TORONTO, ON – February 9, 2026 – CBA In-House Lawyers would like to share the launch of its 2026 In-House Counsel Bootcamp, a comprehensive five-week program designed in collaboration with LexMundi to equip in-house lawyers with the core knowledge and confidence required to succeed in today's complex legal environment.
The program begins on March 3, 2026, addressing the growing need for practical, Canada-focused foundational training specifically tailored to in-house practice. Registration is now open for the intensive program that brings together experienced in-house and external counsel to address legal, business, and risk considerations that commonly arise across in-house roles and industries.
Addressing Critical Skills Development Needs
The Bootcamp targets three key audiences experiencing the unique challenges of in-house practice: lawyers new to in-house practice including those transitioning from private practice, early- to mid-career in-house counsel seeking to reinforce or update their core competencies, and legal leaders and departments looking for an onboarding and professional development solution for in-house team members.
Delivered online in collaboration with LexMundi and its partner firms across Canada, the program provides practical insights grounded in real-world in-house scenarios rather than theory alone. Participants will learn current best practices and emerging issues relevant to the Canadian legal landscape while strengthening their ability to provide confident, business-aligned legal advice within their organizations.
Comprehensive Five-Module Program Structure
The Bootcamp covers essential areas of in-house practice through five focused modules, each running from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. ET over consecutive weeks:
- Employment and HR Primer (March 3) presented by Farris LLP's Allison Render, Associate, addresses one of the most complex and risk-sensitive areas managed by in-house legal teams. The session provides a practical overview of key considerations in commencing, managing, and terminating employment relationships, including core distinctions between unionized and non-unionized workplaces.
- Privacy and Cybersecurity Essentials (March 10) led by Blake, Cassels and Graydon LLP's Jenna Green, Associate, tackles evolving privacy and cybersecurity risks. The session offers a practical overview of Canada's privacy law framework, including recent developments and issues on the horizon, with best practices for preventing, managing, and responding to data breaches and insights into legal risks and opportunities associated with artificial intelligence.
- Contract Drafting and Negotiation Strategies (March 17) with Farris LLP's Kurtis Harms, Associate, examines core functions of in-house practice requiring strong understanding of both legal risk and business objectives. The session takes a practical look at common in-house contracting challenges, focusing on aligning legal advice with organizational priorities and developing contract playbooks that promote consistency and efficiency.
- Key Insights for Selecting and Working with External Counsel (March 24) presented by Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP's Christina Vieira Olfert, Lawyer, explores critical skills for in-house lawyers in determining when external expertise is required and approaching the selection process effectively. The session covers best practices for managing external counsel relationships, including communication expectations, cost management, and alignment with business objectives.
- Governance Foundations (March 31) provides a foundational overview of governance structures, including respective roles and responsibilities of boards and management. The session reviews common governance documents and processes and provides practical tips for working with internal stakeholders and organizational leaders on governance-related matters.
Maximum Flexibility for Busy Professionals
Each session includes practical examples and opportunities for audience questions and discussion, allowing participants to connect the content directly to their day-to-day responsibilities. Sessions are delivered live over five consecutive weeks and are also available on demand, providing flexibility to accommodate busy in-house schedules.
Participants may register for individual modules or take advantage of bundle pricing for the full five-session series. Registration is now available through the CBA In-House Lawyers website.
About CBA In-House Lawyers
CBA In-House Lawyers (formerly the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association) is Canada’s home for in-house counsel. Founded in 1988, we represent over 5,000 in-house lawyers across every province and territory, spanning all sectors, industries, and stages of practice. Our work supports in-house counsel as strategic advisors and business partners through a combination of professional development, thought leadership, and peer connection. We deliver practical, relevant programming designed to reflect the realities of in-house practice and the evolving role of legal departments. For more information, visit cbainhouse.org.