Gabe Pereyra, president and co-founder of Harvey, talks about the company’s rapid growth, its expansion into Canada, and how AI is reshaping the legal industry. He explains why Harvey chose Toronto as a key hub, how the company is building out its local teams, and what sets its technology apart in a crowded legal tech market. Pereyra also discusses the challenges of localizing AI tools for Canadian law firms, the evolving relationship between lawyers and technology, and why he believes the future of legal work will demand even greater expertise – supported by smarter, more integrated tools.

Ed Carmichael, managing lawyer at OwnRight, a Toronto-based digital platform for real estate transactions, speaks about the urgent need for greater transparency and stronger oversight in Ontario’s real estate sector. Drawing on the recent iPro trust account shortfall, he outlines how gaps in regulatory audits and outdated industry practices leave both clients and lawyers vulnerable. Carmichael also discusses how technology can address these risks by providing real-time updates and clarity throughout the transaction process.

Kirsti McHenry, Pro Bono Ontario’s executive director, speaks about the organization’s rapid expansion in response to surging demand for free legal help, the impact of technology on service delivery, and the critical role of structured pro bono programs in law firms. She highlights how global events and economic shifts are driving new legal challenges for Ontarians, the importance of partnerships with legal tech innovators and community groups, and the need for more lawyers to get involved. McHenry also discusses how streamlined volunteer opportunities, such as the legal advice hotline and sponsor days, are making it easier for busy professionals to contribute meaningfully to access to justice across the province.

In this episode, Sandeep Tatla speaks about why open dialogue and psychological safety are essential for meaningful progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within law firms. She explains why policing and cancel culture undermine DEI efforts, and shares practical strategies for building trust and fostering inclusion in legal workplaces. Drawing on her experience as a global DEI leader, Tatla highlights the importance of intentional leadership and daily actions over one-off programs. Tatla will participate in a panel and interactive discussion on the evolving approach to DEI in Canada at the upcoming Canadian Legal Summit on October 9 in Toronto. For more information about the summit, visit https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/events

On this episode, Steven Ngo, senior counsel at Rivian and co-founder of Beyond the A, joins us to discuss how fatherhood, legal innovation, and mental health advocacy have shaped his career and outlook. Ngo shares candid insights on breaking barriers in the legal profession, navigating complex regulatory challenges at Rivian, and why honest conversations—whether in a car or a boardroom—matter more than ever. Listen to more of Steven’s conversations on fatherhood and ambition at https://www.2dads1car.com/

Christy Elliott, Senior Vice President, Sustainability, External Affairs and General Counsel at Keyera, shares her insights on the evolving role of the general counsel and the intersection of legal leadership with business strategy in Canada’s energy sector. Elliott will be featured in a roundtable discussion at the Canadian Legal Summit on October 9 in Toronto, where she will join other leaders for a session entitled “Future GC playbook: Essential skills to build a business mindset.” Visit https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/events for more information about the summit.

Derrick Li, chief operating officer at Lawson Lundell, speaks about building a clear and actionable AI strategy for law firms. Drawing on his experience leading digital transformation, Li discusses aligning technology with client needs and explains how Lawson Lundell is navigating the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence. He offers insights on governance, change management, and the future of legal tech – essential listening for legal professionals considering their next steps in AI adoption.

Mark Longo – managing partner of Osler’s Vancouver office and co-chair of the firm’s emerging and high-growth companies group – discusses the remarkable evolution of British Columbia’s technology sector. Longo shares insights on the rise of unicorn companies, the shifting legal landscape, and how Osler is adapting to meet the changing needs of tech clients in a fast-paced, increasingly global market.

Stephanie Leung, senior legal counsel at Enbridge, shared her perspective on the evolving role of in-house counsel, the importance of Indigenous partnerships in the energy sector, and the operational and cultural innovations shaping legal teams today. Leung discussed how Enbridge’s approach to collaboration, diversity, and legal operations is redefining expectations for both in-house and external counsel. She also addressed the challenges of navigating market volatility, driving inclusion, and leveraging technology responsibly. Leung will speak on these topics at the Canadian Legal Summit 2025 in Toronto on October 9. Visit https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/events for more information about the summit.

Dr. Traci Cipriano, assistant clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine and author of The Thriving Lawyer, discussed the urgent need to address burnout in the legal profession, the barriers to meaningful change, and the structural solutions required to support lawyer well-being. Cipriano explored why self-care alone is not enough, the critical role of leadership in driving cultural shifts, and practical policies that can make a real difference in legal workplaces. She will speak on these issues at the Canadian Legal Summit 2025 in Toronto on October 9. Visit https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/events for more information about the summit.

