, legal project management, pricing, process improvement, profitability analysis, continuous improvement, change management, AI and emerging technologies, partner compensation, data analytics, and application development. Paul works closely with lawyers, staff, and firm leadership to address complex challenges and co-create practical, forward-looking solutions. In addition to his leadership role at Stewart McKelvey, Paul increasingly collaborates with other law firms seeking to build or enhance their own strategic innovation capabilities.
Hina Latif is VP, General Counsel and Secretary at Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Canada and Mercedes-Benz Canada. Hina embraces extreme ownership principles in leading the Legal teams and oversees matters relating to regulatory compliance, corporate governance, litigation, employment, privacy and competition law. Hina is focused on protecting and serving the businesses to minimize legal risks and on empowering business colleagues through education on relevant legal topics. Hina collaborates closely with peers on the executive leadership teams to devise and implement corporate strategy which relates to customers, dealers and employees.
Hina founded and co-chairs the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council at Mercedes and is also a co-founder and current President of the National GC Network. Hina is passionate about the advancement of those seeking careers in the law and mentors students and aspiring lawyers through formal and informal mentorship programs. Hina has been recognized by Canadian Lawyer as a Top 25 Most Influential Lawyer of 2024, was named a 2023 Automotive News Canada Notable Champion of Diversity for her commitment to DEI in the workplace and the community and is also a finalist for the CCCA-Mondaq In-House Counsel Action in Diversity and Inclusion Award.
Prior to working at Mercedes-Benz, Hina acted as sole Canadian Counsel for a large North American fleet management company and also has extensive experience in the area of secured financing. She is qualified in Ontario, and in the UK, where she began her legal career in 2000 at a Magic Circle firm.
Kosta Starostin serves as VP of Legal for Cohere, the security-first enterprise AI company. Kosta leads Cohere's global legal operations. Prior to joining Cohere, Kosta was a Corporate, M&A and Venture Capital attorney at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, one of Canada's top ranked law firms, where his practice focused on advising emerging and high growth companies on commercial transactions, corporate governance, venture capital, and M&A.
For programs, slide intros, and speaker cards where space is tight.
Sukhi Dhillon Alberga approaches AI in law as regulator, builder, and advisor. She is the founder of Bridging Legal Solutions, a multidisciplinary law firm, and co-founder of BLS Consulting, which advises mid-sized and large organizations, law firms, and corporate legal teams on legal operations, governance, and AI integration.
She chairs the CBA's Legal Futures Subcommittee, sits on the New Brunswick AI Task Force, and was elected to the Council of the Law Society of New Brunswick. She is also the founder of Counselurdocs, approved as the third participant in the Law Society of Ontario's Access to Innovation sandbox.
Sukhi is called to the bar in Ontario and New Brunswick
Carl Alphonse is a U.S. and Canadian immigration lawyer plus the founder and Managing Partner of Alphonse Latham LLP. His practice focuses on business and family immigration, advising individuals, entrepreneurs, professionals, families, and employers on complex cross-border and domestic immigration matters.
In addition to his legal practice, Carl is a frequent public speaker and educator on U.S. and Canadian immigration law, law practice, and entrepreneurship, regularly delivering legal education sessions for schools, community organizations, and professional audiences. He is also a trusted media commentator, having shared his expertise on immigration issues through outlets including CBC and CHOQ FM. Fluent in English, French, and Haitian Creole, Carl is committed to improving access to legal information for diverse communities across Canada.
Carl holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa and Michigan State College of Law; and is admitted to the bars of Ontario and New York. He is recognized as a Foreign Legal Consultant in Ontario.
Beyond his legal practice, Carl serves as President of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL), where he provides national leadership in advancing the organization’s mission to support Black legal professionals and promote equity within the legal profession. His contributions to the profession have been recognized with the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers Young Lawyer Award and the Club Canadien de Toronto Young Professional Award, and he has been recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada™ for Immigration Law.
Rohin Bansal is Senior Director, General Counsel at Qohash Inc., a Canadian data security company, where he leads all Canadian legal and intellectual property matters.
A respected voice in the data community, Rohin has been named a LinkedIn Top Voice (2024), honoured on Peak's 40 Under 40 list in 2024 and 2025, listed among Corinium's Top Innovators in Data & Analytics (2024), nominated for Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada (2025), and named Young Leader of the Year at the Fast Mode Awards (2025). These honours reflect work positioned deliberately at the intersection of law, technology, and business, and a style of legal leadership defined by precision, accountability, and a customer first view of risk.
