PROGRAM

 15th Sept

Welcome Reception

Wednesday

16th Sept

Conference Day 1

Thursday

17th Sept

Friday

18th Sept

Conference Day 3

Saturday

19th Sept

Post Conference

Jaime Watt, Executive Chairman, Navigator Ltd. 

Well-known Canadian political strategist and best-selling author, Jaime Watt, will draw on decades of experience at the intersection of law, politics, and public opinion to examine the growing normalization of hostility toward legal institutions. Jaime will review emerging trends in liberal democracies and explore how CEOs of Law Associations can effectively confront these pressures with resolve. 

Standing Firm: Law Associations as Guardians of the Rule of Law

At a time when democratic institutions and judicial independence face unprecedented pressure in the United States and around the world, law associations are being called upon to do more than represent their members — they are being asked to defend the foundations of the legal order itself. This session will provide a candid assessment of where those pressures are most acute, what initiatives law association leaders are undertaking to push back, and how mandatory and voluntary bars are navigating the tension between institutional advocacy and member diversity. Panelists will share concrete examples of civic legal education programs, advocacy strategies, and coalition-building efforts that are making a difference, while candidly exploring the limits of what our organizations can and should do.

Moderator : Robert Spagnoletti

Panelists: 

• Sadina Montani
• Leah Kosokowsky
• Edward Mapara 
• Ian MacDougall

Regulated, Regulator, or Both? Navigating the Complex Relationship Between Law Association and Government

The relationship between law associations and the government is one of the most consequential — and contested — in the legal profession. This session examines that relationship across a range of regulatory models, from integrated bars with broad public mandates to voluntary associations operating alongside government-appointed regulators. We will explore how our organizations are responding to the burdens imposed by financial regulation and anti-money laundering regimes. Panelists will share how they are navigating these tensions — defending the independence of the profession while engaging constructively with governments on the issues that matter most to the public and the lawyers we serve.

Moderator : Ben Kemp

Panelists: Brenda Grimes

Additional Panelists TBA

Practical AI for the Profession: From "How To" to “What's Next”

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the practice of law and the organizations that serve lawyers at a pace that few anticipated. This session offers law association leaders a

practical grounding in what AI is actually doing — and can do — for our members and our own organizations. We will explore real-world applications through "how to" demonstrations and case studies, examining how law associations are deploying AI to enhance staff operations, improve member services, expand access to legal information, and support access to justice initiatives. The session will also address the emerging challenge of AI regulation and what role, if any, law associations should play in shaping the rules that will govern this transformative technology.

Moderator : Merete Smith

Panelists: Robert Spagnoletti

Tim Brown

Additional panelists TBA

Beyond the Bar Card: Helping Lawyers Thrive in a Changing Market

Law practice is a business, and law associations are uniquely positioned to help their members succeed in an increasingly complex and competitive legal marketplace. This session explores how our organizations can provide meaningful, practical support to lawyers navigating challenges that go well beyond legal knowledge — from financial management and technology adoption to client development and marketing. We will also examine the evolving landscape of risk, including how to help members manage exposure in an uncertain regulatory environment marked by shifting insurance markets, the rise of non-lawyer ownership models, and third-party investment in law firms. Panelists will share innovative programs and resources their organizations have developed to meet members where they are.

Moderator : Wendy

Panelists:

• Dan Mills
• Allison Hook

Additional panelists TBA

The Culture We Want: Law Associations as Catalysts for Change in the Legal Profession

Law associations have long played a role in setting the standards of the profession — but increasingly, they are being asked to shape its culture as well. This session examines the levers available to bar leaders who seek to drive meaningful cultural change, from influencing legal education and shaping the next generation of lawyers, to championing civility, lawyer wellness, and inclusion in an environment marked by chronic stress, burnout, and societal polarization. We will explore how our organizations can use their collective voice to amplify the experiences of members, convene difficult conversations, and advocate for structural changes in the profession.

Moderator : Gigi

Panelists :

• Mark Garrett
• Kate Wellington
• Liz Osler

In the Hot Seat: Real Challenges, Real Solutions from the CEO Chair

One of the most enduring and valued traditions of IILACE conferences is the opportunity for law association CEOs to speak candidly with one another about the challenges that rarely make it into annual reports or board presentations. This session returns to that tradition, offering participants a structured but open forum to share the real issues they are navigating — and to draw on the hard-won wisdom of colleagues from around the world. The discussion will be grounded in concrete, real-world scenarios and build on peer-to-peer problem solving. Whether you are new to the chief executive role or a seasoned leader, you will leave this session with practical insights, fresh perspectives, and the reassurance that you are not facing these challenges alone.

Extend your professional visit with a curated getaway designed to showcase this spectacular region of Canada. Your tour begins with a mountain top view of the region with a gondola ride to the peak of Le Massif ski hill.

The group will settle in for a luxurious overnight stay at the Fairmont Manoir Richelieu 

and dinner at the unique Maison du Bootlegger with a private tour of the secret passages from its speakeasy days. 

The journey continues the next morning to Tadoussac, a village nestled in the heart of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. Here, you will board a guided cruise to encounter the giants of the sea—including humpback, minke, and blue whales—in one of the most significant marine observation sites in the world.

This tour offers the perfect post-conference Canadian experience ... EH!? 

Planned return to Quebec City and Jean Lesage Airport by 16:30