Lucas Kilravey is an associate at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP’s real estate practice in New York. He spoke about the business case for diversity in law, the persistent gaps in representation at major firms, and the practical steps needed to support and advance diverse legal talent. Kilravey discussed the impact of open communication and inclusive leadership on team performance, the shortcomings of traditional mentorship programs, and the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability in law firm hiring and promotion practices. Kilravey will speak on these issues at the Canadian Legal Summit 2025 (https://events.canadianlawyermag.com/canadian-legal-summit?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=editorial_article&utm_campaign=CLS2025&utm_content=awareness&utm_term=asset01) in Toronto on October 9.

Justice Sheilah Martin has served on the Supreme Court of Canada since 2017, following appointments to the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench and the Alberta Court of Appeal. Trained in civil and common law, she built her career across academia, private practice and the judiciary, focusing on constitutional law, criminal justice and equality rights. In this episode, Justice Martin discusses the value of legal education, the evolving role of judges, and the responsibility of law to reflect fairness in a country as diverse and complex as Canada. In 2014, she was named one of Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers: https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/rankings/the-top-25-most-influential-lawyers-in-canada/387950

Bail reform, judicial appointments, and the balance between public safety and Charter rights are all on the table as Canada’s new justice minister takes office. Fraser talks to Canadian Lawyer about how a direct appeal from Prime Minister Mark Carney led him to return to politics after announcing his departure.

Carole Piovesan, managing partner at INQ Law and a leading voice on AI governance and privacy, unpacks the legal profession’s response to the accelerating influence of artificial intelligence, the shifting regulatory landscape and the practical challenges of integrating emerging technologies into legal practice. She discusses the growing reliance on privacy law as a proxy for AI regulation, the evolving concept of responsible AI, and how law firms must rethink their business models and billing structures. From litigation and cross-border compliance to legal education and firm operations, the conversation explores how legal teams can navigate risk, maintain professional standards and adapt to a future increasingly shaped by automation and data. Visit https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/events for more information about the Canadian Legal Summit.

In the latest episode of CL Talk, Canadian Lawyer’s podcast, Tracy Ross, senior vice president and deputy general counsel at RBC, unpacked the legal complexities behind RBC’s landmark $13.5 billion acquisition of HSBC Bank Canada. Ross shared a behind-the-scenes look at how her team executed the most significant banking transaction in Canadian history – over a single long weekend – while keeping the rest of the bank’s legal operations running at full speed. She also reflected on leadership, succession planning, and how RBC’s legal group is evolving alongside the bank’s broader innovation and growth strategies. RBC was awarded the 2025 M&A Deal of the Year, Banking & Financial Services Law Department of the Year and the Canadian Law Department of the Year at the Canadian Law Awards in May.

Transforming how justice is delivered – from courtroom operations to legal regulation – is central to Niki Sharma’s agenda as British Columbia’s attorney general and deputy premier. In a recent episode of CL Talk, Canadian Lawyer’s podcast, she outlined her priorities and the principles guiding her work.

Ontario’s profession is “stuck” in the civil area Chief Justice Geoffrey Morawetz said on this episode of CL Talk, Canadian Lawyer’s podcast. He joined Attorney General Doug Downey to discuss why now is the moment for a sweeping rewrite of the province’s civil rules, how they hope to cut timelines in half, and what lawyers across the province should expect as the system shifts from traditional discovery to an upfront evidence model.

Adam Goldenberg is a partner at McCarthy Tétrault and a leading civil liberties litigator. He is also the host of the firm’s Appealing Briefs podcast. Last year, Adam was recognized as one of the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers by Canadian Lawyer magazine. Goldenberg spoke to the CL Talk podcast about the legal battles he's leading in defence of 2SLGBTQI+ rights, the origins of his podcast Appealing Briefs, and how he balances high-stakes constitutional litigation with a demanding commercial practice.

Leonard Marchand was appointed Chief Justice of British Columbia in 2023 and is the first Indigenous person appointed to this role, being a member of the Okanagan Indian Band. Before joining the Court of Appeal in 2019, he practised civil litigation for nearly two decades and served as a judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia. Chief Justice Marchand spoke to the CL podcast about his path to the bench, the challenges of judicial reform, and how he’s working to make the justice system more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to all Canadians. Last year, Chief Justice Marchand was recognized as one of the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers by Canadian Lawyer magazine. Nominations for this year are now open: https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/general/top-25-most-influential-lawyers-2025-entries-now-open/391867

As in-house legal departments take on a more strategic role in shaping the direction of Canadian business, Paula Pepin is working to redefine what it means to lead from the general counsel’s chair. A former GC turned executive coach, Pepin is the founder of The GC Collective – an organization that’s helping legal leaders across the country evolve from legal advisors to influential business partners. In this episode of CL Talk, Canadian Lawyer spoke with Pepin – named one of the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada in 2024 – about the isolation many GCs face, the critical skills they’re missing, and how building a real peer community can change everything. Nominations for the 2025 Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers are now open: https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/general/top-25-most-influential-lawyers-2025-entries-now-open/391867