Rohin advises executives, boards, and enterprise clients on the questions that arise when sensitive data and AI are deployed at scale, including privacy, data sovereignty, intellectual property, security compliance, and emerging regulatory frameworks. He has built legal functions from the ground up, designed and operationalized enterprise AI governance frameworks, led privacy and security compliance programs at executive scale, and chaired data councils that set policy and standards across business lines. He is also the owner of Cityside Law Professional Corporation, a boutique firm in Toronto.
Rohin speaks and writes frequently on data sovereignty, AI governance, and the commercial realities of technology contracting, and mentors emerging counsel building careers at the edge of law and technology.
Phil is the Director of Practice Supports and Resources at the Law Society of Ontario. He previously served as Senior Counsel. Phil attended Dalhousie University and practiced criminal law as a sole practitioner for many years. In his current role, he oversees the Practice Management Helpline, which handles +12,000 calls annually from lawyers and paralegals. His team is also responsible for maintaining 300 resources designed to assist legal professionals in their practice. Phil developed a popular series of technology podcasts with David Whelan and is a frequent speaker on ethics and professionalism. He has a particular interest in the intersection of technology, AI and the impact on the future practice of law.
Andrea Campbell serves as Chief Legal Officer at the GTAA, where she oversees the organization’s legal, compliance, and privacy functions. She advises executive leadership and the board on strategic legal matters that support the GTAA’s operational priorities and growth objectives. Since 2018, Andrea has played a key role in shaping legal strategy, operations and commercial development at the GTAA in her roles as Legal Counsel and Assistant General Counsel.
Before joining GTAA, Andrea built her legal foundation in commercial real estate law at Loopstra Nixon LLP and Rigobon, Carli. She later joined Chicago Title Insurance Company, where she led the underwriting team for Ontario and Western Canada and supported national business development initiatives.
Andrea earned her Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School and holds a Double Honours Degree in Political Science and Geography from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Jatinder Chera is a seasoned lawyer with ~17 years of legal practice gained from a leading national law firm, solo practice, and in-house.
At present, Jatinder is Director, Legal Affairs for Lactalis Canada. In this role, in addition to advising on day to day legal matters, Jatinder is a member of the Lactalis Canada Leadership Team and Co-Chair (Co-Compliance Officer) of the Lactalis Canada Grocery Code Compliance Office.
Prior to joining Lactalis Canada Inc., Jatinder had his own legal practice, Chera Law Firm, based in Peel Region with a focus on corporate law. Prior to his own legal practice, Jatinder was an Associate in the Restructuring and Insolvency group at Blakes, Cassels & Graydon in Toronto.
In respect of community involvement, since June 2022, Jatinder has served on the Board of Directors of the Peel Children’s Aid Society.
David teaches and writes on law and technology, compliance & legal ethics, entertainment law and legal communication. He is the author of the groundbreaking Law and Technology (Bloomsbury, 2025) and Effective Communication for Lawyers (Edward Elgar, 2022), which features a unique communication & negotiation tool called The Dialogue Box. David is assistant professor in law at the National University of Ireland Maynooth (NUIM), adjunct professor at the Catholic University of Lyon (UCLy), and Associate Fellow at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (IALS), University of London. David is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), and a graduate of the University of Oxford, The Honorable Society of King’s Inns, and the University of St Andrews, where he earned his PhD in International Relations. He is a former Visiting Scholar at Boston College. David advises on legal, regulatory, and communication challenges and has vast experience spanning global technology, compliance, and communication projects across Europe, North America, the Gulf, and Asia. He is an academic member of the Beverly Hills Bar Association (BHBA), Association of Media & Entertainment Counsel (AMEC), Los Angeles Intellectual Property Law Association (LAIPLA), and the Bar of Ireland Media, Internet, and Data Protection Bar Association (MIDBA).
Erin started her legal career as a corporate commercial litigator at McMillan LLP in Toronto after graduating from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Common Law in 2004. Following several years in a traditional lawyer role, Erin opened her solo freelance lawyer practice in 2013. In 2015 she founded Flex Legal Network Inc., a freelance lawyer platform that matches busy lawyers, law firms, and in-house counsel with freelance lawyers to assist with overflow legal work on a project basis.
