CBA In-House Lawyers and Legal 500 are pleased to open nominations for the fourth annual Canadian In-House Counsel Celebration.
Taking place on October 8, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, the gala evening will recognize the individuals and teams advancing excellence in Canada’s in-house legal profession through community-nominated awards that celebrate meaningful achievement.
Hosted once again by Jessi Cruickshank, the evening will feature Canadian artists alongside an exceptional dining experience showcasing local cuisine and wines.
This is an opportunity to recognize the colleagues and teams whose work is strengthening your organization, shaping your sector, and elevating the profession.
Review the eligibility criteria and submit your nomination by June 17, 2026.
Here are the 2025 winners, whose achievements continue to shape and strengthen the profession:
- RVA Jones: Margot Spence, Executive Director, Legal & Chief Privacy Officer, Destination Canada
- In-House Legal Leader of the Year: Hina Latif, VP, General Counsel & Secretary, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Canada Corporation and Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
- Transition to Business: Evan Johnston, President & CEO, The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company
- Action in Diversity & Inclusion: Kristina Milbourn, Managing Counsel, Litigation, Rogers Communications Inc.
- Employee Wellness Initiative of the Year: Jobber Legal Department
- In-House Counsel Up & Comer: Samson Chan, Associate General Counsel, London Drugs Limited
- Innovation Impacting the Profession: Melanie de Wit, Chief Legal Officer, Unity Health Toronto
- Legal Team of the Year: Beneva
Our Awards
RVA Jones Award
The RVA Jones Award recognizes an exceptional contribution to the development or the promotion of the in-house counsel bar or community, including significant research or writing on related issues, advocacy efforts, etc. It is awarded to a Canadian in-house counsel whose career exemplifies the highest standards of service, conduct and professionalism for in-house counsel.
In-House Counsel Up & Comer Award
The Up & Comer Award recognizes excellence among emerging in-house counsels in the private or public sector. Areas of performance might include noteworthy achievements with respect to a significant transaction, management and leadership of a strategic initiative, resolution of material litigation, mentorship of other lawyers, demonstration of integrity, pro-bono work or professional development.
In-House Legal Leader of the Year Award
The In-House Legal Leader of the Year Award honours an in-house legal professional who has exemplified outstanding leadership, strategic insight, and legal expertise within their organization over the past year. The recipient has made a meaningful impact by driving innovation, upholding the highest ethical standards, and contributing to broader organizational goals as well as the legal and professional community. They have led by example, fostering collaboration and mentorship within their teams. This award highlights the critical role in-house counsel play in advancing organizational success and elevating the legal department’s value.
Innovation Impacting the Profession Award
Innovation in legal department management is not contained to employing technology. It is understanding the organizational objectives, strategy and change management processes that will make innovation successful. More than using new tools or cost saving measures, the Innovation Impacting the Profession Award recognizes a legal department that has truly moved the needle in a way that sets an example for our profession.
Action in Diversity & Inclusion Award
The Action in Diversity & Inclusion Award honours an in-house counsel or legal department who has shown leadership and commitment towards supporting inclusion and diversity in the legal profession. This award recognizes a law department or individual who has demonstrated a tangible and innovative approach to encourage and promote diverse and inclusive workspaces, either within their organization or more broadly across their industry.
Transition to Business Award
The Transition to Business Award recognizes an in-house counsel who has transitioned out of the traditional legal role into a business, strategic or leadership role within an organization. This person embodies the sentiment of advancing the organization’s goals through the lens of a business or organizational partner, not just a legal advisor. Roles within HR, risk management, finance and others are considered.
Employee Wellness Initiative of the Year Award
The Employee Wellness Initiative of the Year Award recognizes a legal department or in-house counsel who has fostered wellness for the workforce through a specific wellness initiative. The overwhelming trend towards increased workloads, pressure, stress and anxiety within the legal profession has strained departments, workforces and wellness. This award shines a light on organizational initiatives that are actively addressing these critical issues.
Legal Team of the Year Award
The Legal Team of the Year Award recognizes a boundary shifting legal team, small or large, that has achieved extraordinary outcomes in our uniquely Canadian in-house community. Beyond large transactions or litigation, this award recognizes the unique challenges and successes faced by Canadian departments.