ABOUT
Regardless of whether you’re from a small practice, part of an in-house team, or work within a large multi-national law firm, the path to career development can be challenging to navigate.
The Young Lawyers Forum is returning to bring together the legal community for a day of networking, guidance and career development.
This powerful half-day event will feature an exciting keynote speaker and presentations on subjects like maximizing networking and sponsorship opportunities in a hybrid workspace and avoiding burnout with work-life balance. The event will culminate with an hour-long drinks reception where young professionals will have a chance to get proactive and connect with the associates, partners, and leaders that have weathered the storm and reached the pinnacle of success.
Don’t miss out on your chance to connect with your professional community – reserve your seat today.
Network and exchange ideas with prominent leaders in the legal profession in a networking happy hour
Get practical advice from senior leaders and rising stars as they share their experiences and offer tips they’ve picked up on their journey to success
Discuss the changing the dynamic of mentorship and sponsorship in remote work environments and develop skills for managing your stress
2022 SPEAKERS

Lisa Danay Wallace
Partner
WeirFoulds LLP

Hilary Hennick
Director, Legal Counsel
Cineplex

Ewa Krajewska
Partner
Henein Hutchison LLP

Arun Krishnamurti
Counsel
Google Canada

Bianca Thomas
Associate General Counsel
Shopify

Christine Ing
Partner
McCarthy Tetrault LLP

Derek Bell
Partner
DLA Piper (Canada) LLP

Jonathan Leibtag
Senior Corporate Counsel, Corporate, External & Legal Affairs, CPS Pursuit Team, Americas
Microsoft

Keri Wallace
Senior Counsel
Uber

W. Michael G. Osborne
Chair, Canadian Competition (Antitrust) Practice
Cozen O’Connor

Tara Vasdani
Managing Partner & Founder
Remote Law Canada

Rahool P. Agarwal
Partner
Lax O’Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb LLP
2022 AGENDA
All times in ET
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Opening remarks from chairperson
Lisa Danay Wallace
Partner
WeirFoulds LLP -
Opening keynote fireside chat: How young lawyers can maximize the value of mentorship & sponsorship opportunities in a hybrid environment
Finding a mentor or sponsor is a crucial tool for young lawyers, as mentors play a critical role in making decisions about practice areas and career paths, assisting in professional development, and negotiating firm politics. However, the changing work environment has had an impact on traditional mentoring and sponsorship practices. This keynote fireside chat will explore best practices for young lawyers looking to establish mentor/sponsor relationships in a hybrid environment and how to derive maximum benefits to advance your career.
- Key considerations in choosing a mentor/sponsor
- How to make yourself an attractive mentee candidate: What senior lawyers look for in a mentee
- Beneficial questions that will advance a mentor/mentee relationship
- Maximizing relationships in a hybrid work environment
- Benefits of formal mentoring programs vs establishing “informal mentors”
- Best practices for using a mentor relationship to refine skills, build a network, navigate your career, or transition to new roles
Hilary Hennick
Director, Legal Counsel
CineplexEwa Krajewska
Partner
Henein Hutchison LLP -
Panel: Navigating your career while achieving work-life balance and avoiding burnout
Navigating the intensity of the legal profession can be challenging for young professionals. Juggling the needs of a growing practice while tackling personal life responsibilities requires creatively managing what seems to be an impossible goal. This panel will discuss best practices for effectively achieving work/life balance – and how to navigate the journey to finding career success without burnout.
- How to advocate for yourself in setting appropriate boundaries: being comfortable saying “no”
- Understanding how you currently utilize time and where efficiencies can be created
- Strategies to adapt to the stressful nature of legal practice: Addressing systemic problems behind burnout
- Advice for managing expectations of partners
- Best practices for making effective use of face time and building relationships with senior leaders
Moderator
W. Michael G. Osborne
Chair, Canadian Competition (Antitrust) Practice
Cozen O’ConnorPanelists
Christine Ing
Partner
McCarthy Tetrault LLPArun Krishnamurti
Counsel
Google CanadaKeri Wallace
Senior Counsel
Uber -
Panel: Growing your career in the new workplace - Strategies to enhance and build your profile
As young lawyers advance in their careers, strategies for building a strong profile, both in and outside of the firm, proves essential for success. Self-advocacy and branding are key to achieving these goals, as they introduce new opportunities, deepen existing relationships, and increase awareness of yourself and your practice. In this panel, gain advice on how to best develop your personal brand as an authentic and professional leader and how it can be the key differentiator in your legal career.
- Common mistakes young professionals experience when building their personal brand
- Improving your digital footprint: leveraging popular social platforms like LinkedIn to market and build your brand, increase client reach, and maximize referrals
- Maximizing opportunities outside of your day-today to enhance your profile
- Best practices for sharpening professionalism and practice management skills
- Building internal allies and seeking help from your organization
Moderator
Bianca Thomas
Associate General Counsel
ShopifyPanelists
Derek Bell
Partner
DLA Piper (Canada) LLPJonathan Leibtag
Senior Corporate Counsel, Corporate, External & Legal Affairs, CPS Pursuit Team, Americas
MicrosoftRahool P. Agarwal
Partner
Lax O’Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb LLPTara Vasdani
Managing Partner & Founder
Remote Law Canada -
Closing remarks from chairperson
Lisa Danay Wallace
Partner
WeirFoulds LLP -
Networking Drinks Reception
2022 SPONSORS
Lanyard Sponsor
DIGITAL SPONSOR
Associate Sponsor
2022 VENUE
THE WESTIN HARBOUR CASTLE
- 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, ON M5J 1A6, Canada
- (416) 869-1600
- marriott.com
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Parking:
Hotel valet parking is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis; $55 + HST per car per day.
THANKS FOR TAKING PART IN THE Young Lawyers Forum 2022
Missed this year’s event? Register your interest to participate in the next Young Lawyers Forum