Erin is also on the Board of Directors for CanLII, has volunteered with several legal organizations, taught Legal Research & Writing at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, and was the Regional Alumni Advisor (Toronto) for the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, providing confidential career coaching to new lawyers. In addition to an award-winning law-blog, Erin writes for several legal publications and is a regular speaker on a variety of topics including alternative careers in law. Her first book, “The Modern Freelance Lawyer: A Guide to the Business, Ethics, and Evolution of Freelance Legal Work”, was published in 2025 and has reached several best seller lists on Amazon, and is also available at Indigo, Barnes & Noble, and the Toronto Public Library.
Dan Dagan is General Counsel of Siemens Energy Canada, a role he has held since the company’s formation in 2020. He leads the Canadian legal team in supporting the business across a broad range of matters, including complex projects, regulatory issues, litigation, employment law, corporate governance, and commercial contracting.
Dan is a business-oriented lawyer with more than 30 years of experience in private practice and senior in-house legal roles. Before joining Siemens Energy, he spent a decade with Siemens Canada Limited and another decade with Ontario Power Generation, where he held legal and commercial leadership roles on major power generation and transmission projects.
At Siemens Energy, Dan focuses on helping the business manage risk, solve problems, and make practical decisions in complex commercial environments. His approach emphasizes protecting the company’s interests while preserving long-term customer relationships and supporting the business in moving projects to a successful conclusion.
Dan has been recognized for professional excellence and has a particular interest in legal innovation, modern legal operations, and the practical adoption of artificial intelligence in legal work. He has spoken and written on legal technology, innovation, and the changing role of in-house legal teams, with contributions to various publications and professional forums.
Outside of work, Dan enjoys reading, yoga, and performing music, both solo and with bands.
Carole Dagher is an award-winning senior legal executive and trusted advisor to boards and executive leadership teams, with more than 25 years of experience across financial services, retail, and digital environments.
Most recently, Carole served as General Counsel, Corporate Secretary, Chief Administration & Sustainability Officer at HomeEquity Bank, where she was a member of the executive leadership team with responsibility for legal, corporate governance, strategy, and administration.
In addition to her corporate leadership, Carole is a nationally recognized mental health advocate. She is a regular speaker at large corporations, not-for-profit organizations, and law firms of all sizes.
She is the co-editor of "The Right Not to Remain Silent: The Truth About Mental Health in the Legal Profession," published in Canada in 2024 and in the United States in 2026, and now a national bestseller in Canada.
Her legal and advocacy contributions have been widely recognized, including being named one of the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers (2025), receiving the Ontario Bar Foundation Strathy Award (2025), and the Law Society Medal (2024).
Mesha is the founder of Tandem Law P.C., a small Durham Region firm that has been operating since 2016. Called to the Ontario Bar in 2011 after completing law school at the University of Windsor, Mesha has built a practice focused on practical, client-centred advocacy. Tandem Law assists clients with family law, real estate, wills and estates matters, offering clear guidance during important life transitions. With more than 14 years of experience, Mesha has represented clients in complex family law proceedings, negotiated domestic contracts, and supported clients through estate planning and real estate transactions. Mesha is supported by a strong, dedicated team that works collaboratively to provide responsive and reliable service. She is pleased to speak at this event and share her perspective as a small-firm practitioner.
Frédéric Duguay is Executive Vice President and Chief Legal and Information Officer at the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB). He joined the CIB in November 2018 as its first General Counsel and Corporate Secretary.
In his role, Frédéric leads the CIB’s legal, governance and information functions. His responsibilities include oversight of legal affairs, the corporate secretariat, regulatory and compliance matters, enterprise risk management and information and technology governance. He plays a key role in establishing legal, governance and risk frameworks that support the CIB’s investment activities and accountability as a Crown corporation. He also oversees the CIB’s information technology function, including the responsible integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the organization.
Prior to joining the CIB, Frédéric was a Partner at Hansell LLP, where he advised boards of directors, shareholders and senior management teams on corporate governance, special situations, crisis management, stakeholder relations and board effectiveness. He previously held progressively senior positions at the Ontario Securities Commission. Frédéric is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and holds a law degree from the University of Ottawa. He serves as Vice‑Chair of the Board of TFO, Ontario’s publicly funded French‑language educational media organization.
Lindsay Duprey is a dynamic executive with over 15 years of experience in technology, services, and business development. She excels at driving organizational transformation by building scalable structures that support growth while fostering a culture grounded in vision, operational excellence, and community.
A serial activator, Duprey leads Array Canada with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and results, aligning bold ideas with strategic technology and high-performing teams.
