Develop the business, financial, and leadership skills expected of today's General Counsel and senior legal leaders while earning two respected credentials:
- The Rotman Excellence in Executive Leadership Certificate from the University of Toronto
- The Certified In-House Counsel – Canada (CIC.C) designation — the only designation created specifically for Canadian in-house lawyers.
Delivered by the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management, in partnership with Dentons, LexisNexis, and CBA In-House Lawyers, this 10-month program runs from September 2026 to June 2027 and is designed to be completed alongside full-time practice. More than 42% of graduates have advanced into more senior roles after completing the program.
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In-person modules September 25–27, 2026 |
Live virtual sessions January 25–February 10, 2027 |
Self-directed learning Completed at your own pace between modules |
Final exams Written and oral exams in June 2027 |
Quick links: Tuition and funding | Confirmed 2026 cohort dates | Eligibility | FAQs
Why this program matters
Today's in-house lawyers are expected to do far more than manage legal risk. They help shape business strategy, influence executive decisions, lead cross-functional teams, and advise with boards and senior executives.
Yet most lawyers were never formally trained for these responsibilities.
The Business Leadership Program helps bridge the gap between legal expertise and business leadership through executive education created specifically for practising in-house counsel.
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 advanced into more senior roles since completing the program.
- Graduates report greater confidence in financial and strategic decision-making.
- Employers increasingly support participation through leadership development, succession planning, and executive talent development.
- Graduates become part of a national network of business-oriented in-house leaders across sectors and industries.
“The Rotman Program gave me the tools and strategies to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. My confidence increased and once I even heard [the CEO] comment, ‘No major decisions are made without the input of our in-house counsel.’”
— Soizic Reynal de St Michel, General Counsel, TMG Builders (Read her story)
What you’ll learn
The program is designed to build on your knowledge and change how you show up in your organization.
Delivered by University of Toronto Rotman faculty and experienced General Counsel, the curriculum focuses on four core capabilities:
- Executive thinking: Understand how your organization creates value and contribute meaningfully to strategic decisions.
- Financial fluency: Interpret financial information, evaluate trade-offs, and connect legal decisions to business performance.
- Leadership and influence: Navigate organizational dynamics, communicate with clarity, and influence stakeholders across functions.
- Business-oriented legal advice: Apply your legal expertise in a way that advances business outcomes while mitigating risk.
Through case studies, simulations, group work, and discussion, you will apply these concepts to real-world challenges faced by in-house lawyers.
“I’ve taken courses where you learn a little nugget here or there, or the content is simply over your head. But the Business Leadership Program strikes the right balance between law and business. I still use the principles I learned in the program to this day.”
— Steve Smyth, General Counsel, Trotter & Morton Group of Companies (Read his story)
This comprehensive PDF outlines the 2026 program to illustrate the time and travel commitments for your reference. Course details are subject to change.
What sets this program apart
This program is designed specifically for in-house lawyers. It combines leading-edge business education with real-world legal leadership experience, so what you learn is immediately relevant to your role.
- Executive education delivered by the Rotman School of Management: Grounded in rigorous, executive-level business education.
- Built exclusively for practising in-house lawyers: Focused on the realities of advising within organizations, not external practice.
- Taught by faculty and experienced senior General Counsel: Bridging theory and practice.
- Applied learning: Case-based learning, simulations, and discussion anchored in real-world challenges.
- Two respected credentials upon graduation: The Rotman Excellence in Executive Leadership Certificate and the Certified In-House Counsel – Canada (CIC.C) designation.
- National peer network: Connect with in-house leaders across sectors and jurisdictions.
Who this program is for
This program is ideal for lawyers who are:
- preparing for a General Counsel role
- newly appointed General Counsel
- expanding their leadership responsibilities
- expected to contribute beyond legal advice
- looking to strengthen their business leadership skills
- preparing for executive leadership roles
This program is not about adding more legal knowledge. It is about developing the capability to contribute to business decisions, influence outcomes, and operate as a trusted partner at the executive table.
Tuition and funding
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Early-bird (apply by March 31) $10,800 (save $750) |
Full rate (from April 1) $11,550 |
Your investment includes:
- Executive education through the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management
- Rotman Excellence in Executive Leadership Certificate
- Certified In-House Counsel – Canada (CIC.C) designation
- More than 50 hours of executive-level learning
- A national network of senior in-house counsel
Upon successful completion, graduates earn both the Rotman Excellence in Executive Leadership Certificate and the Certified In-House Counsel – Canada (CIC.C) designation.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until August 14, 2026. Spaces are limited.
Many participants are supported by their employers, recognizing the value of developing in-house lawyers who can operate at the business level. This program is often positioned as part of leadership development, succession planning, and preparation for senior roles.
“I felt that the program would offer me a unique opportunity to refine [business, risk, and decision-making] skills, provide insights from industry leaders, and build a strong network of peers facing similar challenges. Happy to say, the program delivered!”
— Mobolanle Depo-Fajumo, Senior Legal Counsel, Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan (Read her story)
Download Business Case Template
Funding options
You may be eligible for a Canada Job Grant, OSAP Micro-Credential funding (Ontario), or provincial or territorial funding programs.
Learn more about funding your studies. We recommend starting the application process early.
Flexible payment plans are also available. Contact certification@cbainhouse.org to discuss.
Diversity Scholarships
The 2026 application period is closed. A limited number of scholarships are available for eligible applicants. To apply, you must identify as a woman, Indigenous, Black, a member of other racialized communities, a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and/or a person living with one or more visible or invisible disabilities, including any physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder your full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
Two designations
Upon successful completion, you will earn both the Rotman Excellence in Executive Leadership Certificate from the University of Toronto and the Certified In-House Counsel – Canada (CIC.C) designation.
Together, these credentials signal to employers, executive teams, and boards that you bring strong legal expertise, business acumen, and the ability to contribute strategically across the organization.
See the CIC.C designation terms of use.
Ready to apply?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The cohort is intentionally limited and fills each year.
If you are ready to move beyond legal advice and become a more influential business leader, this program is your next step.
“The program helped me get to where I am today. I undertook the program to bring my career to the next level, and I believe that the CIC.C designation... catapulted my transition to Volkswagen.”
— Rustam Juma, General Counsel, Volkswagen Group Canada (Read his story)
Questions?
Contact certification@cbainhouse.org. We’re also happy to connect you with a recent graduate.
See below for answers to some of the most common questions from prospective participants.