The New Economic Security Imperative
Sponsored by McCarthy Tétrault LLP

In today's globalized economy, the intersection of trade, investment, and national security has never been more pronounced. As geopolitical tensions rise and nations increasingly wield economic tools as extensions of their strategic interests, Canadian businesses find themselves at the crossroads of these decisions. As the United States continues to wage an economic war with its closest allies and trading partners, including Canada, businesses across all sectors of the economy need to consider effective strategies for assessing and mitigating their exposure to these trade and investment measures.  

Join us to hear insights on the evolving challenges and opportunities in current economy. Topics for discussion include:

• How businesses have been impacted by the recasting of protectionist economic measures as national security measures – including the impact of economic warfare through tariffs, economic sanctions, anti-terrorism measures, export and technology transfer controls, foreign investment review, trade remedies (antidumping and countervailing duties) and forced/child labour in supply chain laws, etc.
• Overview of relevant Canadian actions within last year – Chinese electric vehicles, Chinese steel and aluminum products, consultations on economic security measures, new controlled goods and technology, new Sensitive Technology List.
• The Trump administration's use of tariffs as sanctions in cases of so-called national emergencies – International Emergency Economic Powers Act and section 232 sectoral tariffs against Canada, Mexico and the rest of world.
• Dealing with escalating tariff measures and both tariff and non-tariff retaliation (as well as measures that sideswipe our trade with friendly partners – e.g., Canadian and EU tariffs to prevent trade diversion).
• Do international trade and investment agreements matter anymore for the business community? Opportunities for expansion of internal trade and diversification with non-US trading partners

Panelists: 
- John Boscariol, Partner, McCarthy Tétrault
- Laura Gill, Partner, McCarthy Tétrault

Peer-to-Peer Roundtables
A perennial favorite at the Retreat, these dynamic roundtable discussions offer in-house counsel a unique space for candid, engaging conversations on the issues that matter most. This is your opportunity to ask pressing questions and gain real-world insights, share your experiences and discover fresh perspectives, and connect with peers who understand your challenges.

Each discussion is tailored to participants, ensuring meaningful and relevant conversations. We’ll be gathering your input closer to the event. Stay tuned!

Taking off the Lawyer Hat: Skills and Strategies for In-House Counsel Moving into Business Leadership
Sponsored by LexisNexis Canada

This panel is for professionals considering or making the move from legal roles to broader business leadership. Hear from an executive recruiter and counsel who have successfully transitioned into positions such as Executive Director, Business Development, and Strategic Partnerships.

The discussion will cover the skills needed to succeed outside traditional legal functions, the realities of these roles, what organizations expect from business leaders with legal backgrounds, and practical strategies for making the shift.

- Byron Chan, Executive Director, Alberta Law Foundation
- Adam Pekarsky, Partner, Amrop Rosin Executive Search 
- Moderator: Peter Mangaly, Practice Area Consultant, LexisNexis Canada

It Takes a Team: Creating High-Functioning Networks that Get Stuff Done
Whether you’re the only legal officer in your organization or part of a large department, your success depends on more than your legal acumen. It requires the ability to build and sustain strong, high-performing teams — within the legal function and across the organization. 

This session explores practical strategies for fostering collaboration, aligning diverse stakeholders, and creating networks that drive results and advance your organization’s mission.

Panelists:
- Janine Jones, Vice President, Risk & Legal and General Counsel, Binnie
- Jacqueline Lacasse, General Counsel and Vice-President (People & Culture), University of Calgary
- William Wright, General Counsel, Compliance and Governance Officer, Edmonton Regional Airports Authority
- Moderator: David Avren, General Counsel, Insurance Council of BC

Before You Buy the Bot: Diagnose your Legal Ops Problems with Lean Thinking
Sponsored by De Novo Inc. 

In-house legal teams are under pressure to innovate — and AI is the shiny new tool everyone’s talking about. But is it the right tool for your problem? This session challenges the “buy first, ask later” mindset and walks participants through the critical first step needed before making a tech investment: defining the problem.

Using Lean Six Sigma principles, we'll explore how to identify root causes, articulate clear problem statements, and map processes to uncover inefficiencies. You’ll learn why tech adoption often fails in legal departments, common missteps in sourcing solutions, and how the Define, Measure, and Analyze Phases of the DMAIC framework can guide smarter decision-making. 

• Understand why tech implementations often fall short in legal teams.
• Recognize common pitfalls in solution sourcing.
• Apply Lean Six Sigma’s “Define” phase to legal ops challenges.

• Use practical tools like process mapping and waste analysis to clarify your needs.

• Clearly articulate problem statements that will set the stage for your next solution adoption

Whether you're considering AI, headcount, or process redesign, this session will help you stop chasing solutions—and start solving problems.

Speaker: Kyla Sandwith, Founder & CEO, De Novo Inc.

Closing Remarks