Prior to joining Array, Duprey led operations as COO at one of Canada’s leading back office optimization firms providing automated and AI-driven processes to international corporations.
Duprey holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University.
Laure is Associate General Counsel at Coinbase, where she leads the legal function for Canada and serves as a board member of Coinbase Canada. Before joining Coinbase, Laure was a partner at McCarthy Tétrault and partner and co-head of the Digital Assets and Blockchain Group at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt, where she practiced securities and banking & finance law for over a decade across traditional and digital financial services. Laure has served on advisory committees of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and the Quebec Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), and has held governance board roles at Téluq University and the Site Historique Marguerite Bourgeoys.
Kim Gale is a seasoned advocate with a diverse background, championing her clients' causes across various platforms. Armed with an LL.M. in Dispute Resolution from Osgoode Hall Law School, she is also a skilled mediator, emphasizing communication and negotiation to resolve conflicts effectively. Kim's journey in law began in 2015 when she graduated from City University of London and gained experience at a prestigious Bay street firm in the UK before returning to Toronto to pursue her legal career further.
Since her call to the bar in January 2018, Kim has been at the forefront of legal innovation, founding Law For Millennials, NCA Network, and Gale Law Professional Corporation, all aimed at fostering diversity, inclusion, and accessible legal services. Her specialization in estate litigation underscores her dedication to resolving intricate legal matters such as dependant support applications and will challenges. As she completed her Masters of Law in Dispute Resolution, Kim continues to expand her expertise, positioning herself as a prominent figure in the legal community, offering not only legal representation but also mediation services through Gale Mediation.
In addition to serving as Managing Partner of Bennett Jones’ Toronto office, Preet is a key Litigation, Insolvency and Restructuring partner, providing innovative guidance on legal matters that require deep analysis and sound judgment. She focuses on CCAA and CBCA restructurings, cross-border proceedings, appellate-level advocacy and expert legal opinions that address high-risk and high-impact issues, offering her clients a distinct advantage in their most critical legal decisions.
In 2022, Preet was awarded the Lexpert Rising Star Award, honouring leading lawyers under 40 in Canada, and in 2025 was awarded the SABA Legal Excellence Award for outstanding contributions to the legal profession. She has been frequently cited in Lexpert’s Big Suits and Big Deals and is recognized as a Leading Lawyer to Watch in Insolvency & Financial Restructuring. A sought-after thought leader in insolvency and litigation, she is widely published in a number of industry and legal publications on restructuring and insolvency, securities, tax and litigation matters—including Lexpert, The Globe and Mail, National Insolvency Review, The Lawyer’s Daily, Banking & Finance Law Review, the Annual Review of Insolvency Law and Canadian Lawyer. She is also a contributing author to Directors’ Duties in Canada, 6th edition, published by CCH Canadian Limited.
Known for her commitment to talent development and firm leadership, Preet serves on Bennett Jones’ Conflicts Committee and previously held roles on several partnership committees, including serving as Chair of the Toronto Student Committee. She is a champion of mentorship at the firm and through external organizations—such as the South Asian Bar Association and South Asian Women in the Law—where she inspires emerging lawyers to lead with purpose, resilience and authenticity in a constantly evolving legal landscape.
Fernando Garcia is a senior legal and business executive with more than 15 years of experience serving as General Counsel and leading corporate functions across a range of industries. He is known for embodying the “+‑shaped” lawyer model, combining deep legal expertise with leadership across human resources, operations, and strategy to drive business performance. Fernando has built and transformed legal and HR functions into high-impact, technology-enabled partners, with a focus on scaling operations, strengthening governance, and enabling faster, more informed decision-making in complex environments.
A recognized voice in legal innovation, Fernando frequently speaks on the evolution of the in-house role, legal operations, and the integration of technology into legal and workforce functions. He is particularly focused on how legal leaders can leverage data, process design, and emerging technologies to create strategic advantage. Fernando holds an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University along with dual civil and common law degrees, and has been recognized as Thought Leader of the Year by the Association of Corporate Counsel and Lexology, named one of the World’s 100 Leading General Counsel, and included among the Top 25 Most Influential individuals in Canada’s legal profession.
