TORONTO, ON – October 10, 2025 – The Canadian Bar Association (CBA) In-House Lawyers has announced the winners of the 2025 Canadian In-House Counsel Awards, presented at the annual Canadian In-House Counsel Celebration on October 9.
The prestigious ceremony took place at the Crystal Ballroom of Toronto's Omni King Edward Hotel, bringing together Canada's in-house legal community to recognize exceptional talent and achievements that continue to drive the profession forward.
The winner of the R.V.A. Jones Award is Margot Spence, Executive Director, Legal & Chief Privacy Officer at Destination Canada. This distinguished honour recognizes outstanding contribution to the in-house counsel community.
The In-House Legal Leader of the Year Award has been presented to Hina Latif, VP, General Counsel & Secretary at Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Canada Corporation and Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc., recognizing exceptional leadership within the legal profession.
Evan Johnston, President & CEO of The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company, received the Transition to Business Award, which celebrates successful transitions from legal roles to broader business leadership positions.
The Action in Diversity & Inclusion Award was presented to Kristina Milbourn, Managing Counsel, Litigation at Rogers Communications Inc., acknowledging significant contributions to advancing diversity and inclusion within the legal profession.
The Employee Wellness Initiative of the Year Award recognized the Jobber Legal Department for their outstanding commitment to employee wellbeing and workplace culture.
Samson Chan, Associate General Counsel at London Drugs Limited, received the In-House Counsel Up & Comer Award, which recognizes emerging leaders who demonstrate exceptional promise in the in-house counsel profession.
The Innovation Impacting the Profession Award was presented to Melanie de Wit, Chief Legal Officer at Unity Health Toronto, for groundbreaking contributions that advance legal practice innovation.
Beneva was honoured with the Legal Team of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding collaborative achievement and team excellence.
The celebration was made possible through the generous support of sponsors including Cassels, Gowling WLG, Miller Thomson, Langlois, Alexa Translations, Bennett Jones, Blaney McMurtry, Lerners, McMillan, Torkin Manes, and Osler.
About CBA In-House Lawyers
Formerly the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association (CCCA), Canadian Bar Association In-House Lawyers (CBA In-House) is the only legal association devoted entirely to in-house lawyers in Canada. The organization serves over 5,000 in-house lawyers across every province, territory, sector and industry, offering programs including the Business Leadership Program for In-House Counsel through the Rotman School of Management and continuing education designed specifically for in-house practice.