Business Leadership Program for In-House Counsel

Earn the Certified In-House Counsel – Canada (CIC.C) designation — the only credential of its kind.

Delivered by the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, in partnership with Dentons, LexisNexis, and CBA In-House Lawyers, the next cohort runs September 2026 to June 2027 and is designed to be completed alongside full-time in-house practice.

Early-bird pricing ends March 31.
Diversity Scholarship applications due March 31.

Program overview

In-person modules
(Toronto – Rotman School of Management)

September 25–27, 2026
April 30–May 2, 2027

Live virtual sessions

January 25–February 10, 2027

Self-directed learning

Completed at your own pace between modules

Final assessments

Written and oral assessments in June 2027

See the confirmed dates for the 2026 cohort.

Why this program matters

In-house lawyers are expected to contribute to business decisions, not just advise on legal risk. You are asked to:

weigh in on strategy.
assess trade-offs.
influence outcomes across the organization.

Yet most lawyers are never formally trained to operate in this way. This program closes that gap.

It builds the business judgment, financial fluency, and leadership capability required to become a trusted business partner and a more effective contributor at the executive level:

Over 42% of graduates have been promoted since taking the program.
They also feel more confidence and capability in financial and strategic decision-making.
Employers are increasingly embracing the program, supporting multiple participants, incorporating it into succession planning, and referencing it in job postings.

The program has created a national network of business-oriented in-house leaders, strengthening collaboration across sectors and industries.

Apply for September 2026

About the program
This 10-month program consists of live online sessions taught by Rotman School of Management faculty at the University of Toronto, combined with a self-paced online component. Guided by expert professors and executives-in-residence, you will learn how to:
- Contribute to your organization’s strategic planning and success
- Understand business financial statements and the bottom-line impact of executive decisions
- Enhance your legal advice with strategic business insight
- Position yourself as a meaningful member of the senior team
See the Program Curriculum for more information
Apply for the 2026 program
Join us for the next Business Leadership Program for In-House Counsel, starting in September 2026. Here’s what you need to know:
- The program offers the perfect mix of online and in-person learning for busy professionals. The first two modules will be virtual and the third module will be in-person. That means less time investment and lower travel costs for you while you build a strong community of peers, experts and mentors.
- We accept applications on a rolling basis until the cohort is full or until August 14, 2026.
- Early-bird pricing is in effect for applications received by March 31, 2026.
Higher demand, brighter future, lower investment. It really is a golden opportunity.

See Important Dates for more information.
Program fees

Early-Bird Rate (through to March 31, 2026)

$10,800

Full Rate (starting April 1, 2026)
$11,550

Early-bird pricing is in effect for applications received by March 31, 2026.

Payment is due in full upon acceptance and enrolment. In certain cases, we may permit a payment plan. Please contact us at certification@cbainhouse.org to discuss.

Please note that cancellations and deferrals are subject to our cancellation and deferral policy (see below).

Make the business case to your employer to register today.
Scholarships and funding

Scholarships: We offer a limited number of Diversity Scholarships for eligible in-house lawyers. Scholarships are awarded through a separate application process and are subject to eligibility criteria and availability.

The scholarship application for the 2026 cohort is open. All applications must be submitted by March 31, 2026. Download the Diversity Scholarship Application Form.

Funding: You may be eligible for a Canada Job Grant, OSAP Funding for Micro-Credentials (Ontario only), or grants from your provincial or territorial government. We encourage you to begin the application process as soon as possible. Learn more about funding your studies.
Who should apply

This program is designed for in-house counsel who need management and leadership skills to advance their careers and contribute in meaningful ways to their organization’s executive team. Whether you are new to in-house counsel, in a mid-level position, serving as Senior Counsel, or acting as the sole Legal Officer, the program will offer the knowledge and insights you need to make a lasting impact on your organization.

Find out if you are eligible to apply
Why certification matters
Your certification will position you for the future. You will be equipped to meet the growing demand for corporate and public sector lawyers with excellent business acumen and legal skills. Here’s the evidence:
- The Business Leadership Program for In-House Counsel will give you a competitive edge. Over 42% of graduates have been promoted since taking the program.
- Across every sector in Canada, legal departments are growing. Almost half of in-house counsel report that the size of their legal department has increased over the past two years, especially at the senior level.
- To meet the demands of today’s legal workplace, you need proven practices to show you can drive results. Since 2021, 60% of in-house counsel have taken on extra responsibilities in the areas of compliance, diversity, ESG and operational support.
Watch our video about the program to learn more

Learn about the CIC.C designation
Cancellation and deferral policy

Refunds will be provided to students who send a written cancellation at least 30 days before the program begins. Deferrals may be provided once the program has started.

A cancellation or deferral fee of $500 (plus applicable taxes) will apply. Any program fee increase will also apply for deferrals.

Written cancellations or deferrals are accepted by email at certification@cbainhouse.org.

Refunds and deferrals are not permitted in the event of non-attendance or withdrawal without notice.

Questions?

To find out more about the program and application process, please contact us at certification@cbainhouse.org. We can also connect you with a recent graduate to chat!

See how graduates have moved into more strategic roles, expanded their influence, and advanced their careers after completing the program.

Graduate Outcomes

In-House Counsel Bootcamp

From lawyer to leader

Program overview

Why this program matters

Questions?

Early-Bird Rate (through to March 31, 2026)	$10,800
Full Rate (starting April 1, 2026)	$11,550