Assistant Vice-President, Regulatory and Commercial Law
CPKC
About Nizam Hasham
Senior level corporate counsel in the rail transportation industry. Since September 2024, I have served as Assistant Vice President, Commercial & Regulatory Law at CPKC, managing a team of 14 legal professionals, including 10 lawyers in Canada and the U.S. Areas of work under the team include corporate and commercial, regulatory, real estate, customer contracts, procurement and industrial projects. Previously, I served as Assistant VP, Securities Law and Assistant Corporate Secretary at CPKC, where I managed, among other things, our management proxy circular, corporate disclosures in Canada and the U.S. and securities law matters. Prior to our combination with Kansas City Southern, I served as General Counsel & Assistant Corporate Secretary at Canadian Pacific (from 2018-2023) and among various duties assisted on the business combination with Kansas City Southern.
Dami is a strategic legal and business advisor with more than 10 years of experience supporting complex transactions and growth initiatives across several sectors, including the critical minerals sector.
Currently serving as Senior Counsel at Vale Base Metals, she advises executive leadership and business teams on M&A transactions, joint ventures, strategic partnerships, financings, and commercial arrangements spanning multiple jurisdictions.
Before joining Vale Base Metals, Dami practiced corporate and transactional law at McCarthy Tétrault LLP, advising clients on domestic and cross-border financings, mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and corporate governance matters.
She is passionate about helping businesses navigate complexity, manage risk thoughtfully, and unlocking opportunities for sustainable growth.
Assistant General Counsel, Corporate, External & Legal Affairs
Microsoft
About Jonathan Leibtag
Jonathan Leibtag is Assistant General Counsel at Microsoft. He leads a team of high performing commercial attorneys across the Americas advising on complex, strategic transactions that underpin enterprise cloud adoption, AI deployment, and large‑scale digital transformation initiatives. Jonathan also partners with senior leaders across sales, product, business development, engineering, and finance to structure hyperscale cloud and AI agreements, including infrastructure and capacity‑driven arrangements with leading AI model developers and platform partners. His practice focuses on strategic dealmaking that enables business outcomes at scale in highly competitive, fast-moving, and complex operating environments.
Prior to Microsoft, Jonathan was an M&A and corporate finance lawyer at a prominent Toronto law firm. He holds a law degree from the University of Western Ontario and a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University, and has taught an MBA course in organizational studies at the Schulich School of Business at York University.
As a Partner at Neinstein, Rose is an integral member of the senior leadership team, driving innovative practices that keep the firm ahead of the ever-evolving legal landscape. Her keen organizational skills and strategic foresight have made her an invaluable source of knowledge and trust among her peers.
Rose also maintains a comprehensive medical malpractice and personal injury practice, focusing on birthing injuries and motor vehicle accidents. Over a legal career spanning more than 20 years, she has established herself as a diligent, driven lawyer, and a compassionate advocate capable of nurturing strong client relationships. Her skillful negotiation style is strategic and solution-oriented, optimizing client outcomes while ensuring their cases are advanced with the utmost care and attention.
Joe is a Legal Innovation Partner at Harvey, bringing a career shaped by the intersection of law and technology. He began his legal career practicing tax law at a top-tier Canadian firm before transitioning into legal technology as a Product Manager. He later advised multiple law firms on their innovation roadmaps. Most recently, he served as Director of AI and Legal Technology at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP where he led firm-wide initiatives focused on the evolving role of AI in legal service delivery. Joe also teaches at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law, where his course explores how emerging technologies can expand access to justice for underserved communities.
"Here at LEAP, what do me and my team love most? Building strong relationships with the clients we serve; helping them thrive, achieve greatness and build wealth using LEAP's innovative technology to gain a competitive advantage. Welcome to LEAP, an all-in-one practice management solution built for law firms."
Malcolm Muthulingum is the Chief Executive Officer of LEAP Legal Software in Canada. Malcolm started at LEAP USA in 2016 as a Data Migration Specialist where he built and managed the Data Migration Team. He then quickly progressed to Director of Transitions and Director of Client Relations, in conjunction with serving on the LEAP USA Executive board.
Before joining LEAP, Malcolm spent three years in Legal Tech playing an instrumental role in establishing a new legal software product in the Canadian Market. With a passion for building innovative businesses that support clients with best-in-class software solutions, Malcolm is excited to share how LEAP can help transform law firms in Canada and become more profitable.
Elizabeth Mourao is the Co-Managing Partner of Ricketts Harris LLP, a full-service, mid-sized law firm in Toronto. She has practised in all aspects of family law for the past 22 years.
