Now in its fourth year, the Canadian In-House Counsel Celebration, co-hosted by CBA In-House Lawyers and Legal 500, brings Canada's in-house legal community together for an evening of recognition, dinner, and conversation.
Join in-house lawyers from across sectors and regions, along with the firms and service providers who support them, in teh Ballroom at the Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, on October 8. Email cle@cbainhouse.org to reserve your seat.
“As in-house lawyers, we do more than manage legal risk. We help shape how organizations think, decide, and grow.”
David Mousavi
2026–2027 President, CBA In-House Lawyers
2026 Award Finalists
Meet this year's finalists, recognized by their peers for their leadership, innovation, and contributions to Canada's in-house legal community. Winners will be announced at the gala.
Action in Diversity & Inclusion
Recognizes concrete, original approaches to building diverse and inclusive workplaces, within an organization or across an industry.
2026 FINALISTS
- Manitoba Hydro Legal Department — Manitoba Hydro
- Melanie McGrath — CBCL Limited
- CIBC Legal Department — CIBC
- Ashley Jane Butts — BDO Canada LLP
In-House Counsel Up & Comer
Recognizes emerging counsel whose work stands out, through transactions, strategic initiatives, litigation, mentorship, or pro bono.
2026 FINALISTS
- Cydney Kane — Nova Scotia Department of Justice
- Justin DeMerchant — AtkinsRéalis & Crosslinx Transit Solutions Constructors
- Agostino Lucarelli — Helios Group, Utilities & Facilities Management Inc.
- Vivian Wilson — Umicore
- Kenny Okunola — Information Services Corporation
Innovation Impacting the Profession
Recognizes legal departments that moved management forward in ways that go beyond technology.
2026 FINALISTS
- Jen Ruddick — Thomson Reuters
- Farah Ismail — SE Health
- Andrea Campbell — Greater Toronto Airports Authority
- PFX Group Legal Department — PFX Group
Employee Wellness Initiative of the Year
Recognizes departments that addressed workload stress with a specific wellness initiative.
Finalists will be announced at the gala.
Transition to Business
Recognizes counsel who moved into business, strategic, or leadership roles such as HR, risk management, or finance.
2026 FINALISTS
- John Sulman — RM Sotheby's
- Luca Di Donato — Liberty Entertainment Group
- Chuck Andary — Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
- Fernando Garcia — Cargojet
Legal Team of the Year
Recognizes a team whose work shifted boundaries and delivered exceptional outcomes within the Canadian in-house community.
2026 FINALISTS
- Vancity Legal Affairs Team — Vancity
- BC Hydro Legal Services — British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (BC Hydro)
- Shared Health Legal Services — Shared Health
- I.M.P. Group Legal Department — I.M.P. Group International Inc.
In-House Legal Leader of the Year
Honours leadership, strategic insight, and legal expertise that advance ethical standards, innovation, and organizational and community goals.
2026 FINALISTS
- Fatima Shariff — Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO)
- Conni Gibson — Interac Corp.
- Heather Mullen — Kenvue Canada Inc.
- Isabelle Durand — iA Financial Group
RVA Jones Award
Recognizes an outstanding contribution to the in-house bar through its development, research and writing, or advocacy that reflects the highest standards of service.
The recipient will be announced at the gala.
Join Us in Toronto on October 8
Reserve individual tickets or a table for the 2026 Canadian In-House Counsel Celebration.
Email cle@cbainhouse.org for tickets and questions.
Event Partners
Thank you to the firms and service providers who make the evening possible.
Cornerstone Sponsor
Awards Sponsors
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Event Sponsors
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Entertainment Sponsor  |
Wine and Food Pairing Sponsor  |
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Opening Reception Sponsor  |
Networking Sponsor  |