Daniel is widely recognized as a leading litigator for commercial, civil, and regulatory disputes. He has a broad practice that includes contract, shareholder and partnership disputes, insolvency, administrative law, employment matters, professional negligence and fraud. He appears before all levels of court in Ontario and before a variety of regulatory tribunals.
Daniel founded Naymark Law in 2015 (which became Naymark LLP in 2026), after practising for several years at a top Bay Street litigation boutique. Before that, Daniel clerked for the judges of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto and practised at a large, full-service Bay Street firm.
Daniel has held several community leadership appointments and board positions. He holds a J.D. (2008) from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law, where he served on the student government body and volunteered at the student-run Legal Aid clinic, and a B.A. (2004) in economics and philosophy from Huron College at Western University.
Matthew Peters is a member of the senior leadership team at McCarthy Tétrault LLP and the National Leader, Transformation. He is responsible for the firm's strategy and approach to client service, and leads the firm's initiatives around innovation including artificial intelligence and new lines of business. He has top line and bottom line responsibility which includes pricing and service delivery transformation. Matthew is also a partner in the Technology Group at the firm. He has received many recognitions including being named one of the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers (Business) in Canada.
Christina is the Chief Legal Officer at BDO Canada LLP. In this role, she is responsible for leading the legal function across Canada, including litigation and dispute resolution, regulatory matters, governance, commercial agreements, transactions, privacy and employment-related issues. As a member of the Senior Leadership team, she has oversight over all legal affairs and provides strategic legal advice to executive and senior leaders on a wide range of matters. Christina also acts as the Board Secretary.
Before joining BDO, Christina was a partner at a global law firm where she provided opinions on complex and novel legal issues in litigation and pre-litigation matters involving contractual or statutory interpretation, arbitration disputes, class actions and numerous other corporate and commercial matters. Christina also previously served as a judicial law clerk at the Federal Court of Appeal for Canada.
Samuel leads the LexisNexis business in Canada. He brings over 25 years of leadership experience across diverse markets and industries. Most recently, he served as the leader of the Large Law and Print businesses for LexisNexis Canada, where he played a pivotal role in driving growth and innovation. Prior to joining LexisNexis, Samuel was a Partner at Satov Consultants, leading the customer strategy and analytics practices. He also held roles at Merck & Co and at Bain & Company. Samuel holds an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business, a JD from the University of Western Ontario Law School, and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Toronto.
Melissa Reiter is an award-winning executive and leader with a proven track record of building high-performing teams. Since joining Jobber in 2022, Melissa has led, built and scaled Jobber’s legal function to support one of Canada’s fastest growing tech companies. With over 15 years in the legal industry and over 10 years experience building and leading legal departments, Melissa has a reputation for leveraging technology to maximize departmental efficiency. She is known for providing balanced and practical legal advice. Melissa’s background includes deep and extensive international experience overseeing all aspects of legal strategy for high growth and dynamic organizations. Melissa began her career working for large firms in Toronto and New York and as in-house counsel to a private equity firm with a diverse portfolio of recognized consumer brands and technology, gaming and social media companies. Prior to joining Jobber, Melissa built and led the legal team at a global travel and hospitality company with operations in over 100 countries.
Brian Savage is the Managing Director, Legal Advisory & Governance at CPP Investments, where he provides broad oversight and leadership across enterprise legal and governance matters. In 2025, Brian received the Compliance Innovator Award at Lexology’s 2025 North America Awards. CPP Investments’ legal department was also recognized at the 2026 Canadian Law Awards, winning for Law Department Innovation and recognized as the Banking & Financial Services Law Department of the Year. Prior to joining CPP Investments in 2015, he was a corporate lawyer at Goodmans LLP in Toronto.
Kurt Schlachter is the CEO of Stringam Law. Under his leadership, the firm is expanding throughout Western Canada via a combination of organic growth and targeted mergers, while fostering a culture of excellence and high-calibre client service.. Before becoming CEO, Kurt built a successful legal practice in business law, real estate, civil litigation, and family law. Deeply committed to community service, he has served on the boards of numerous charitable organizations, including as the chair of both Economic Development Lethbridge and the Board of Governors of the University of Lethbridge. In 2023, Kurt and his spouse established an endowment for 2SLGBTQ+ students at the University of Lethbridge. Kurt holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Neuroscience, a J.D., and the prestigious ICD.D designation. Recognized for his leadership and commitment to community building, he was named one of Lethbridge’s Top 40 Under 40, given a traditional Blackfoot name, appointed King’s Counsel in 2022, and awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws by the University of Lethbridge in 2024.
Kerry L. Simmons, KC is the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch (CBABC), where she leads operations, governance, and member engagement to advocate with impact, foster connection, and ensure a sustainable and inclusive professional association.
With more than 35 years of leadership experience, Kerry is recognized for guiding organizations through change, strengthening governance frameworks, and building collaborative, high-performing cultures. Called to the British Columbia Bar in 2000, she as a litigator for nearly two decades before transitioning to association leadership, bringing a practical understanding of legal services, organizational development, and what it takes to create and maintain effective, adaptive lawyers.
Known for her energy and clarity, Kerry has enjoyed teaching law students and lawyers and advocating for change to governments, regulators and the courts. She is passionate about cultivating environments that support equity, diversity, inclusion and reconciliation in the legal profession and justice systems.
Taslenna Shairulla is an experienced technology and privacy lawyer who serves as fractional in-house counsel to Anomaly, a fast-growing technology startup behind OpenCode—the world’s leading open-source AI coding agent. She advises Anomaly on commercial transactions, privacy, artificial intelligence, corporate matters and other strategic legal issues as the company scales.
Taslenna also provides in-house legal counsel to a leading global retail company, where she manages complex commercial and technology matters involving software, cloud services, digital platforms, outsourcing and strategic vendors. She advises business leaders on privacy, responsible data use, consumer protection, advertising and marketing, and enterprise-wide initiatives. Previously, Taslenna served as Chief Privacy Officer and Senior Legal Counsel at Capital One Canada, where she led privacy and data protection matters and advised on a broad range of complex technology, outsourcing and commercial initiatives. She previously held roles at Deloitte and BMO Capital Markets. Taslenna holds the Certified Information Privacy Professional/Canada (CIPP/C) certification. She is a member of the Privacy and Data Committee of the Canadian Marketing Association and Co-Chair of the Women in Technology Committee of the Canadian Technology Law Association.
Allison Speigel is a commercial litigator with broad industry experience, representing clients in complex business disputes across a wide range of sectors. She is known for her strategic approach, intellectual rigor, and willingness to take on difficult cases that others might avoid.
Allison’s litigation practice includes construction, complex commercial and contract disputes, insolvency, real estate, professional negligence, and fraud-related litigation. She is a key member of the firm’s debt collection and enforcement team, where her tenacity and strategic insight are particularly effective against sophisticated fraudsters and judgment debtors intent on concealing assets.
Allison spent the first five years of her career litigating high-profile cases in New York City. Allison and her husband, however, decided that life in the great white north was too good to give up and moved back to Toronto, their hometown.
Since joining Speigel Nichols Fox LLP, she has played a central role in developing the firm’s innovative approach to the business of law, including the creation of alternative fee and value-based billing models. With Allison’s involvement, the firm was among the first in Canada to offer flat-fee, value-based billing for litigation matters.
When not working, Allison enjoys spending time with her family and arguing (with just about anybody) for sport.
Charlene Theodore is a lawyer, former C-suite executive, and Principal of Theodore Advisory Partners. She provides legal and strategic advice to employers, associations, boards, and senior leaders on employment law, workplace culture, governance, leadership accountability, and institutional trust. Her practice is rooted in today’s global workforce realities and informed by deep experience advising organizations with large, complex, and unionized operations.
Over more than two decades, Charlene has built a career spanning legal practice, executive leadership, and organizational strategy. She previously served as Chief Inclusion Officer at McCarthy Tétrault, where she led the firm’s award-winning Inclusion Now strategy, and served as President of the Ontario Bar Association - becoming the first Black person and tenth woman to lead the organization.
Charlene was appointed to Canada’s Independent Advisory Board for Supreme Court of Canada Judicial Appointments. Her leadership has earned national recognition, including being named one of Canada’s 25 Most Influential Lawyers, receiving the Lexpert Zenith Award for advancing gender equity, and being named DEI Leader of the Year – Americas.
With nearly 20 years of experience in the legal and eDiscovery space, Tiana is a dynamic executive known for her deep expertise in eDiscovery, AI, and strategic business leadership. Focused on driving innovation in AI and advanced solutions, she leverages her proven ability to execute operational strategies, foster meaningful client relationships, and lead teams through complex challenges. Tiana is a trusted advisor and creative problem-solver, renowned for delivering impactful, consultative guidance in evolving business landscapes. Tiana leads the Canadian business at Epiq, where she plays a pivotal role in expanding market share, optimizing profitability, and strengthening client relationships. Her deep expertise in eDiscovery, analytics, and AI has made her a go-to advisor for corporate and law firm clients, helping them navigate complex issues and implement innovative solutions that drive operational efficiencies. Tiana is widely recognized as a leading figure in the industry, having been ranked Band 1 for eDiscovery Canada by Chambers in 2024 and 2025, and consistently recognized by Lexology and Who’s Who Legal as a top expert in eDiscovery in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. As a sought-after speaker, author, and lecturer, Tiana specializes in eDiscovery, analytics, leadership, AI, and document review. She also serves as a guest lecturer at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law and Osgoode Hall Law School’s Certificate in eDiscovery program.
Tara Vasdani is the Principal Lawyer and Founder of Remote Law Canada. In 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, she has been nominated for Canadian Lawyer's Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada. From 2020 to 2024, she has been awarded the Employment Law Firm of the Year Award, by Canada's Prestige Awards. In 2022, Tara has been named a LinkedIn Top Voice in Remote Work, and in 2021, she was recognized as one of the Top 10 Remote Work Advocates and Leaders in North America. In 2024, Tara has been named Female Trailblazer of the Year (Private Practice) by the Canadian Law Awards.
Prior to founding Remote Law Canada, Tara worked as a civil, subrogation and employment litigator on Bay Street. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2017, but was recognized globally by January 2018, as the first Canadian lawyer to serve a Statement of Claim using the popular social media app, Instagram. Tara’s innovative approach to civil litigation was quickly endorsed by the legal community, and she was featured in Above the Law, Globe Legal Post, Droit-Inc., on CBC, and profiled on the front page of the Law Times. In 2020, Tara joined Microsoft, Uber, FlexJobs, Distribute Consulting, and many others in advocating for remote work arrangements. In 2020, she was awarded a Top 10 Remote Work Advocate and Leader by AAE, nominated for RBC's 'Women of Influence', nominated for the WomenTech Network's Global Awards in the Global AI Inclusion and Global Technology Leadership categories, and a 'Woman of Inspiration' to the Universal Womens' Network.
Jason Ward is a retired civil litigator, author, and co-owner of WARDS LAWYERS PC, a twelve-lawyer full-service firm in Central Ontario. Certified by the Law Society of Ontario as a Specialist in Civil Litigation, he stepped away from litigation at age fifty after more than two decades inside the pressures of high-conflict legal practice and his own experience with mental health and substance use disorders.
Featured by the American Bar Association, Canadian Bar Association, and Maclean’s, Jason writes and speaks extensively across Canada and the United States on the sustainability crisis facing modern legal practice. His nationally published essays and commentary examine the intersection of AI, billable-hour economics, institutional pressure, burnout, addiction, and the culture of performance that has long defined the profession.
He speaks across North America to legal organizations, regulators, law firms, corporations, and professional audiences about the future of the legal profession — and the personal cost of how that future is being built. More information: Mentally Speaking
Laura Williams is not your average professional; she is a dynamic force and visionary thinker who leverages three decades of deep expertise in law, business, and workplace strategy to guide leaders and organizations through the rapidly evolving complexities of today's workplace—and anticipate tomorrow’s challenges.
As the founder and managing partner of Williams HR Law LLP and the President and CEO of Williams HR Consulting Inc., Laura has established two acclaimed firms renowned for their proactive, strategic, and innovative approach to workplace solutions. Her career spans strategic legal counsel, human resources consulting, workplace investigations, and organizational reviews, leadership coaching and corporate training.
Celebrated as a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)—a prestigious designation held by fewer than 17% of global professional speakers—Laura captivates audiences with her powerful insights, compelling storytelling, and forward-thinking perspectives. Regularly featured as a trusted expert in leading media outlets, including CTV News, Global News, CBC Radio, The Globe and Mail, and Canadian Business Magazine, Laura brings clarity and strategic foresight to pressing employment-related topics.
Laura’s mission is focused: to reshape workplace perspectives, recalibrate organizational strategies, and inspire leaders to embrace change with confidence and clarity. She’s not just preparing businesses for the future of work, she’s helping them create it.
.png?width=13334&height=1459&name=Canadian%20Legal%20Summit%20+%20LEAP_Standard%20(1).png "Canadian Legal Summit + LEAP_Standard (1)")
.png)
.png)